Meet Challenge for Change, the Glasgow University society that could take you up Mount Everest

Morocco Atlas Mountains

The challenges themselves vary widely, and Robert starts with Morocco: “If your idea of a summer break is less Ibiza Weekender and more ascending a North African giant, then the Atlas Mountains trek is probably your Roman Empire.”

This year’s challenge leader, Aly, summed it up perfectly: “Climb to the highest point in North Africa and immerse yourself in Moroccan culture.” Translation: Lots of hiking, lots of tagine, lots of bragging rights.

Beyond the scenery and sore calves, the challenge raises money for Teenage Cancer Trust, which hits close to home because cancer is one of the biggest health threats facing young people. The charity funds specialist wards, nurses, and support services designed specifically for teens and young adults, so your trek isn’t just a glorified leg day.

Everest Base Camp

If you’ve ever looked at your seminar workload and thought “yeah, but what if I just disappeared into the wilderness,” the Everest Base Camp trek is calling your name.

“It’s one of those experiences that permanently upgrades your bragging rights”. Hit them with “I hiked to Everest” and enjoy the stunned silence. Your matches on Hinge will never believe you.

All the fundraising for this challenge goes to the Meningitis Research Foundation, which makes total sense considering “students are one of the most affected groups”.

Living in halls, sharing pints, sharing vapes, sharing literally everything except common sense… it’s prime territory for meningitis to spread. Sponsorship money helps fund research, support families, and push prevention campaigns that actually protect people our age.

This year’s challenge leaders, Kirsty and Lucas, put it best: “You’ll fly into the most dangerous airport in the world, drink in the world’s highest Irish pub, and witness the raw beauty of the Himalayas.”

Not to sway anyone, but this challenge is easily this author’s personal fave having completed it last September. You can read the full deep-dive here.

Kilimanjaro 

If you want the kind of uni story that will permanently shut down everyone else’s “gap year in Bali” chat, summiting Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, is very much That Move. Challenge leader Aaran puts it bluntly: “It’s a rare opportunity to test yourself, experience something extraordinary, and contribute to a cause that matters.” Hard to argue with that.

We’re told “this is a serious altitude trek, so expect thin air, sub-zero nights, and a lot of character development”. Imagine casually dropping “one of the Seven Summits” into a seminar icebreaker. Ungodly clout.

All fundraising for this challenge goes to Amnesty International, which makes the whole thing hit even harder. While you’re climbing towards the sky, your sponsorship is helping defend human rights on the ground. Not a bad side quest to have going while you’re hiking through the clouds.

Budapest Marathon

If you’ve ever thought, “maybe I am the kind of person who runs a marathon,” Budapest seems like the safest place to test that delusion. The 26-mile route is famously flat and winds along the Danube past some of the city’s biggest landmarks, so at least you’ll be distracted by pretty buildings while choking up a lung.

Challenge leader John sums it up as “challenging yourself physically and mentally in one of Europe’s most historic cities.” And honestly, if you manage to raise the money and run a marathon, your Christmas dinner humblebragging rights will be unmatched.

Fundraising goes to Street Child, helping provide education and protection for children living in some of the toughest conditions worldwide. So yes, you’re running for something genuinely important, not just the right to brag at pre-drinks.

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