Articles for students and families transitioning into higher education.
College is about more than lectures and assignments; it’s also a time for personal growth and discovering what matters to you. While third-level students are often stereotyped as spending their free time partying, the truth is that colleges offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to suit many interests and preferences. Whether you’re looking to meet people, develop a hobby, or just try something new, societies and clubs can be a great part of your student experience.
Choosing a society can feel overwhelming, especially with lots of options available. It’s important to know that:
There’s no “right” way to be involved, what matters is finding what suits your interests, routine, and comfort level.
Most societies run “taster” events early in the semester. These are low-pressure sessions where you can see what a group is like before deciding to join.
Most societies charge a very small annual fee – usually between €2 and €5.
Some colleges, like MTU and DCU, waive fees for students with financial hardship or offer free sign-up during orientation week.
You don’t need to buy gear or uniforms unless you’re taking part in competitive events – many groups have equipment you can rent or subsidised materials.
If cost is a concern, speak to your Students’ Union or Societies Office, they may be able to help.
Sports clubs focus on physical activity and movement. They’re open to students of all ability levels from experienced athletes to complete beginners. You’ll find options like:
Clubs can be a good way to stay active, learn new skills, and sometimes explore new places through organised trips or training sessions. Participation is usually flexible; you can often attend at your own pace.
Societies are student-led groups based around shared interests or goals. They’re usually grouped into four broad types:
These include groups focused on subjects like literature, history, science, philosophy, and debating. They often host talks, guest speakers, quizzes, or themed events.
Performance societies might focus on music, theatre, or dance. You don’t need to be experienced; many students try these activities for the first time in college. These can be great spaces for self-expression and creativity.
These are relaxed, informal groups based on shared hobbies, such as film, gaming, arts and crafts, board games, or creative writing. Some offer quiet spaces and low-pressure environments.
These societies focus on making a difference such as student groups for social justice, environmental causes, charities, or political organisations. They’re a great choice if you’re passionate about advocacy or want to support a cause.
Lifestyle and Wellbeing groups, like yoga, meditation, or mental health societies
Cultural or Religious societies, which provide spaces for shared identity, interfaith dialogue, and celebration (e.g., Islamic Society, Catholic Society, Afro-Caribbean Society)
Special Interest societies, based on anything from anime and manga to baking or poker – there’s something for everyone!
Identity-based societies, for mature students, international students, or neurodivergent students – designed to support connection, belonging, and community
These groups can offer a welcoming space to meet others with shared values or life experiences, and they often host casual events, group outings, or peer support meetups.
More colleges are now offering hybrid and online-friendly societies, especially after the shift to digital learning. These can be especially helpful for students who:
Are studying part-time or remotely
Prefer online interaction
Need more sensory-friendly or flexible ways to participate
You can check your university’s Clubs & Societies webpage to see which groups meet online, offer digital events, or use platforms like Discord, Zoom, or Teams.
Getting involved in a society can also help you build valuable skills like:
Some students choose to take on committee roles, such as treasurer, events officer, or public relations. These can be useful for personal development and future employment but they are completely optional.
