University is truly a unique time in life which is meant to be treasured. Suddenly, you’re holding a canvas and there is a near infinite selection of paint at the table. With so many different avenues to explore at every given step, choosing what to actively partake in (and what to avoid) at uni can appear to be a daunting task. Like many other things, joining a society has its benefits and its costs.
First and foremost, it can be an opportunity to learn something new. Let’s say you decided to join the sign language society. It’s been a whole semester and now you can successfully communicate without using your tongue. You truly deserve a pat on the back for that one.
Similarly, it’s a convenient and effective method to streamline people with similar interests and make friendships. I’m sure we can all agree that lectures are not the best place to make friends, especially on Mondays. Moreover, how can you tell for sure if the person next to you loves pets as much as you unless they’re at one of the Pet Society socials.
Finally, why not take the opportunity to just engage with something that you’re passionate about, something that boosts your dopamine levels?
On the contrary, there’s obviously an opportunity cost. Showing up to classes on time, managing deadlines, preparing for exams, building your CV, and applying for jobs is tough enough on its own. It’s valid to say you’re already six feet under; why make it seven?
So, is it a good idea, or a bad one? I’m afraid it isn’t that simple. While some societies may demand a serious commitment, others can simply be a casual experience.
Allow me to explain through an example. Hopefully not to your surprise, members of the Tea Society don’t actually try to aggressively outdrink each other but simply drop by for a cup of tea and a chat after a stressful day of lectures. However, this doesn’t mean that you should avoid all societies that demand more. Engaging with some societies can even support some of your other goals. For example, getting elected to be on the committee of certain societies may enhance the quality of your CV.
Whether being a member of a certain society is beneficial to you ultimately boils down to what you’re looking for and how much time you can invest. If you’re still bewildered, it may be worth giving it a go, quite literally; many societies arrange give-it-a-go sessions at the start of both semesters.
What’s the worst that could happen? You won’t like it? At least then you’ll be sure that your time is spent more productively elsewhere.
