Cymru on campus: Here’s why you should join Exeter Uni’s Welsh Society

Currently with 206 members for the current academic year, Exeter’s Welsh society is one of the biggest in UK universities.

As a Welsh student attending the University of Exeter, I’ll admit I found it quite difficult to adjust at first. However, once I joined the Welsh society, I quickly felt much more at home.

From wild socials to watching the rugby and wholesome welfare moments, Welsh Soc has been nothing but welcoming, and, of course, a lot of fun.

Mali, this year’s president, says the main goal of the society, especially at the beginning of the year, is “to make people who are getting homesick, or feel like they haven’t really made any friends […]  have something that reminds them of home.”

“And after that, it’s about having a community behind you basically and feeling like there are always people you can turn to,” she added.

What’s even better about the society is that you don’t actually have to be Welsh to join. The vice president, Chloe, says: “If you aren’t all Welsh, or completely not Welsh at all, or if you just have English friends in your flat, bring anyone, come along.” 

Chloe continued: “As long as you’ll happily watch the rugby with us and won’t be mean when we lose.” 

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Joining societies is an essential part of uni life, and for the Welsh soc committee, that couldn’t be truer. General secretary, Tom, said: “I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t join the Welsh society… it [uni] truly would have been a different experience. And a worse one too.”

@euwelshsoc

another great social! 🤠🤠 #exeter #exetah #uni #welsh

♬ yall r weird under this sound.. – jeilyn

It’s no secret that the Welsh society knows how to throw a good night out, but there’s much more to them than just drinking.

“People don’t realise it’s not just socials. We’ll have our welfare moments; we watch the rugby together; we have sports teams. You’re not just joining for the socials. There is so much more included in that,” Mali said.

Tom added: “You do not need to drink at the socials. We always have someone sober”.

You don’t have to speak Welsh to get involved, but you can if you want to. Eight out of 10 committee members speak the language, but they’re all bilingual and use both languages on their Instagram too. They go out of their way to keep the society accessible and make sure everyone feels involved.

So, if you’re thinking of joining, Mali says come along, even “if you just want someone to watch the rugby with.”

“If you pass us on the street or on campus and you want to ask a question, just ask.

“And our membership is really cheap – it’s a cheap price for unlimited experiences and memories,” Tom added.

If that hasn’t convinced you to join one of the best societies on campus, I don’t know what will.

For more info or if you want to go along to a social, follow Welsh Soc on Instagram and TikTok.

And for more of the latest news, guides, gossip, and memes, follow The Exeter Tab on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.