Societies provide opportunities for groups of students to come together to enjoy an interest – whether it’s to pursue a hobby, celebrate a faith or culture, or expand your academic horizons beyond your studies.
A real jewel in the Guild crown, they provide a great way to make friends, try something new, and build a whole host of new skills.
Each and every society has been working hard to adapt to the changed circumstances this year, and offer new opportunities to connect in a COVID-safe way. Here are just a few of the societies that you can join:
For all anime and manga otakus! LAS (Liverpool Anime Society) provide weekly remote screenings for students to watch a variety of films, ranging from classics to current shows. Watch together online and take part in virtual quizzes, viewings & zoom chats.
This society is open to everyone – you don’t have to be a baking expert to join! Meetings usually take place at every Tuesday, and while there won’t be any sharing of bakes this semester, you can take part in bake-alongs via Facebook and IGTV each week. Come along to make loads of new friends and attempt a wide variety of tasty bakes together!
The pandemic has created many issues for musicians, with restrictions on performing live and collaborating, and with limited access to recording spaces. If you want to make some demos from home, share ideas, or learn about recording in general then you can join online sessions that will provide a useful starter guide. There are also online events and quizzes, and the opportunity to take part in virtual concerts.
Read collectively with a group of book enthusiasts, meeting online twice a month to discuss all things book. Read one book a month and then take part in virtual meet-ups and discussion groups. If you finish a book and just need to discuss it with a friend, this is the society for you
Open to players of all levels, whether you are just starting out, or are a competitive player. An online group allows weekly games to be played in a fun and relaxed virtual environment. For those wishing to play more competitively, the society is involved in external tournaments, and Grandmaster Stewart Haslinger, a member of the Maths faculty at the university, is going to play a simultaneous exhibition against the whole society in the second semester.
Dedicated to developing coding at all levels, from complete beginners to cutting edge research. You can take part in a free introductory electronics courses online, initially using simulators and then moving to physical components. There will also be a guided project to build a working R2-D2, with participants learning CAD, electronics, and the robotics behind it.
For anyone with any interest in cinema! Hosting regular remote screenings of classic and lesser-known films. Collaborate on ideas for short films and help create them. Virtual events planned include film-making meetings, quizzes, and remote screenings.
Liverpool Entrepreneurs Network Society
Liverpool Entrepreneurs Network Society (LENS) gathers together students with entrepreneurship ideas and offers support through virtual workshops, contributing to better employability, and self-development. The society also provides online networking possibilities and guest speakers to make valuable contacts for the future!
The Help the Homeless Society are a compassionate, active group of students who put making a positive change towards social justice at the heart of what they do. On 19 November they are hosting a charity concert on zoom to raise money for the Whitechapel Centre and are currently looking for acts to join the bill. Please get in touch if you would be interested in performing!
The LGBT+ society aims to brings its members together in a safe and fun social environment, and campaign for change and progress for LGBT+ rights in society. Their events are for LGBT+ students and allies, and whether you want to make friends and have a good time, or there’s a cause you want to raise awareness for, the society is here to support you. Virtual events planned include Jackbox party nights, online gaming, coffee meetings via Teams, and even a murder mystery night.
This is just a glimpse of the wide range of student societies at the University of Liverpool. Head to the Liverpool Guild of Students website to start exploring what else is on offer.
And, as there are no fees for joining this year you can join as many as you’d like to – what’s not to love about that?