You turn up at the Fresher’s Fair and there are hundreds of societies urging you to get membership and come to their events, but how do you know it’s worth it. I’ll be talking about my experiences with LSESU societies and clubs throughout the last two years and how you can make the most of your university experience.
The first society I joined in LSE was naturally the Geography and Environment Society as a Geography student. The events held by the society helped me bond with my course mates and other students within the department across the four degree programmes. Not only this, but their events allowed me to meet people within the department in other years than my own, helping me build connections with a range of different people, which proved very helpful for essays! The Geography Family scheme was an amazing programme that other societies have adopted and continued for several years that allowed me to meet people in second and third year, some of which have become lifelong friends.
My best advice would be to join the society associated with your degree programme, they will offer a whole range of events specific to your cohort and department from Friday drinks to career seminars – there is something for everyone. If you want your say in the events that the society run, you have the opportunity throughout your degree to join the committee. I am now Vice President of the Geography and Environment Society after attending some amazing events in the hope that I can progress the society even further and help others have the same experience that I did!
In my second year, I have recently joined Lacrosse as a social member (after a lot of convincing). Although I do not play Lacrosse with the teams, that does not stop me from being involved in all the social activities that come along with being a sports club. The sports clubs across LSE are the place to go if you want a night out every Wednesday, as this is when the Athletics Union night takes place each week in Sway. My experience with sports clubs has been very different to other societies as they are more driven by social events, making them the best place to go to if you want to make friends fast. The AU are very active within the social sphere of LSE, running the AU night every week, Carol (an all-day party marathon at Christmas), sports fixtures and much more. With most clubs you can join as a competitive member or a social member, so do not worry if sport is not your thing!
This year I also chose to join Pulse Radio, LSE’s very own radio station. The society runs DJ workshops, club nights and the opportunity to host your own radio show. LSE is a very rigorous academic institution, and at times it can feel very overwhelming. Pulse has allowed me to express my creative side which I do not often get to share throughout my degree, and I have been able to connect with people about music, one of my biggest passions. I currently host my own radio show with one of my friends and I regularly attend their club nights as they are some of the best nights I have had at LSE. The team are incredibly talented, and the society is so inclusive of everyone. Having these judgement free spaces to express your talents or passions is so important at LSE, so I would highly recommend joining Pulse or any other creative society.
No matter what your interests are, there is a society or club for you at LSE. From beekeeping to football to drama and yoga, you will find a group that you love. The great thing about the SU is that you can also start a society anytime you like! If there is something you want to see in LSE, but it does not exist, you can create it. Societies and clubs are so crucial to the university experience and have provided me with some of my closest friends today. Not making the most of the LSESU would be a missed opportunity.
