Life Beyond Acads: Why You Should Join Societies or Clubs

You may have been told that #AcadsIsLife but sometimes getting caught up in all the quizzes, exams, and deadlines means forgetting that there’s (another) life beyond it.

Prolonged periods of studying can lead to academic burnout. It can lead to frustration, irritation, and lack of interest in other activities that don’t include poring over a book and sitting in the library for hours on end.

If you’re to live our best acads life abroad, you should learn how to ward off burnout. As a student in another country, that’s crucial. It’s not cute being in a beautiful country and missing out on the many places to see and people to meet.

There are exciting ways to avoid burnout, mind you. One only needs to be curious and open. Societies or clubs are one way to enrich your cultural knowledge (and the ‘vibe’) of your new academe. Plus, they function because of people who have similar goals and interests. They range from formal ones like Philosophy Societies to a general interest like a BTS Club. Sounds a lot like fun!

Even though it’s an unspoken rule that students must choose a society or club the minute they enter college or uni, some students still shy away from it because #AcadsIsLife. That’s why we’ve rounded up 7 reasons why you should consider joining a society or club.

1. You’ll realize life is more than just academics

Being a member of a society or club makes you rethink your perspective on academics because you’ll see students acing their studies while also being a member of the society or club.

2. You make instant friends

Making friends in a new environment can be tough. A society or club enables you to form instant connections because you’re all already there through a shared interest. No need for awkward small talks!

3. You’ll develop new interests, hobbies, or skills

Societies or clubs give you the opportunity to explore hobbies, interests, or skills because they’re mainly there because of those three. And, believe it or not, there are societies or clubs for every hobby, interest, or skill! So whatever floats your boat, you can explore in a more controlled setting with other people who share this interest.

4. Expand your horizons

Get perspective on areas different from what you’re studying! It’s important not to stay in a shell when you’re in uni, and the society or club helps you in this area by bringing you people from different walks of life and backgrounds. And they may also come from a different major than you!

5. You’ll learn how to work with people

Academia can be quite isolating at times. But being in a society or club enables you to partake in a community and work with people from different backgrounds. That’s plus one in your people and social skills!

6. Find job opportunities through alumni

Societies or clubs bring you people who may have studied or taken the same path as you. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with them in a casual environment, and who knows, a job opportunity might be lurking ‘round the corner!

7. Develop professional experience and build leadership skills

Similar to finding job opportunities through alumni, you can also seek out professional experiences like internships or being someone’s mentee. This is especially helpful when you’re a little shaky on skills needed for your current major or for when you just need a little inspiration and push from someone who’s been there before.

So, there. Humans cannot flourish when we exist alone, and for someone who’s in college or uni, joining societies or clubs is one way to commune with people who are curious about the same things as you. If you need more reasons to join, reread this again until you’re convinced. Just remember that whatever tickles your fancy and floats your boat—there’s a society or club for that! You might just find life-long friends and industry connections!

For students who want to study abroad in London and want to expand their network, amber can assist you with student housing in London, student accommodation in Oxford, and University of Cambridge student housing.