The top 10 most underrated societies at Uni of York, and all they have to offer

With over 200 societies here at York, there are a whole host of activities and hobbies for students to enjoy and participate in.

However, while the bigger societies, which mainly revolve around courses, enjoy a huge amount of attention, a selection of lesser-known ones constantly fly under the radar. York offers so many clubs and societies to cater to every passion and interest in the book, so it’s a shame when so many go unrecognised.

With that in mind, here are my top 10 (in no particular order) underrated societies here at York.

Café Society

First on the list is a society that actually isn’t running this year… sad times. Café Society intended to unite all café lovers to join them on trips, game nights and pub crawls in the evenings, meeting weekly. This society offered the chance to meet new people over a coffee and share experiences and thoughts on uni life. In the mean time, it recommended Cocktail Society and BEAT Society as amazing societies to join instead.

Let’s hope it’s up and running again next year, because for the minimum priced membership of £4, it’s seems the perfect way to start your uni social life. Keep an eye out!

Join the Café Society at: Café Society | University of York Students’ Union (yorksu.org)

Bellringing Society

The next society offers one of the most unique experiences at the entire uni. The Bellringing Society stands out on the list as an intriguing prospect.

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Welcoming everyone and anyone, with absolutely no experience required, this society offers a community feel to an activity that promises to keep you fit (walking up those steps) and give you an uncanny sense of belonging and connection to the people around you. Not especially religious in any way, the Bellringing Society meets every Wednesday at the York Oratory.

As far as more niche societies are concerned, the Bellringing Society is as good as any.

Join the Bellringing Society at: Bellringing Society | University of York Students’ Union (yorksu.org)

Cocktail Society

If you’re more inclined towards alcoholic refreshments, then Cocktail Society looks to be the one for you.

Rather than just getting sloshed, Cocktail Society promises to give you a deep dive into York’s nightlife as well as teaching you mixology. Pretty ideal for any aspiring bar workers and those who want to explore how York comes alive during the night.

Join the Cocktail Society at: Cocktail Society | University of York Students’ Union (yorksu.org)

Duck Society

If there is anything our uni has become known for in recent years, it’s for our avian friends and a certain Long Boi in particular.

Well unsurprisingly, the Duck Society promotes the welfare of the ducks that populate our campuses, and with the only expenditure being for bird seed, it’s a cheap and fun way to get fresh air and connect with nature.

Join the Duck Society at: Duck Society | University of York Students’ Union (yorksu.org)

Irish Society

Maybe a bit biased on this one, but with a free membership, a chance to delve into Irish culture and traditions, and to meet people of a similar background, the Irish Society has always been one that’s peaked my interest.

In fact, any society that represents a cultural, national or religious background is well worth joining, especially if you’re feeling homesick.

Join the Irish Society at: Irish Society | University of York Students’ Union (yorksu.org)

International Anthology Society

On the more academic side, the International Anthology Society offers the chance to contribute pieces of writing to its published anthology, an opportunity for students to put their creativity to paper.

With the clue in its name, the anthology aims to represent the creative minds of students from all around the world, so if you prefer to participate in a society through penning pieces from home, then why not this publication?

Join the International Anthology Society at: International Anthology Society | University of York Students’ Union (yorksu.org)

Print and Press Society

Most of these publications come in physical formats, and at the Print and Press Society you can learn all about the printing process, its history, and where it stands today.

For a £5 annual membership, you can work closely with some of the printing presses here at the university, or simply pop in for a taster to see the processes in action.

Another one for those creative students, the Print and Press Society can fulfil that potential.

Join the Print and Press Society at: Print and Press Society | University of York Students’ Union (yorksu.org)

Re-Enactment Society

With York having such a rich history, it’s no surprise to see that mirrored in the university activities.

The Re-Enactment society, complete with weapons, crafts and clothing, attempts to relive those exciting times. With combat sessions on Wednesdays and Sundays, they re-create conflict of the past in a pretty fun way. As a history buff, I cannot help but strongly recommend this society to those with a similar interest.

Join the Re-Enactment Society at: Re-Enactment Society | University of York Students’ Union (yorksu.org)

Student Co-Operative (Scoop)

For those wishing to give back to the student body, engaging in charitable work in the aim of a good cause, then Scoop comes to mind as the perfect society.

In signing up to help the team, you become immersed in a project that bulk buys food to sell at a reduced price to students, notably students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

If you weren’t already sold, the food is locally and ethically sourced and the society aims to be as environmental as possible, a fine ethos indeed.

Join the Student Co-Operative at: Student Co-Operative (Scoop) | University of York Students’ Union (yorksu.org)

The Sunflower Society

Finally, one of the most underappreciated societies is the Sunflower Society.

This is a society for those with disabilities, who host a selection of socials and games to make university a comfortable place for disabled students.

They offer a huge amount of fun activities, and also welcome members without disabilities. With no formal diagnosis needed, they are very relaxed about new members to make as comfortable a space as possible. For me at least, it is one of the most inclusive societies at the university.

Join the Sunflower Society at: The Sunflower Society | University of York Students’ Union (yorksu.org)

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