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Student societies

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 250 to get stuck into at York, and you can always start your own. The University of York Students' Union has the full lowdown of everything on offer – but we’ve picked a few favourites to get you going.

Explore sports and societies

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 the Pantomime Society, 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.

“I'm at my happiest when I'm just moving and enjoying the music.”

Deborah is sharing her home culture with the York community through her Afro dance class, as part of the York Dance Society. 

Read her story

Campaigning and political

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

There are student groups representing political parties, as well as 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 (it's first legal broadcast was introduced 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

At York we have a plethora of gaming societies. From Mario Kart, to Cosplay Society, Poker, Dungeons and Dragons, Chess, and Pokémon.

So get your game face on and check out our gaming societies!

And so much more

Anime. Baking. Doctor Who. Formula 1. Gardening - the list goes on!

There's a world of weird and wonderful waiting for you to discover, so what are you waiting for?

Find all sports and societies

As I go into my second year as President of the society, I’m so glad I took that leap to start Travel Soc. I've built confidence, and learned how to work with my committee to get the best out of each social. I’ve made so many great friends I likely wouldn’t have met otherwise.
Lexie, BSc Biology. Read Lexie's blog post.