Student Societies

College Life

Articles for students and families transitioning into higher education.

Student Societies

  • AsIAm
  • 10/05/2021
  • 3 minutes read

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.

Finding What Works for You

Choosing a society can feel overwhelming, especially with lots of options available. It’s important to know that:

  • You don’t have to join everything – many students start by picking one society and seeing how it goes.
  • You can join multiple societies, if that feels manageable and enjoyable for you.
  • Some societies run at certain times of year – for example, outdoor sports clubs may pause during winter months.

There’s no “right” way to be involved, what matters is finding what suits your interests, routine, and comfort level.

Tip

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.

Cost and Membership

  • 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

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:

  • Team sports: rugby, basketball, hockey
  • Individual or skill-based sports: martial arts, fencing, climbing
  • Adventure sports: frisbee, kayaking, windsurfing, or even scuba diving

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

Societies are student-led groups based around shared interests or goals. They’re usually grouped into four broad types:

Knowledge-Based

These include groups focused on subjects like literature, history, science, philosophy, and debating. They often host talks, guest speakers, quizzes, or themed events.

Performance-Based

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.

Recreational and Hobby

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.

Cause-Based and Political

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.

Other Types of Societies

  • 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.

Hybrid and Online Options

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.

Skills and Experience for the Future

Getting involved in a society can also help you build valuable skills like:

  • Planning and organising events
  • Teamwork and communication
  • Budgeting and fundraising
  • Time management and responsibility

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.

Tips

  • Look for societies that clearly explain their activities. Many have social media pages or stands at orientation events.
  • Some societies offer quiet or sensory-friendly events, don’t hesitate to ask what’s available.
  • You don’t have to stay in a society if it doesn’t feel like the right fit. It’s okay to try different options or take a break.
  • If you need accessibility supports (e.g. sensory-friendly spaces, quiet socials, or hybrid attendance), ask the society or your college’s Societies Office — support is often available but not always advertised.

Recommended

Academic Life Articles

Read More

College Life Articles

Read More

Daily Life Articles

Read More

Student Stories

Read More