When you arrive in Exeter, your studies won’t be the only thing to throw yourself into as you embark on your university journey. As well as your course, there are a number of ways to get involved in student life through a number of services and opportunities that are on offer for you. All you have to do is give them a try!
Societies
Joining societies and attending society events and sessions is one of the best ways to meet new and like-minded people outside of your course. With around 300 different societies to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities to match your interests and even try something new!
Societies are groups that are set up by students and run by student committees with a shared interest. They can be anything from academic, subject-based societies, to fitness, faith, and other hobbies and interests. A full list of the student groups that are available for you to join can be found here. If there’s something there isn't a society for, you also have the chance to start your own society with support from the Guild!
Throughout the year, each society will host all kinds of events and sessions, including social events, fundraising activities, day trips, and formal balls. This means that you will never be short of something to do, and you will be able to make so many friends along the way!
If you feel passionately about a society that you join, you can also run to be part of the committee next year. This means that you can play a part in running the society and its events, as well as gaining some valuable experience along the way!
Sport
Many of the sporting opportunities at the University are included in the huge variety of fitness societies that you can sign up to be part of. Some examples of our sports societies include the popular Body Society that offers regular fitness classes for all abilities, as well as Cool Runnings, Pole Fitness, Salsa and so much more!
Aside from the sports societies, you can also join one of our many competitive teams and clubs at the University that cater for a variety of interests and all abilities. You can also get involved with sport at the University in a more social and recreational way by joining one of our many intramural sports teams. Whatever your ability, everyone's welcome.
All of our fitness opportunities are possible due to our incredible sporting facilities at the University and on Streatham Campus, including the Russell Seal Fitness Centre, outdoor pitches, sports halls, and even an outdoor swimming pool!
Music
If you feel passionately about music and want to continue playing whilst at university, there are a number of ways that you can get involved and meet other musicians through both music societies and by purchasing a Music Membership.
Joining a music society will allow you to not only practice and play music with other students, but there will also be a number of events to get involved with as well. There are a huge variety of music societies which can be found online, including interests and abilities ranging from jazz, choral, acapella, and more! Each society has a membership fee that will cover room hire and equipment, so you can enjoy playing music with no hassle!
The Music Membership is another option for our student musicians, which will allow you to access the Guild's music facilities, like practice rooms, equipment and recording studios. More information about our memberships can be found on the Guild's website.
Xmedia
If your hobbies and interests are more geared towards writing, editing and presenting, or if you’re looking to pursue a future career in media, then why not get involved with XMedia, the award-winning group of student media services?
Xmedia comprises of the student newspaper, Exeposé, the student radio station, XpressionFM, the television station, XTV, as well as the student-run RAZZ magazine.
You can opt to become a member of one or all of these services, to help with content production, editing, and more!
Volunteering
Volunteering at Exeter is another exciting way for you to not only meet new people, but it is also a great way to get involved and give back to the community in your free time. This might include volunteering to help run a society or as an academic rep (see below), or by joining a local volunteering project. You can find more information about volunteering opportunities, and how to get involved, on the Guild's website.
We currently have a number of student-led volunteering projects that you can get involved with, including the Dog Walking Project, Homeless Action, and more. More information on volunteering projects like this can be found here.
If you decide that this is something that you would like to get involved with, you will be fully trained and supported by the Students’ Guild.
Student Reps
Student representation is a fundamental aspect of academic life at the university, as student reps are there to pass your views and concerns about your academic experience onto university staff that can drive meaningful change. There will be representatives for each subject at the university that will ensure that you are supported and listened to during your studies.
If you want to be a part of this important role within the Students’ Guild, then students can volunteer to be a Student Rep and help get the student voice not only heard but listened to. This role will allow you to give back to the student community, and gain some valuable experience along the way!
Your first year at university isn’t just about settling into your course, but it’s also about taking full advantage of all the opportunities available so that you enjoy yourself! As you will have seen, there’s so much to get involved with in Exeter, to build on or find new interests, and to meet new people that might end up being lifelong friends!
