Should you/Shouldn't you?

Glasgow University E. Steampunk Society Carolling on Buchanan Street

When you get to Uni - your first week should be just about the best week of your life so far. Yep - it's freshers' week. And you will probably never be this much in demand again in your life. The four student bodies and all the clubs and societies will be aiming to make you their new best friend, thrusting bits of paper at you and inviting you to join another 'best society in the university'. In the cold light of day you may discover that only 3 out of the 20 socs you signed up for are really your thing. That's ok - getting involved in any clubs and socs will mean you meet like minded people and make new friends outside your hall or degree course. 

Making a Difference

Dialectic Society in Action

Clubs & Socs are not just about following hobbies or trying out a new thang, GU has a good number of clubs & socs that have a real impact on the community or on your own education and development. From the Environmental Club to Engineers Without Borders to Student Action for Refugees to Student Volunteers Abroad and numerous other virtuous groups there's loads of opportunities to help yourself in the cv stakes while helping the planet and people. These include:

Dialectic Society
Debates has been around since the dawn of time here in Glasgow. It's older than the QMU, the SRC and - shock horror - the GUU where they "live". They've won the Debating World Championships more times than any other university including Oxbridge. Quite a few famous folk have passed through Debates including Andrew Neil and some heavy-weight politicians including Charles Kennedy (the uni's Rector), Liam Fox, Menzies Campbell and the late John Smith. Because lively conversations (otherwise known as arguing) are a natural part of living in Glasgow, there are debates on virtually every week covering a range of current and sometimes rather strange topics.

Amnesty International
GU Amnesty International is a human rights group which raises awareness of the sufferings of victims of human rights abuses around the world.  Friendly rivalry to raise the most money, between GU Amnesty and the Edinburgh Uni branch, means a never ending run of bake stalls scattered around campus. Always keep pennies in your pockets for the post lecture pick-me-up cupcakes.

Just Because You Can

Other clubs & socs, from Archaeology Soc to Zoological Soc might match your academic interests, or your musical talents, GU Big Band, Music Soc amongst others. Some clubs exist just because there's enough folk who want them to. You might fancy joining GASH (Glasgow Alliance of Student Headbangers) to check out all things Rock, or what about the SteamPunk Society, for those who want their action from a nice comfy seat there's always Pause - the Gaming Society. One of our favourites, and winners of the SRC's best website award 2011, are these guys:

Chivalric Dream Society
Ever think you've been born in the wrong century? Like the thought of sword fighting or making chain mail? Are you into peasant's clothing and knight's armour? No? Funny that - because there are, it seems, a fair few for whom this is life's dream. If it's yours, head straight for CDS. You'll be taught how to swordfight like Mel Gibson in Braveheart and swash buckle like the Three Musketeers. Watch for the guys running round campus with swords and axes.      

http://www.chivalricdreamsociety.co.uk/index.html

Sports

Whatever your sporting interest there's likely to be a club for you at Glasgow Uni. From 12,500 feet (Skydiving Club) to the mountain tops (Mountaineering Club) to the uni's playing fields and pitches (Football, Rugby, Hockey, Cricket); on the water (Boat Club, Canoe Club, Windsurfing, Surfing and Kiting Club) or under the water (Sub-Aqua club) there really are too many to mention them all. Here's a couple to whet your sporting appetite:

Ski and Snowboard
This club is famous around campus for its exploits and sheer size (it's the biggest club on campus). The ski trips, nights out, GUSA balls, ski lessons and bus trips make memories that you'll never forget (you and everyone else that is). GUSSC is big on its competitions and has one of the best teams in the UK, but it's not just for the pros. Complete beginners to skiing and snowboarding are welcome and encouraged. Have no fear, GUSSC will take care of you.

Football
The mighty GUFC are a competitive lot. As well as competing in The British Uni's league they also compete at a high level in Glasgow's Amateur Leagues. And, if that's not enough competitive spirit for you, they also compete in the Scottish Cup, sometimes reaching the dizzy heights of the second round! Members receive top class Scottish FA coaching and compete in the SFA's under 19s and under 21s leagues. They're also famous for nights out, club tours and the annual diddie sixes competiiton.