Student societies

Joining a society is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and make new friends. Indulge your interests or try something completely new.

The University of York Students' Union (YUSU) offers over 200 student societies, all entirely organised by and for students, or you can always start your own. From astronomy to aerobics and politics to poetry - there's plenty to choose from.

As well as having fun, you can develop skills highly valued by employers. For example, joining a society committee is a great way to develop your leadership or teamwork skills. You can also get your skills and experience recognised through the innovative York Award.

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Academic and educational

Expand your subject knowledge, enhance your employment prospects and take part in fun activities with an academic society such as ShockSoc, open to anyone with an interest in electronics. Alternatively, why not innovate and inspire with the Entrepreneurs Society or join the award-winning York Student Think Tank.

We have societies for many subject areas taught at York, but if we don't have the one you're looking for you can always start one.

When you’re at York, definitely check out the language societies. It’s a great way to make new friends and practise speaking to actual native speakers (and eat lots of Lebkuchen)!

Hannah, BA (Hons) French and German Language (with a year abroad). Read Hannah's blog post.

Campaigning and political

Attend talks, interviews and debates from distinguished and public figures with the York Union.

Make an impact! Join Student Action for Refugees (York STAR) to campaign, fundraise and spread awareness about the refugee and asylum crisis in Europe.

Every major political party is represented on campus, as are UNICEF and Amnesty International.

The Politics Society is entirely student-run. This means if you decide to come to York you’d have the opportunity to get involved and organise events for your fellow students, meet high profile figures and get invaluable experience! Or if that’s not for you, you can just come along to all the amazing events PolSoc puts on throughout the academic year.

Samuel, BA (Hons) Politics with International Relations. Read Samuel's blog post.

Faith and international

Discover and celebrate world cultures and religions with societies such as Christian Union, Islamic Society (ISoc), Jewish Society (JSoc), Latin American Society, Italian Society or Russian Speaking Society to name a few. The groups are open to all students. You can get informal language support, try different foods and meet people from all over the world!

You could also join our International Students' Association (ISA). They organise a variety of events and trips throughout the year such as food fiestas, cultural celebrations, coffee afternoons and day trips.

Media

Write for award-winning newspapers Nouse or York Vision
Broadcast on York Student Television or University Radio York - the country's oldest student station
Find out more about getting involved with student media.

Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_swoiqDHzo on YouTube

Are you a wannabe television producer? Find out more about York Student Television. They made this video along with a series of other student society videos (youtube.com).

Arts and cultural

Watch and discuss films from around the world with the World Cinema Society
Hummus lover? Join other chickpea dip aficionados with the Hummus Appreciation Society (HumSoc)
Hone your creative writing skills with York Inklings
Try your hand at spoken word with Slam Society
Find out more about culture and entertainment on campus.