The best university clubs and societies to join
WHETHER you’re into Harry Potter, Disney or flags (yes, really), there’s a university club or society just for you.
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UNIVERSITY isn’t all about books and study — you’ll learn this pretty quickly during O Week. University is also about dressing like a Disney princess, riding a broomstick and calling it sport, and discussing flags with other vexillology buffs. Aren’t you glad you didn’t defer?
“Clubs are an integral part of many students’ university experience and joining a club is one of the easiest ways to get involved, meet new people and basically have an awesome time,” says a University of Melbourne Student Union rep.
At the University of Melbourne alone, there are more than 200 clubs, with a combined membership of over 25,000. Clubs range from interest areas such as spiritual, cultural, and musical, through to political and specific special interests (we’re looking at you Disney Club).
If you don’t dig flags, there are also a vast number of faculty and course-related clubs to join which will help with making friends from your own course and, not to mention, it’s the quickest way to get over first year nerves and make friends for life (or at least a semester).
Here are 15 of our favourite clubs:
Deakin Dodgeball Society (Deakin University)
Forget the Yoga Society — going up against fellow Deakin misfits in a game of dodge ball is the quickest way to beat stress. We can’t promise you’ll be going up against White Goodman or Peter Le Fleur but you’ll have heaps of fun; just remember to stock up on Sudocrem.
Potter Heads (University of Melbourne)
Another safe space for Harry Potter fans: expect weekly movie screenings, Quidditch training and “defeating the dark lord.” Sounds serious — time to go wand shopping and join the good fight with your people.
La Trolls Quidditch Club (La Trobe University)
La Trolls is the newest quidditch club on the block so they’re on the lookout for new members and also welcome non-La Trobe students. The team finished the last season on the bottom of the ladder but at the Quidditch United Australian Federal League in December last year, they came third-last and that’s all that matters. Its early days … go La Trolls!
Ring of Choir (University of Melbourne)
If you’re wanting your university years to resemble an Aussie Pitch Perfect, Ring of Choir is for, after all, if a cappella was good enough for John Legend, it’s good enough for you. Described as a “fun, casual, un-auditioned a cappella choir,” Ring of Choir meets weekly for rehearsals and performs all over the uni (think Glee-style flash mobs) and Vocal Australia’s Aus-Aca national a cappella championship.
Nintendo Society (La Trobe University)
The Nintendo Society celebrates all things Nintendo, from Pokemon to Super Smash Bros, and from Mario to the Legend of Zelda. There are weekly meetings, Pokemon tournaments or some friendly games of Super Smash Bros or Mario Kart.
Deakin Horror Club (Deakin University)
If Friday the 13th is your favourite day and you count Chucky, Freddy and Jason as your sweet Valentine’s, the Horror Club looks forward to your membership application. Expect movie nights, screaming competitions and Scream masks a-plenty.
Vexillologists of Melbourne University (University of Melbourne)
“Do you like flags? Can you say or spell “vexillology”? Do you enjoy having to tell people “it’s the study of flags” after you say “vexillology?” If you said yes (and you’re not Sheldon Cooper or Amy Farrah Fowler) join other flag-lovers once a month for flag events and flag-chat.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S at VU Club (VU)
Make friends while watching Friends — could anything be more perfect? The club meets once a month to discuss all things Friends plus there’s regular Friends marathons — hooray! Semester one sorted.
Juggling and Firetwirling Club (Monash University)
A friendly group of circus-loving folk who meet weekly to learn and share skills — and yes, as the name suggests, there will be juggling and firetwirling. There will be plenty of opportunities for members to be involved in volunteer and paid performances.
Disney Appreciation Society (University of Melbourne)
Exactly what is sounds like: a safe space for Disney lovers to dress up, sing Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo and watch Disney movies without judgment (decoy three-year old nieces not necessary).
Disney Club (VU)
Another non-judgemental safe space where you can live out all your Disney princess (or prince) dreams.
Disney Society (Monash University)
And another. Who knew uni students loved Disney so much? Watch Disney flicks for free, singalong to Disney karaoke and Disney trivia nights.
Dumbledore’s Army (La Trobe University)
If you’ve fantasised about getting your own wand and a pet owl called Snowy, make sure you sign up to join Dumbledore’s Army. There’s Monthly Magical Monday Movie Nights, games night, Yule Ball, magic camp and more.
Rubik’s Cube Club (La Trobe University)
Whether you are a “speedcuber, puzzle enthusiast or just a casual solver,” the Cube Club will welcome you regardless of your skill level. Even if you can’t solve the cube, you’ll be taught by a pro, which means you can stop peeling the stickers off. Phew.
Cheerleading Club (Deakin University)
You might be the butt of some jokes if you join a cheerleading club but the jokes on them — you’ll be super fit in no time and most importantly you’ll be living in your own Bring it On film. Bring it on, indeed.
Learn more about the clubs and societies on offer at your university during O Week:
Clubs Day — February 21 & 22, The University of Melbourne, Parkville
Summer O-Fest — February 22; Summer O-Fest Block Party February 23, VU, Footscray Park
Clubs Day — February 28, 11am-3pm, Monash University, Clayton
O Week — February 26 — March 2, La Trobe University, Bundoora
Clubs & Markets Day — February 26-28, 11am-2.30pm, Deakin University, Burwood
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