Societies are a great way to do what you love and try something new, to meet others and build skills. Each and every one is run by students, for students.

There are over 200 to get stuck into at York, and you can always start your own. Our students union has the full lowdown of everything on offer – but we’ve picked a few favourites to get you going.

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Peter Pan performance.

Music, arts and performance

  • Get gigging with Band Society, learn an instrument with the Concert Orchestra, or DJ with Breakz.
  • Act or direct with Drama Society, create pantomime with PantSoc, or write a sketch with Comedy Society.
  • Write away with Inklings, find a new story with The Tipsygate Readers, or try spoken word with Slam Poetry.
  • De-stress with Sewing Society, start creating with Art Society, or get fired up with Pottery Society.

Academic and educational

Most of our academic departments have an associated student-led society to explore.

All York societies are open to anyone at the Uni, so they're a neat way to explore different subjects while you're studying – no matter your course.

Faith and international

Whatever your background, societies help you discover and celebrate world cultures and religions. Get informal language support, try new foods, and meet people from all over the world.

Our International Students' Association also organises events all year round – food fiestas, cultural celebrations, coffee afternoons, day trips and more.

There are loads of societies at York celebrating world cultures and religions. Amazing people come together for fun and support. I’ve particularly enjoyed showing off my moves at the Bollywood nights!

Navin, MBiol Genetics. 

Campaigning and political

Bring the change you want to see by getting stuck in with fundraisers, debates and campaigns, and talks from distinguished activists.

All major UK political parties are represented on campus, as are groups like Amnesty International Society, Student Action for Refugees, UNICEF On Campus and the United Nations Association.

York Minster with a festival tent outside

Media

Write, present, direct or produce for the award-winning York Student Television, England's oldest student TV station.

Make (air)waves with the award-winning University Radio York, Britain's first-ever independent radio station (first hosted by the legendary John Peel in 1968.

Hone your inner journalist with York's student press: our broadsheet, Nouse; the long-running tabloid, York Vision; fashion and culture magazine, HARD; or satirical masterpiece, The Lemon Press.

Gaming

Mario Kart Society, anyone? Victorian Parlour Game Society, anyone? Poker Society, anyone? Dungeons and Dragons Society, anyone? Hide and Seek Society, anyone? Chess Society, anyone? Pokémon Society, anyone? You get the idea…

Novice or pro, and however you like to test your skills, friendly faces are ready to do battle.

And the rest

Anime. Baking. Cats. Doctor Who. Eurovision. Formula 1. Gardening. Hummus. Investing. And on and on.

There's literally an alphabet of groups to keep you going, so the world's your oyster. The weird and wonderful await.

Find all sports and societies