The LSESU is home to over 200 clubs and societies, with everything from Competitive Law and Venture Capital to Fashion and Albums. So much choice can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a new student. Here’s some advice on joining societies at LSE based on my experience of joining the Korean Entertainment Society (KES).
What hobbies or interests do you already have?
As an avid fan of Korean music and TV shows, joining KES made sense so that I could explore my interests in a supportive environment with other fans. There’s plenty of interest and hobby based societies in the SU, so joining one based on your existing hobbies can be a great way to meet new people and make friends in a more familiar setting. Read Ben’s blog to discover the different kinds of societies you can join – from academic and sports to more niche hobbies!
Try putting yourself outside of your comfort zone!
Societies are a great way of trying something completely new – whether it be sports, an instrument or even thinking ahead about future careers and interests. I loved putting myself outside of my comfort zone by being part of the annual KES Dance Showcase. Having no prior dance experience wasn’t an issue as it was incredibly beginner-friendly. Why not consider trying something different when choosing a society? You’ll be able to meet new people and learn skills in a friendly and casual environment.
Manage your time well
Every year at the LSESU Freshers’ Fair, the temptation is to sign up to and buy membership for several societies so you don’t “miss out”. The problem is once classes and lectures start, you don’t have the time to attend every single social event and stay on top of schoolwork. Remember to prioritise balance and learn how to manage your time so you can enjoy taking part in society events without feeling stressed or overwhelmed by other commitments.
Although the KES Dance Showcase required weekly commitment for rehearsals and dance practices, other events were a lot more casual and required less time commitment. Societies will have different expectations for the level of involvement from members, so do your research and pick one that aligns with your timetable! Read Zosia’s blog to find out how to juggle a range of different societies with studies.
Ultimately, joining societies at LSE is a great way to meet new people outside of your year group and department, as membership is open to all LSE students. You can learn new skills through joining professional or academic groups, put yourself out of your comfort zone by trying out a new hobby, and connect with people over a shared background through national and cultural groups. There’s something here for everyone, so use this guide to help you decide.
