The most rogue University of Manchester societies that you need to join

Societies are a great way to find your gang when starting university as a little fresher, especially if the people in your flat aren’t growing on you like you thought they might. However, sports don’t come naturally to all, so the classics like netball or rugby may not be your first pick.

Don’t stress; I’ve done the necessary legwork and found the most unique societies at the University of Manchester that could be a match made in heaven for you. Whether you’re into late-night shawarma runs, intense escape rooms, or you fancy doing hide and seek pub crawls, UoM has an excellent array of choices. Even if you think you have the most niche interests, there’s a society for all in Manchester. After some extremely intense and thorough research, I have concluded my mission is to try them all.

Hide and Seek Society

Everyone’s favourite childhood game. If you were a champ at this when you were younger, this society is the perfect place to show off your skills on a bigger playing field. This society takes the classic game to the next level, organising events across clubs and bars. My personal favourite is the pub crawl, which is kind of like a treasure hunt, with clues leading you to the next pub and of course a prize for the winners. A must try.

Pirate Society

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If your wardrobe consists of at least one corset, you’re already halfway to fitting in. This society organises fun events like film viewings and socials in bars with just one dress code: pirates. And all the money they raise goes to charity. Perfect if you want to meet fellow Pirates of the Caribbean fans while also contributing to a good cause. Don your best Jack Sparrow hat and get ready to meet your new pirate besties!

Shawarma Society

When you have such a great range of kebab shops in Manchester, it would be rude not to join the shawarma society. MUSS organise weekly trips to different shawarma joints where you can meet fellow people who know good food. They visit both fine dining establishments like Alzains on the Curry Mile and Fallowfield’s finest takeaways like Turkiss. A real tour de shawarma. What’s better than finding your new bestie over a kebab?

Escape Room Society

Their tagline is “Do you feel trapped in your university work? Well practice escaping with our society.” I had never been more intrigued. They organise events and trips to escape rooms as well as host puzzle socials. Let’s be honest, escaping from a locked room with a group of strangers is bound to forge stronger friendships than a rugby initiation ever could.

Board Games Society

If your flatmates don’t take Monopoly as seriously as they should or refuse to acknowledge the true high stakes of Cluedo, then this is your crowd. The board games society meets weekly for three hours of strategy, competition, and fun, plus extra social events to help you connect with fellow board game enthusiasts. Just remember that board games can make or break a friendship, so maybe take it easy on the first few trips.

Disney Society

Do you think that no film will ever top Tangled? Or Frozen? I can’t blame you, they are masterpieces. If so, Disney society is the ideal place for you. An inclusive society that hosts themed charity fundraisers, quizzes and movie nights, just to name a few of their activities. With such a wide range of activities you are bound to find a fellow Disney-obsessed friend, and maybe doing Disney karaoke together will be a real bonding moment.