Three reasons to join a society

Hiya, my name is Joseph Arnott and I am here to tell you my top three reasons as to why you should join a society at the university. I was a member of the Radio Hud society which was a live radio service, streamed in the Student Central and on the Radio Hud website. We could do our own show however often we wanted and for as long as we wanted (within reason). I did an hour show on Tuesday mornings called ‘FineAMStart’, it wasn’t the biggest hit in the world but I loved doing it. So here’s why:

 

1: Fingers in pies

So being a drama student, I wanted to broaden my horizon in terms of experience and working in different media, so this was an amazing find for me. Being able to put that I have done a live radio show regularly for a year in my Actor’s CV/Portfolio puts a good multi-media step in there. I also got to be trained on and work with some amazing pieces of equipment, such as the mixer and soundboard as well as the live streaming service that was used for the website. It’s not just the experience, but also the people that are a great connection to have. Through Radio Hud I have found someone to teach me how to use the music tech rooms which I can use to record my own songs. It’s all good connections. The wider experience you have in life the better, using different types of equipment, therefore fingers in pies.

 

2: Confidence Central

Second on my list has got to be the confidence boost it gave me, going to a strange place where you don’t know anyone (for me this was the case) and being given the chance to have your own time to express yourself, and to help get over those first time nerves, really helped me and many of the other members I spoke to. Doing something new can really help to relax your brain and help it switch off from all the new things uni life can bring; doing the washing up or tidying the flat? Put some tunes on and make a playlist for your next show! That’s what I did on a Sunday morning, much to the annoyance of my flatmates...oops!

 

3: Oooh friends!

Ooooh radio friends! I know I joke, but joining a society is really something that will help relax you, whether it’s having a group of people to talk to about the society to, or some people just to get away from your course, joining a society really will help. I found that even getting to know other people helps you to relax from the start, as you’re not thinking about anything uni related, you are simply having a chat and getting to know some new people. You never know, someone might be an expert in something you are struggling with. You may also both love the same thing and can have a good natter about that. Whatever you’re talk about, societies are an amazing way to widen your friendship group!

 

Well I hope these three things helped you to see why a society is a very valuable part of uni life! Don’t forget to follow our social media squad to keep updated with what’s going on around campus!