Joining a club while studying at Arts University Bournemouth

First of all, joining a club allows you to make many new friends outside your own course. Most clubs have weekly or bi-weekly socials, often having themed or dress-up socials (you do not need to have a costume to come – it is simply for fun), where you can get to know the other members more. Personally, joining the Climbing Society has enabled me to know more AUB and BU students from a plethora of courses, and I often partake in the weekly socials every once in a while to blow off steam (they are not mandatory!)

When you join a club, it serves as a way to relax amidst the busy university schedule. For me, climbing is a way for me to get in some exercise to escape the sedentary lifestyle I lead. However, I understand that climbing may not be for you, but there are a lot of other clubs that you can join, which you can check out on the AUBSU website. I have quite a number of friends in Book Club and Film Society, which is a safe space where you can freely geek out over your favourite books and films. Additionally, if there's a club you'd like to join but isn't already on the list, you can choose to make your own!

There are few points of contention that may relate to you. Students may not wish to join a club because of the following:

• They have never done it before. They are interested in the club, but don’t know if they will like it enough to join it.
• Some clubs require a fee when you join, and some people are hesitant as they are unsure if they can commit to it.
• They think that university will be too hectic to commit to it.

Let me break down those reasons and why they shouldn't put you off.

• Most clubs (if not all) offer a taster session, where you can pay a small amount (or sometimes free), which is usually a fraction of the original cost to do X activity. By attending a taster session, you are usually more able to gauge your interest in the club. Sometimes, certain clubs are really popular and their taster sessions get sold out. You should still be able to attend one if you text the right Instagram accounts. For example, if the taster sessions for Climbing are sold out, I would DM the Instagram account to ask if there’s still any way to attend a taster. Often, clubs will accommodate you as they’re really open to newcomers and love meeting new faces!
• As mentioned, taster sessions are a good way to gauge whether you are interested enough to commit to it. Additionally, most club fees often give you access to socials and discounts on certain things. For instance, the Climbing Society has an annual fee of £50, but it grants you access to all socials, 50% off club sessions, and allows you to come along our trips to Parthian and other places outdoors (Swanage, Spain, etc.) So if the price is stopping you from joining, you might want to see how much you like it. Also, understand that a few of these clubs are simply expensive sports (climbing, surfing, pole fitness) and cost that much regardless of whether they are a club or not. It may also be a good option to speak to the existing club committee in real life or through Instagram to ask what your membership will entail.
• If you are unsure if you can commit to the club and would like to take a while to settle into university life as well, you can always join mid-term. There is no pressure to join the very first week of Freshers’.

I’ll tell you a bit more about my own experience now. As I’ve mentioned, I joined the Climbing Society, and I’ve really enjoyed it as I’ve been able to get to know more people. These friends are like my family now! We have also gone on trips such as Spain and Wales, where we climb outdoors and usually stay for a week or so. These trips are extremely affordable and enjoyable.

I’ve had the best time spending a part of my time at university with the Climbing Society. It might take a bit of time choosing what club to join – I originally started a music band and realised I didn’t want to do it through university – but I trust that everyone will find their place somewhere.