Starting or joining a new college can be very overwhelming. Not only do you have to make new friends and start new lectures, but you have the exceptionally difficult task of choosing which societies to join. Let’s face it, there are so many student societies in UCD that even at the €2 signup fee, you could end up spending a small fortune.
Every little helps as they say, and this could not be more true for us students. With such a broad range of societies there really is something for everyone. We want to tell you about ten cool societies and what you could get from them.
Agricultural Science:
(https://www.facebook.com/LittleMickAgSocUCD/?fref=ts)
This society is fantastic at raising money for charity. Running regular events and even a whole week dedicated to agriculture, this society is certainly full of fun. Some of these hilarious events include a tractor race (on toy tractors of course), welly walks and a talent show, which is guaranteed to have you in fits of laughter.
But they don’t just raise money for charity. They also make sure you get your money’s worth, with the cheapest cup of tea on campus. As an Ag soc member you could not only get a cup of tea for just 50 cent in the ag shop, but you could a cup of tea and a purple snack for only €1. If that’s not value for money, then I don’t know what is!
Commerce and Economics:
(https://www.facebook.com/UCDCESOC/?fref=ts)
As one of the larger societies on campus the C & E society is a good one to join. Not only do they provide fun filled goody bags when you sign up, but they run a series of helpful events throughout the year.
If you’re looking for motivational talks and insight into the business world you will most definitely get that with C & E. They run an annual ‘Women in Business’ talk where you get the opportunity to hear from inspirational women in senior positions of high-ranking firms.
Aside from these interesting talks, you must be a member of the C & E society to purchase a ticket to the Comm ball. This is one of the largest events of the year with over 800 attendees, and something everybody should attend at least once!
Investors and Entrepreneurs Society:
(https://www.facebook.com/UCDIE/?fref=ts)
If this isn’t enough, they run fun, weekly poker nights which act as a great place to network and make friends.
Literary and Historical Society:
(https://www.facebook.com/UCDLiteraryandHistorical/?fref=ts)
If debating is something you are interested in, then this is a society for you. They run weekly debates not only among students but among lecturers and experts as well. Even if you this doesn’t sound like your usual cup of tea it is well worth stepping out of your comfort zone and trying. These debates not only cover topical issues, but L & H regularly collaborate with Law Soc to engage in more humorous debates. The best thing about these debates? They’re free. So why not spend your evening watching people argue, and maybe learn something along the way.
Law Society:
(https://www.facebook.com/UCDLawSoc/?fref=ts)
Law soc regularly run debates in association with the L & H society. If you’re interested in more than just watching the debate, they also provide debate training alongside training on how to understand and judge a debate. For you law students out there, or perhaps students just interested in such things, they also provide moot training evenings. Where else would you get such amazing opportunities at no cost? This would be sure to benefit you in your future endeavors.
Horse Racing Society:
(https://www.facebook.com/ucd.horse.racing.society.hrs/?fref=ts)
I know many of you may not be interested or have much knowledge about racing. But who says you need to, to be a member of Horse Racing Society? This is a fun society to join to get to know about something new. Not to mention you will get plenty of occasions to get dressed up for race day, as being a member of this society, you will get priority tickets to any student race day. If this tickles your fancy, this society also organises an annual trip to Cheltenham at a great price. Who could turn down a low-cost trip to one of the best racing festivals in the world? Who knows, you may come home a few euro richer!
Food Society:
(https://societies.ucd.ie/food/)
If you are hungry after all your race day trips, then Food soc is the society for you. This society regularly runs events centring around, you guessed it, FOOD! Be it a wine tasting, coffee masterclasses or pop-up restaurants on campus they have food for everyone. The best part? This food is often free! As a student, what more could you want? Save yourself the time and hassle of cooking those extra dinners and just join food soc.
Not to mention that Food soc also hold the renowned Domino’s ball. This is a college event you don’t want to miss! Who wouldn’t want to go to a black-tie event where all they serve is Domino’s?
An Cumann Gaelach:
(https://www.facebook.com/cumanngaelachucd/?fref=ts)
Whether you’re a native Irish speaker or have no Irish at all, An Cumann Gaelach is a must join. This society provides a fantastic cultural experience. They want to promote the Irish language and provide wonderful events for those who would like to improve their Irish without the fear of the oral exam haunting them. You can embrace our native language through free Irish movie nights or nights out to pop up Gaeltachts.
This society also organise interesting trips around Ireland, fantastic for both UCD and Erasmus students alike. This way, you get a low-cost trip around Ireland without the stress of planning it!
Film Society:
(https://www.facebook.com/ucdfilmsoc/?fref=ts)
Who doesn’t enjoy a good film? Would you not enjoy it even more if you were given free popcorn and coke? Well in that case, Film soc have you covered. Running movies twice a week in the campus cinema this society will provide you with a free can of coke and tub of popcorn before every movie. Not only that, but they run weekly breakfasts in which snacks are provided. That is well worth the €2 sign-up fee if you ask me.
If you are more interested in being behind the camera than watching films then do not fear, Film soc have a solution. You can rent equipment from them for the hefty price of €0. That’s right, you can rent your film equipment from them for free. Why not join this society and make that film you have always dreamed of?
Of course, this is only a handful of the societies available in UCD, and if none of these interests you don’t worry, there is one out there for you. We only hope this has helped you to narrow down your choices! (and maybe saved you some money along the way)