Hi, I’m Amy, a current fourth-year physiotherapy student here at Keele University! 

During my first year at university, I did not immerse myself in the university life that Keele had to offer, but after the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to change this and step out of my comfort zone. Throughout the past few years, I have joined various clubs and societies, from Keele Dance Society to Keele Korfball to even setting up my own, the Allied Health Society.  

Here are my top five reasons why you should join a club or society whilst at university: 

1.  Joining a club or society is a great way to make friends! Often when students decide to move away for university, it means that we are moving away from our friends and family. Joining a club or society it allows you to feel a part of something and make friends with like-minded people that you might not have meet otherwise, expanding you circle behind those you live and study with.

2. Studying at university can be challenging. It's a big step from previous studies in college or sixth form, which means sometimes we get stressed. By playing a sport or going to a social, it makes us take time away from our studies. Time to spent learning a new skill or get the endorphins going, will help with stress management.

3. Being involved with a society/team means having to plan my week to make sure my course work is still complete on time but that I have time to enjoy playing korfball and teaching a tap class. This means I have had to work on my time management skills in order for me to make sure I had the capacity for deadlines, social life and my hobbies.

4. Since joining these clubs, I have noticed my confidence grow. Being a part of clubs has allowed me to push myself outside if my comfort levels! Before university I used to be very nervous, especially going to something new like the “Give it a go” sessions. Now if I want to try a new sport or activity, I am more than happy to go on my own!  

5. During my time in societies, I've held multiple committee roles, which provided opportunities to learn skills I never thought of before. Ranging from; running social media accounts, teaching a class, organising celebration evenings. This meant I had challenged myself to improve budgeting, altering teaching styles to those in a class, and develop technology skills, all of which were not what I anticipated to develop whilst at university. 

No matter if you are an experienced football player or have never been apart of a debate society, university clubs and societies will have a range for you to try and enjoy. The benefits of continuing a sport or joining a new club whilst being at university will help to make your university journey so much more enjoyable.