There is no debate as to whether Covid-19 has affected our routines and our experiences, but do not let it ruin your chance to immerse yourself in the opportunities that clubs and societies can offer next year.
Sheffield has over 370 societies and clubs available, meaning you can feed your curiosity and try something new, refresh your memory, or continue the hobbies that you enjoy.
But why is it important to join a society?
If you are a first-year student, the act of going to university alone can be scary. Questions such as: ‘How do I make friends?’ ‘Will people like me?’ ‘What if I don’t get on with my flatmates?’ It may constantly swirl around your brain, and it is completely normal to feel this way. Communicating with others and making friends at university is extremely important for your mental health, especially with Covid-19 limiting human contact and preventing the mingling that would usually occur. Joining societies and clubs are a quick and easy way to meet new people, and bond with them over an activity or sport that you both enjoy doing.
‘Give it a go’ sessions are available to attend at the start of first semester so you can gauge what the society is like, and meet some of the friendly committee members that run it. It can also help you meet other new people who are also stepping out of their comfort zone and trying something new, which is sometimes where the best friendships start that last for life. If you feel nervous to join, please do not fear, because every single member of that society was the ‘newbie’ once. Societies usually host socials which allow other members to become better acquainted, and allow you to feel like part of a wider community.
Socials are usually fun and engaging activities like quizzes, drinking games, nights out and even classier events like balls. Socials like these can really help separate work from leisure, and allow you to have something to look forward to at the end of a hard day. Even during Covid-19, clubs and societies still run online quizzes and bingo nights which allow their members to feel less isolated. Sports teams are also notorious for having amazing nights at Roar, you can be an onlooker and wish you had tried out that year. I would know, because I felt that jealousy before I joined.
Being a part of societies and clubs would also look great on your CV, as it can give you valuable skills that will be needed in the workplace, beyond university. These can be especially beneficial when you are applying for highly competitive jobs, as it demonstrates to an employer what kind of person you are, and what you enjoy. For example, if you are part of a sports club that plays in teams, it displays to an employer that you are someone who can cooperate well with others, and that you are a team player. This is a skill that is highly regarded in the career world, and it will definitely paint you in a better light than someone who did not partake in any extracurriculars.
Societies and clubs also have AGMs, where they elect the new committee for the next year. Applying for a committee role is a rewarding experience which also looks impressive on a resume.
The final important point to address is that you get to try new things, and have fun whilst doing it. It can be daunting at first, especially if it is not a sport or activity you have done before, but it is worth a try. It is more important than ever to jump at new opportunities when the pandemic has suppressed our actions. Speaking from personal experience, I knew I had always wanted to try stunt cheerleading out. Life is too short to dwell, right? So, I did it, and it was the best decision I made. I really regret that I did not push myself to try it in the first year. My advice is not to put it off, but to just go for it. Even though it is different compared to previous years, I am really enjoying cheer, as I still have fitness classes to attend every week and socials happening every so often to look forward to.
Each society has adapted how they operate to become Covid-19 friendly, and I hope this displays to you that societies and clubs are made up of resilient, hard working people like you and I, who really do care about their members. Hence, why it is important to at least give things a try; you may be surprised!
Overall, societies and clubs are a great addition not only to your university life, but your future. University is one of the last chances to explore your interests, and joining societies and clubs are the perfect way to do so. Whilst it may be a little late now for third years, if this pandemic has taught us anything, it is that tomorrow is not promised, so make the most of your university experience, and squeeze as much out of it as you can.
More information (including a list of societies) is available on their website: https://su.sheffield.ac.uk/activities/find-a-society
Joining Forge was the best decision I made at Uni
Catherine Lewis
Hello dear readers! You might know me as “the one who never shuts up about Pokémon and Animal Crossing”, or you might not know me at all (the Games section never has been very popular…)
Regardless of that, for the past two years I’ve had the absolute privilege of being one of the Games Editors here at Forge. And honestly, choosing to join the committee at the end of my first year is the absolute best thing I’ve done at uni, and truthfully, probably ever.
When I came to uni, I wasn’t a very confident person, and to be frank, I didn’t find the first year of my course particularly exciting either. There was nothing wrong with it, I just didn’t feel very inspired.
Running at the Forge AGM was a bit of a last minute decision, but as soon as I was elected and took my first visit to the Media Hub, I immediately felt so at home and welcomed by everyone. I can’t even begin to tell you just how lovely everyone on this committee is; it’s like one big family in the Hub where all the different Forge people (including TV and Radio) hang out.
Just being in an environment full of people bursting with passion for whatever their role is is so inspiring; everyone loves what they’re doing and their enthusiasm is so contagious. Plus, with everyone’s crazy ideas for content floating around all the time, you’re bound to get involved with all sorts of things you’d never have even considered; I wasn’t expecting to take up the sword when I ran for Forge, but I ended up trying Fencing for a video series TV was producing.
I just can’t stress enough what a fantastic experience being on the Forge committee is. I’m genuinely heartbroken to have to leave it behind this year, but it’s been so phenomenal, helped me make so many friends, and learn to come out of my shell. Cheers Forge, you’ve been fab!