Clubs and societies
“You’re guaranteed to find
a club or society you like,
even if it’s something you
never dreamt you would."
Work hard, play hard
Life at Imperial isn't all labs and lectures. We have over 340 clubs, societies and projects to get involved with through Imperial College Union, and state-of-the-art sports facilities right on campus. From Baking to Biking, from Hip Hop to Harry Potter – whatever inspires you, you’ll find likeminded people to share it with. And if there isn’t a society for the things you love yet, you can set one up!
Ayomide, Cai and Leah told us how they love to spend their spare time…
AYOMIDE, MEDICINE
I joined the African Caribbean Society (ACS) in my first year and that’s been a huge part of my time at Imperial. ACS is best known for Afrogala which is a huge annual showcase of African and Caribbean culture through dance, modelling, acting and poetry. I was an actor in my first and second years and in my third year, I directed the whole show!
I didn’t think I had a creative bone in my body before getting involved in ACS.
But that’s what joining societies does – it lets you find pieces of yourself that you never knew existed. From helping with script writing to directing plays – I never would have gotten to do these activities anywhere else or realise all the things I can do.
Ayomide directed Imperial's recent Afrogala – an annual celebration of African and Caribbean culture. Sean, above, was a dancer in the gala.
Ayomide directed Imperial's recent Afrogala – an annual celebration of African and Caribbean culture. Sean, above, was a dancer in the gala.
CAI, MOLECULAR BIOENGINEERING
I’m a runner so I always knew I’d join the Cross Country and Athletics Club.
It’s pretty big here and really friendly. Each Sunday we have a morning run where we go past people’s halls or flats and then have a big breakfast with everyone afterwards, which is really nice.
FIND OUT MORE
Our network of elected representatives provide a voice for change for all students at the College.
Our network of elected representatives provide a voice for change for all students at the College.
Our volunteering programmes offer a way for you to take practical action on issues that you care about and gain new skills.
Our volunteering programmes offer a way for you to take practical action on issues that you care about and gain new skills.
Music and the arts are alive and well at Imperial and we have four orchestras, six choirs, wind bands, and a jazz big band. We also have ten practice rooms which you can use for free.
Music and the arts are alive and well at Imperial and we have four orchestras, six choirs, wind bands, and a jazz big band. We also have ten practice rooms which you can use for free.
LEAH, MOLECULAR BIOENGINEERING
You’re guaranteed to find a club or society you like, even if it’s something you never dreamt you would.
In Welcome Season, my friend suggested joining the Belly Dancing Society. I really wasn’t sure at first, but she convinced me to try it and two years later I’m still part of the society and sit on the committee!
It’s all about putting yourself out there and pushing yourself to try new things and then you’ll think, 'yeah, that was so worth it.' And even if you don’t really like sports or dance or music, there are professional development and volunteering opportunities that you can get involved with.
Leah is part of Imperial's Belly Dancing Society
Leah is part of Imperial's Belly Dancing Society
Before I joined the Belly Dancing society, I was just mixing with other bioengineers from my course. But now I’m friends with people who do all sorts of different courses at Imperial.
That’s the nice thing about Imperial – everyone’s interested in STEM and so everyone has a common interest from day one so it’s really easy to make friends.
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