people smiling

Connect, share, learn and give

Imperial College has an incredibly diverse community. Universities are unique workplaces and present a fantastic opportunity to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Participating in a range of activities could be a perfect antidote to the daily routine and making friends along the way. Here is a selection of our socially oriented groups.

Social groups

Carers' Network

The Carers' Network aims to provide all relevant guidance and support information related to being a carer at Imperial in one place. It enables you to build networks with colleagues in similar situations at the College.

We hope this network will help staff find an ideal balance between work and home life, access valuable resources, and facilitate conversations with other colleagues.

MeetUp Imperial

Welcome to MeetUp Imperial – a new staff social networking group where people with similar interests can meet.meetup logo

Since its launch, over 250 people have joined MeetUp Imperial.

The advertised events and information posted so far include tickets to see Beyonce & Jay Z, Pearl Jam, Strictly Ballroom, theatre and opera tickets, information about lunchtime running club, chess and badminton clubs, and helpful information on how and where you can get discounts with Imperial College card.

Anyone who has spare tickets or is looking for someone to go to the theatre with, a concert etc., is welcome to join the group and post messages. We’re planning to organise (and advertise through MeetUp) more interesting social events (wine and food tastings, maybe?).

The idea behind MeetUp Imperial is to integrate people and make them feel more like a part of the community, which is one of the strategic aims of the College. It is also benefi­cial to College employees’ wellbeing and mental health. Over 8000 people work at Imperial College London, and many share the same hobbies. You might already know them, but you don’t know they have the same interests as you! MeetUp Imperial is similar to Meetup, but instead of meeting strangers, we would meet with other Imperial staff members. We would meet up with people we almost know (know their faces or know about them). It’s easy to use and convenient (if you want to, you can meet up for a quick coffee before going together to the event, for example). It’s also great for making new friends and sharing your hobbies.

Support Services Social Committee

The Support Services Social Committee provides networking opportunities for staff working in support services roles by arranging activities and events such as the annual summer party.  It aims to bring together staff with shared interests by promoting events and activities across the College and within the local area.

Parents' Network

The Parents' Network provides an opportunity for new parents and parents to be to attend an informal networking coffee morning to meet other College staff in the same situation for mutual support and advice.

These take part monthly in South Kensington, St Marys and Hammersmith, with HR colleagues present to answer questions.

Arts Imperial

Arts Imperial: Imperial boasts a wonderful extra-curricular music and art programme, the focus for which is the Blyth Centre on level 5 of the Sherfield Building. We offer orchestras, choirs, bands, art workshops, exhibitions and lunchtime concerts.

Imperial College Women’s Club

The Imperial College Women’s Club is a networking club open to all women staff, current and retired, and partners of staff.

We aim to provide activities that promote friendship and opportunities for contact between all women connected with the College and contribute where possible to improve facilities within the College.

We have a Book Discussion Group, Day Events Group, excursions and organise the termly Women of Imperial Lunches at 170 Queen’s Gate.

Student Union

Imperial College Union runs one of the largest student activities programmes in the UK, with over 350 Clubs, Societies & Projects available to our members. Staff can also join by becoming Associate Members of the Union.

With over 55% of Imperial students a member of one or more clubs, you will find a range of activities varied and vibrant. Hundreds of staff members get involved also, and it is a great way to learn new skills, develop existing interests and meet new people.

Chaplaincy

The Chaplaincy Multi-faith Centre offers you a quiet space in a frantic world. The Chaplains run sessions for Buddhist, Christian and non-religious Mindfulness Meditation.

The Chaplains offer one-to-one confidential conversations for staff to help you practice meditation or prayer or to help you reflect on life and work.

We know that the most profound things in life are not always easy to talk about and may be linked to things like culture, family, personal identity, work, politics, emotions or dreams.

What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness

What makes a good life?

Lessons from the longest study on happiness indicates the value of social connections.

TED talk

Robert Waldinger, Psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and Zen priest 

Robert Waldinger is the Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies in history.

Staff networks

Imperial College has several staff networks and groups that encourage collaborative working, knowledge sharing, development and social engagement opportunities.

Try something different

There is so much to discover in South Kensington - the home of science, arts and inspiration. What's on? Exhibitions, events and great places to eat.

Get involved

If you have a hobby or interest you would like to share with other members of the Imperial Community, you could follow the lead of the Photography Club:
Thirty-five people are regularly involved, including former colleagues and some students. They have monthly meetings which are focused on a theme. Members learn from each other through practical sessions, projects and excursions. Active member Nick Kay says sharing responsibility for running the club means it’s not just down to one person. Using distribution lists and photo sharing helps them keep in touch with each other.
If you are interested in setting up a group, drop a line to the Support Services Social Committee; they can include it in their newsletter.