Best Universities for Clubs and Societies 2023

The University of Sheffield Students’ Union offers over 350 clubs and societies for students, boasting a diverse range from sports to faith groups. They are a fantastic way to continue an interest you already have or to find a new passion. With the Students’ Union’s ‘Give it a Go’ programme, students can simply purchase a ticket to try out one of their activities.

The University of Birmingham ensures there is something for everyone by facilitating over 500 different clubs and societies on campus. Being mostly student-led, these clubs are an excellent opportunity to make friends, delve into the thriving campus life and try something new!

Over 150 clubs and societies are on offer at the University of St Andrews, including cultural clubs, dance classes, music, media and societies formed for just enjoying different kinds of food. There is bound to be something to peak students’ interests, with plenty of chances to try new things as well as engage with people who share your passions.

Students at University College London wanting to improve future career prospects, discover a new hobby, or just meet new people have a wonderful selection of societies to choose from. From American Football to Argentine Tango, almost every possibility has been catered for, all run and facilitated by students.

From their mantra “run by students, for students”, the University of Greenwich allows their students to shape the experience they need. From faith spaces to hobbies, the Students’ Union supports a whole host of clubs and societies which cover a broad range of interests. Developing skills such as organisation and teamwork, members of these societies have a well rounded university experience.

Providing more than 300 diverse clubs and societies for students, the University of Glasgow caters to both the social and the academic development of its students. With a vast Students' Union to host events for societies, there are many opportunities to enjoy the social scene on campus and foster new interests. The Students’ Representative Council also has grants available to directly assist in the funding of these groups.

From Diwali dancing to ski clubs, there is something for everyone at the University of Exeter. Providing plenty of opportunities to expand students’ knowledge of different cultures, students have the chance to try different hobbies, meet new people and develop additional life skills. Students also have the chance to get involved in Student Media, as well as having access to a range of volunteer opportunities.

Durham University has many student-led clubs catering to a range of different interests and passions including various sporting clubs like basketball and football, as well as more eclectic pursuits such as Harry Potter. There is also the option to set up a new club or society, to take creative charge and build something new on campus for students to connect through.

Ran almost entirely by students (with a little help from the staff team), the University of Leeds boasts a plethora of student activities. From sports clubs to political campaigning, Leeds University Union provides every opportunity students could seek out. The institution places a particular emphasis on these being the ultimate places to find new friends, and develop new lifelong passions.

With University of Bristol students running over 350 clubs and societies out of the thriving Students' Union, there is ample opportunity to expand students’ interests, meet new people, and find a new hobby or passion! From the exhilarating skydiving club to the rigorous debating society, there is a diverse range of options and the possibility to join and partake in more than one club.

From orchestra to chess, and from hiking to science, there is something for everyone at Loughborough University with a huge range of clubs and societies on offer for students to partake in and enjoy. Whether students are looking to expand their CVs with volunteering opportunities or find like-minded people who share similar passions and goals, Loughborough Students' Union is there for you.

University is about more than just studying, and the University of Southampton recognises this. They promote their clubs and societies as a place to “have new experiences, and expand your social life”. Through political societies to outdoor activities, students have access to a range of clubs to find new friends and fully experience university life.

Students at the University of Aberdeen can try their hand at archery, experience the award-winning Kendo club or develop extra employability skills through business societies or volunteering opportunities. The University of Aberdeen caters to all with over 100 societies and clubs to chose from, explore and join, all led by students themselves.

Boasting more than 170 clubs and societies entirely run by students, the University of Strathclyde has a socially-minded and ambitious student body. The large variety of clubs on offer reflects the inclusivity and diversity on campus. There is something for every interest, from outdoor clubs and societies with a focus on business, to the cocktail and mocktail society.

No matter what a student's interest or passion, there will be a club or society at Nottingham Trent University that will cater to them. From cocktail drinking, to fashion, to faith, the eclectic choice range ensures that all students will find a group that suits, with opportunities to sample clubs and join different societies, as students aren’t limited to just one.

With over 300 groups for students and over 70 sports-specific clubs, there is sure to be something for every student at the University of Nottingham. From sharing cultures, to eating cake, to competitive sports, students are spoiled for choice! The Students' Union is the social hub and host for the vast majority of clubs on campus, so events are easy to find and students can easily integrate into the social scene.

New and exciting events and activities are hosted regularly by the 300+ student-led clubs and societies at the University of Warwick. Consequently, there is a very large range on offer, including clubs with a focus on social enterprise and improving the lives of other people. Students use campus and off-campus facilities for planned events, ensuring students get to experience the Students' Union but also explore Warwick and the surrounding country.

The Students' Union hosts over 150 clubs and societies for the students at Bangor University, offering everything from volunteering groups and volleyball, to music and drama, enabling students with similar interests to connect outside of their course time.

The Students' Union is the social hub of Cardiff University and home to student-led activities, where events are hosted and club nights are thrown and most of the student clubs and societies are run out of this building. With over 250 diverse clubs and societies available for students to explore, such as the ABBA society, the Doctor Who society and the Drum and Bass society, there is bound to be something for students of all personalities and interests.

There is a huge range of clubs and societies on offer at Newcastle University, catering to both the social growth of students as well as providing opportunities for them to broaden their interests and try new things such as the Poker Society, the Student Brewing Society, Socksoc and the Irish Dance Society! With fairs held regularly to connect with students and showcase what’s on offer, students have the chance to move around, ask questions and try out a club before they join. It's never too late to join a new society!