From horse riding to baking: Here are five societies to try as a Cardiff refresher in 2025

The new year is in full swing, and with that, you may feel more settled into your life at Cardiff and looking for new things to try.

Between studying, spending time with friends, and avoiding the rain, you may have found yourself too busy to join any societies up until now.

Cardiff University boasts 230 societies and 72 sports teams, so there is sure to be something for everyone. Joining a new society is a great way of making friends and learning new skills, no matter how far into your university experience you are.

From Wednesday nights at YOLO to new lifelong friends, they have the potential to become hugely significant parts of your time at uni that you don’t want to miss out on.

With that said, below is a list of five new societies, ranging from sports to crafts, for you to try in 2025.

1. Aerial Fitness Society

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When asking around at which societies people most enjoyed, aerial fitness flagged up more than any other name.

By incorporating yoga, gymnastics and dance, aerial fitness is a perfect mix of sport and fun aimed at any level of experience.

It does not currently have any “Give It A Go’s” (GIAG) booked, but have classes starting at complete beginner level and the society is always looking to welcome new members.

Speaking with the club, a committee member told The Cardiff Tab: “We welcome any and all size and genders, with classes for all levels, including complete beginners, where you can build your confidence and strength!”

So, there is no time like the present to get up, defy some gravity and meet new people.

2. Mixed Martial Arts Club

Ever wanted to master the art of self defence? Well, MMA club is here to help.

A society aimed at all fitness levels and genders, MMA is hosting a GIAG on 2nd February for anyone wanting to get involved.

“We would love to see some more fresh faces to our club and welcome members from beginner to advanced!” a spokesperson said to The Cardiff Tab.

From self defence classes to Fight Night, this society offers a huge range of activities to get involved with. They also offer free women’s self defence classes for anyone (member or not) who wants to learn some life-saving moves.

Combining both fitness and life skills, MMA Club is one you certainly won’t regret trying out.

3. Equestrian Society

Rode a horse once when you were nine? Wanting to get out into the mountains on horseback? The Equestrian Society is here to help.

This horse-loving soc is renowned for being a particularly friendly bunch, hosting weekly riding lessons with socials available to all genders and abilities. Classes run from complete beginners to BUCS, this society has it all.

When speaking to a member, she explained: “Everyone is so lovely and welcoming. I would really recommend this society to anyone who loves the animals, outdoors and wants to make friends, no matter your riding ability”.

Come the summer months, they offer horseback hacks across the Bannau Brycheiniog – a true Welsh experience.

The details of the GIAG are yet to be released, but will likely be in this coming week. Make sure to stay updated with their socials for more details on this.

4. Baking Society

Looking for something to wind down with after all that sport? Look no further.

If sport is not your thing, the baking society has got your back.

These super talented chefs have a GIAG organised for 27th January. The theme is “back to school bakes” and consists of baking, then eating it – all for free.

“We are just a bunch of people who love baking and eating. We get together, eat cake and cookies and forget our troubles for a while,” the club told The Cardiff Tab.

If a sweet treat is something you are after this year, get yourself and your friends over to the baking society, and thank me later.

5.  Women/Men’s Rugby

It wouldn’t be accurate to the Cardiff University experience if rugby wasn’t a feature – after all, rugby is truly a core part of the spirit of Wales.

Cardiff offers a huge range of men’s and women’s teams: from “friendlies” to BUCS – there is something for everyone.

Speaking to the women’s rugby team – one of the fastest growing sports societies – they stated: “We welcome members of all ability – pro players all the way to complete beginners”.

They emphasised that the team helps to create “strong friendships through sport”.

While most rugby teams no longer offer GIAG sessions, they are always welcoming new players to training to try it out.

Wondering what all the Welsh rugby spirit is about? Well, get in touch with one of the societies and see for yourself.

Make sure to head over to the Refreshers Fair at Cardiff University on 28th January and see them all for yourself.