It’s Never Too Late! Why You Should Join a Lancaster Uni Society or Sports Team (Even After Freshers)
If you didn’t join a society during Freshers’ Week, don't worry about it! At Bailrigg Student Living, we see it all the time, someone who thought they missed their shot suddenly finds themselves signing up for a club mid-semester and absolutely loving it! Whether it’s joining the Badminton Club in spring term or finally saying yes to the Disney Society in November, uni life doesn’t come with a deadline.
Joining a Lancaster University society or sports team is still one of the best things you can do for your uni experience, it's good for your mental health, your friendships, your CV and of course, just for the fun of it!
Here’s why, if you’re thinking about joining a club at Uni, now is the right time to do it...
It’s the Break from Studying You Didn’t Know You Needed
Uni is intense. When your brain feels fried from lectures, assignments and deadlines, having a regular escape is super important. Whether you’re dancing the stress away at Cheer rehearsals or getting far too competitive in quiz night with the Anime Society, having one or two fixed things in your week that aren’t academic makes a huge difference to your overall mental health.
Bailrigg’s communal areas are great for relaxing, but nothing beats having something to go to, especially when it gets you out of your room and into a room full of good energy and good people.
You’ll Meet New People (Who Aren’t Just in Your Course or Flat)
Societies are the fastest way to meet people just like you! And with over 200 clubs and societies at Lancaster Uni, there really is something for everyone.
Fancy fencing? There’s a team.
Into baking, Pokémon, or politics? Yup.
Want to be part of a comedy improv group, or sing your heart out in a choir? Done.
Not sure what you’re into yet? That’s okay too.
Take a look at what's on offer here.
You Could Be Part of Roses. One of the Biggest Varsity Tournaments in Europe
If you’ve got a competitive streak, joining a sports team might just be for you. Lancaster’s sports scene is buzzing and every year it builds up to Roses, the historic varsity clash between Lancaster and York.
Whether you’re playing or cheering from the sidelines, Roses is a highlight of the uni calendar and it’s something you’ll remember long after you graduate.
Pick your new team here.
It Looks Great on Your CV
You know by now that employers love to see more than just a degree. They want proof you can commit to something, show up for a team, lead a project or organise events.
When you join a society or team, you’re not just signing up to have fun, you’re also developing skills like:
Leadership
Teamwork
Time management
Problem solving
Public speaking
Plus, if you go on to become a treasurer, captain or committee member thats even better. It’s a genuine, transferable experience to shout about in interviews.
It’s Confidence Boosting
Trying something new is scary but it’s also how you grow. Societies and sports clubs can help you step outside your comfort zone, but remember, everyone who joins is also outside of their comfort zone.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to try rowing but didn’t think you were fit or strong enough. Or you love writing but never shared your work with anyone. Joining a group of people who share your interest can help you gain confidence and feel more like you at uni.
Go On, Give It a Go
It’s never too late to join. You can pop along to a taster session or drop the group a message to see if they’re still open to new members (spoiler - they always are). The worst that can happen is you don’t like it!
