Our societies are having an absolute belter of a time and they host events, volunteer, and fundraise for your amazing RAG charities. If you're not already a member of a society then you might have missed some truly wonderful opportunities.
But there's no need to fret. Not only are societies a great way to enhance your university experience and meet new people with similar interests as you, but they're free to join and have no deadline. So you can sign up at any time you want, totally for free thanks to the Big Deal.
This year we've seen over 455 of members get involved with one (or more) of our 24 societies. Aside from the regular sessions, socials, and meet-ups, our societies have been hard at work developing themselves and getting involved in the local community.
Some highlights from the year are:
Gaming
Gaming have had a great year so far, gaining lots of new members and running numerous sessions a week. They've also volunteered in the local community selling poppies and lending a helping hand, and spare deck of cards, at events run by the local Tabletop Republic in town.
LGBTQ+
Aside from being involved with several community volunteering projects run by the Chiltern Rangers, the LGBTQ+ society was up bright and early with a large portion of our other student volunteers to brighten the mornings of local commuters in High Wycombe as part of the Smile campaign for Fairtrade Fortnight. They've also run a number of events for LGBTQ+ History Month in February and are hosting a 'Drag 4 RAG' takeover with Bucks Nursing society.
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre have had an active presence in all aspects of the Students’ Union. Hosting a very successful takeover in collaboration with Bucks Men’s Rugby, they've also amassed over 300 community volunteering hours, including their performance at the Christmas lights turn on in town.
Nursing
Bucks Nursing Society has faced their fair share of struggles, but the current committee have done a great job this year. They've managed to get themselves out of debt by hosting a book sale to fellow nurses alongside the sale of nursing hoodies and fleeces, which students can show off on placements. They've been working hard all year and will be collaborating with the LGBTQ+ society on a takeover for RAG.
Rollerskating
New for this year. Rollerskating society have hit the ground running. With over 20 people attending their first session at Rollermania at Wycombe Leisure Centre, they've sustained their society with regular sessions and hosting a week long bake sale which raised over £100 for the society.
These are just a few of our highlights from a small selection of our societies. You can sign up to any of our societies throughout the year, completely for free. Is there something you are interested in which you can't see? Then we'll support you in setting up a society of your very own, all you need is 3 likeminded people.
You will get our full support to help you get going, from help with the initial paperwork to providing you with some funding to help develop your society. We have had 6 new societies set up so far this year and it's never too late to set up a new society.
Leading a society is a great way of enhancing your CV, providing organisation and communication skills which will help you in any career.
“Being the chair of a society has challenged me in many ways but has made me grow as an individual.” Vytautas Kravcenka, Gaming Society Chair.
For further information on how to set up a society, drop an email to susocieties@bucks.ac.uk.