There is so much more to postgraduate life than just lectures and assignments. MSc Genomic Medicine student Elspeth McGuigan discusses the variety of extracurricular activities on offer at the University of Birmingham via the Guild of Students.
Being part of sports clubs and societies has been such a big part of my time at university, I knew that I wanted to continue this during my postgraduate degree. The University of Birmingham has a wide range of clubs and societies, with over 500 societies run by the Guild of Students, that all students can get involved with. Student groups range from subject-specific societies to activities such as Baking Society and Bench ball society. There are also 56 sports clubs at UoB with fitness opportunities at all ability levels. There are clubs for everyone, with opportunities to start something as a complete beginner or to represent the university at national competitions. Check out the Guild and the UoB Sport & Fitness websites to see all the groups you can join.
Joining a sports club or student group during university can have so many benefits and open so many opportunities. It is a really good way to meet like-minded people outside of your course and is a great way to get involved in socials and events. One of the best things about being part of UoB for me is the opportunity to try out lots of different sports and activities alongside my degree that would not be so accessible outside of uni. For example, lots of clubs have sessions anyone can attend by just paying for one class, such as yoga society which is great to drop into session to de-stress from uni work.
My biggest tip for people starting university is to join a student group. It’s a great way to continue an old hobby or to start something new that you have always wanted to try. For me when joining UoB, I decided I wanted to try a new sport, so I tried out for the Cheerleading sports team (Birmingham Pussycats) and joined the development team. I had never done cheerleading before but everyone in the development team is in the same position, and we are all learning something new. Being part to this clubs allows me to meet new people and attend socials, it has already given me the opportunity to get involved in events at the university such as Explosion supporting the American Football team.
Another club I knew I was going to join to carry on my hobby was the Birmingham University Dance Society (BUDS). BUDS has so many different dance styles and classes that anyone can come along to try without being a member. The classes are in the evenings and are very flexible so if you are busy with work in the week there’s no pressure to attend, which is a great option for busy students. There have been lots of fun classes and socials this term and I am excited to get involved in the dance showcase next term.
Every club and society are open to all students, and it’s not just undergraduate students that get involved, lots of clubs have postgraduate members. When I joined new clubs as a Masters student, I was apprehensive that I would be the only postgrad, but there are lots of other postgrads and everyone is really friendly and welcoming. Every club I have been a part of has always had such a welcoming sense of community and has been some of my best memories at university, so if you are thinking of getting involved go for it!