Go Higher: Explore the challenges of new clubs and societies

DURING FRESHERS' Week you probably put your name down for half a dozen or more different societies. Well, they all sounded so appealing, didn't they?

After all, who could resist opportunities to go pot-holing or hang gliding?

Of course, what you forgot at the time is that you're claustrophobic and scared of heights. And on reflection, you're now wishing you'd joined the Curry Appreciation Society instead.

It's easy to get carried away with putting your name down for everything that takes your fancy, especially since clubs tend to go in for the hard sell when presented with keen and eager new faces. But, sooner or later, you will realise that you're only going to keep up membership with those clubs that suit your personality and your circumstances.

"On a practical level, it's very difficult to keep involved with more than three clubs," says Tom Connors, communications officer at the University of East Anglia. "You have to find the time to do all your studying too."

He recalls that as a first year student he signed up for various sporting societies, the "horse racing society" and the film society. But by the second year he'd reduced his activities to membership of a couple of the sports teams.

"There's no doubt about the benefits of taking part in extra curricula activities," he adds. "It's an ideal way to get to meet like-minded people and to use up your spare time in developing new skills and interests.

"They can also look good on your CV. Most of the societies have presidents and treasurers and if you take on one of these roles it shows that you can handle responsibilities. This is the sort of thing that employers will notice."

There's such a vast range of societies at most universities and colleges that, even if you don't like sport, the performing arts or politics, there will still be several options available. Those interested in the media can help out on the college newspaper or radio station. Those who prefer the quiet life can join the chess society.

There will be some pretty bizarre ones too: UEA has a Hellenic Society for those interested in Greek dancing and a gaming society for those who enjoy role playing.

If you think you joined the wrong societies at the freshers' fair, it's not too late to bow out gracefully and approach the ones in which you really are interested. There's rarely a limit to membership numbers, although you may find you have a little bit of catching up to do if it involves learning new skills.

Of course, a lot of students turn their noses up at the idea of "joining a club", preferring the activities on offer in the SU bar to anything more physically or mentally taxing. This is a shame, especially as most of the organised activities run by colleges are subsidised by the students' union and are, therefore, either free or very cheap.

They're also missing out on a chance to explore new challenges and experiences at a time when they've got the time to do it.