Newcastle University is home to over 28,000 students from 130 countries. With such a vibrant, multicultural community our societies include groups representing countries from across the world – and they’re ready to welcome you.
At UK universities, student societies are overseen by the Students' Union. This is a student-led organisation that works to improve student experience through social events, representation and support.
As part of its work, Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU) offers over 60 sports clubs and more than 160 societies students can join.
These societies range from course-based groups (such as Biomedical Sciences, Economics, and Mechanical Engineering) to groups interested in hobbies such as music, chess, Bollywood dance, yoga and much more.
In fact, whatever you’re interested in – whether that’s anime, cold water swimming, mahjong or video gaming – there’s probably a society for you at Newcastle.
If there isn’t, and you want to start one, NUSU will support you. Once you have four members to act as a committee and have completed the relevant paperwork, your society is up and running and could become a lasting legacy of your time with us.
Student societies offer regular – sometimes weekly – opportunities to have fun and enjoy a variety of social activities. They’re a great way to meet like-minded people, enjoy new experiences and make new friends.
At Newcastle University, over 30 international societies offer a little taste of home, as well as the opportunity to learn about other countries and cultures.
For example, our International Society is dedicated to helping international students settle into life with us. Events include beach bonfire nights, karaoke sessions and Christmas Market socials, as well as mixers with other societies to help members make friends and new connections.
You could join our Pakistan Society which creates a sense of belonging among members through cultural celebrations, games nights, society trips and much more.
Our Afro-Caribbean Society organises sports events, parties, workshops and games nights, plus a Winter Ball and Take Me Out. Membership also includes discounted prices for hair care and general maintenance services (braids, cornrows, haircuts etc).
Or how about our Malaysian Society which showcases the diversity of Malysian culture through events celebrating tradiotional festivals?
Whatever your nationality, there's a friendly community of students waiting to welcome you.
As a way of supporting the diversity of its societies, NUSU hosts an annual Festival of Culture.
Past festivals have been split across five cultural events: the Jewish festival of Hanukkah; Lunar New Year; Holi, or the Festival of Colours, Love and Spring celebrated by Hindus; Ramadan which is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community; and Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday celebrated on May 5.
Everyone is welcome to get involved, with NUSU and the international societies organising events to showcase the traditions and activities associated with each cultural celebration.
Joining a society couldn’t be easier. Memberships can be purchased on the society’s page on the NUSU website.
If you want to check out the societies before you purchase your membership, you can keep an eye out for taster sessions.
During The Big Welcome - five-weeks of events and activities to help new students settle in - you can also explore our societies, sports and clubs at fairs and socials.
Membership fees help pay for the running of the society. Membership costs are generally low but will vary. You may also have to pay an additional fee to take part in some society-organised activity.
To make sure everyone has the chance to join in, NUSU has an Activities Access Fund. If you’re eligible, you could get funding to help cover the cost of taking part.
Students can also enjoy a 4-week free trial membership of any society that’s relevant to their course – such as the Business Society, Marine Science Society, and Pharmacy Society to name just a few. Not only is this a great way to see if joining up is for you, but it’s also a chance to meet fellow students on your course, helping you settle in and feel like you belong.
If you don’t want to sign up to a society, you can still take part in free or discounted activities, taster sessions, and trips through NUSU’s Give It A Go programme.
Running throughout the year and bookable online, you can take your pick of the activities you’d like to try – whether that’s bath bomb making, an ice hockey taster session, or trips to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh or the historic city of York in North Yorkshire.
Like the societies, GIAG events are designed for you to have fun, meet new people and make the most of your experience with us.