With O-Week just around the corner, Hollie Hughes explores why its never too late to join a club or society on campus.

The huge amount of choice you are faced with as a first-year when it comes to joining a club or society can definitely be overwhelming. However, there are various benefits which come with signing up to a club or society during O-Week, including meeting new people and becoming immersed in University life straight away. If you never got around to it, don’t fear – there are a bunch reasons why it’s never too late to join a club or society (or even start your own!) at UON.

You don’t have to be a first-year to be a new face

It’s normal to feel like you’re late to the game and are going to be a bit behind if you join a club or society in anything other than your first year of study. Even though you feel this way, it is important to remember that regardless of how long you’ve been at UON, signing up is still a fantastic way to meet new people and form new friendships as most clubs and societies are always on the look-out for new members.

Now is the time to network

Whether you’re starting one or joining one, getting involved with a student club or society related to your degree will help you in ways that will improve both your student experience and employability. As well as the opportunity to make new friends, gain confidence, and improve your communication and leadership skills – joining a club or society can be a valuable way to connect with UON alumni and begin networking in the field you wish to work in even before you graduate.

Many clubs and societies at UON hold events connecting alumni with current students, providing an opportunity for students to learn about what happens after graduation and the employment options available. These types of events can be extremely motivating for students, highlighting that once all of the hard work is done, the exciting world outside of University is still waiting for you.

In-person events are finally back 

As we all know, many club and society events planned for 2020 had to be cancelled or held online due to COVID-19 restrictions. Thankfully, this year many restrictions have finally begun to ease, and plans to hold face-to-face events again will be made in the coming months (subject to any restriction changes).

Bachelor of Laws / Diploma of Legal Practice student, Bianca Necovski, says that joining the University of Newcastle Law Society (UNLSA) in her fourth year of study has been a great way to improve her confidence in a comfortable environment:

“I think it is important to join a club or society that you are passionate about as that way you are easily able to immerse yourself around people who have similar interests to you. No matter what year of study you are in, I’ve found University so much more enjoyable with friends by my side, so if you’re looking to make new connections, I think clubs and societies are perfect especially, if you have a large cohort or are a little shy.”

So, even if you’re in your final year and feel like you’re settled – why not unsettle yourself and allow some room for growth? Put yourself out there and see what you can do, because, after all, that’s what your years at University are all about.

If you’re thinking of joining a club or society make sure to check out the expo happening as part of Semester 1, 2021 Orientation Week!

Feature Image by Beth Macdonald via Unsplash, no changes made.