Here are nine of the most iconic and unhinged university societies you can currently join

University societies are a staple of the uni experience, but there are some really iconic and equally downright unhinged societies that you can join whilst studying. Some of these look very fun, and I’m actually considering starting a new degree just so I can take part, but others have me questioning the sanity of those who are going to them.

Strap in because it’s a wild ride and if you’re part of these societies please don’t cyberbully me.

1. Oxford University & Oxford Brookes – Quidditch Club

Alright, we’re starting off fairly neutrally. Unlike some of the other societies, this one isn’t going to make you want to immediately drop out of uni, and instead will probably just give you the ick.

The Quidditch Club is a joint society with Oxford University and Oxford Brookes and surprise surprise students do Quidditch. And when I say students do Quidditch what I really mean is that they run around with a broomstick between their legs like a dog with the zoomies. I’m already getting major ick, I’m sorry.

The society also competes in both the European and British Quadball Cup where it always finishes in the top two.

But fair play to them because I’d probably get a stitch and not the snitch after five minutes.

2. Newcastle University – 20 Minute Society

Okay, this one is just iconic and I honestly am tempted to apply to Newcastle now purely for this society.

The premise of the 20 Minute Society is that you sign up with your phone number and then get a 20-minute text warning with information about your mystery social location and theme. It also does mystery holidays, weekend trips and winter balls. The real question here is whether Love Island or this society coined “I’ve got a text” first.

3. Newcastle University – Llama, Goat and Alpaca Society

Again, this one I’m including this one because I need other people to feel the injustice that their universities didn’t offer this. Newcastle is clearly hogging all the good society ideas. The Llama, Goat and Alpaca Society aims to “provide a break from stressful university life. Whether you want to walk a Llama, feed Alpacas or do yoga with mini goats we are here for all your LAG needs!”

The things I would do to go on a walk with an alpaca right now are criminal.

4. Glasgow University – Shrek Society

God bless Glasgow University for this one. Not only is its social content top tier but the fact this is an actual society is iconic. Taylor Swift x Shrek is the crossover we never knew we needed. The society organises regular Shrek themes pub crawls, screenings, and karaoke events and even did a collab with the Minecraft society, absolutely iconic scenes.

5. Glasgow Society – Clash of Clans Society

If Shrek was iconic I’m sorry but this one is a flop. No offense to anyone in this society but it’s really not it. Essentially it’s for people who are obsessed with Clash of Clans and aims to “cover all aspects of this app from helping beginners with their bases to full clan wars with participating members.”

Whilst it’s great there really is a society out there for everyone this one is a little bit intense, and honestly, I thought we were past none of us being able to ever escape Clash of Clans at this point. Speaking of societies for everyone this is your warning that the next two are WILD.

6. University of York – Fetish Society

UMMMMM what the actual hell York? I actually have no words, so whilst I compose myself please enjoy this actual quote from the society’s website.  The society organizes speakers who cover topics like “petplay, service submission, wax play and many more!” And that’s not all, oh no.

The society also hosts workshops where you can learn about rope bondage, discussion groups and trips where you can visit “local social groups”, which sounds like code to me.

It also describes itself as having “York’s most interesting show and tell nights!” which I do not doubt at all. Now listen, I’m not kink-shaming one bit and it’s good to be educated I just find it wild this is an actual society on a campus.

7. University of Sussex – Sussex Furs Society

And we’re right into another one. Yep, the University of Sussex has a furry society.

The Sussex Furs describes itself as being “not only suited to all our furry friends but to anyone enthusiastic and open-minded. So, if you are a furry, a handler, an enthusiast, interested in furry culture or just want to meet some fun new people then join us for loads of furry fun! We host events like meetups, picnics, outings in suits, and trips to local conventions.”

Proof there really is a society out there for everyone even if there shouldn’t necessarily be.

8. University of St Andrews – Shire of Caer Caledon Society

Okay, this one people will either think is lame or amazing. I’m firmly in the amazing camp, and now need to befriend someone in this society ASAP. First off it has its own video which I love, second, the actual society is a historical reenactment one where you get to have feasts and then choose a guild to belong to.

Each of the guilds has its own special activities such as artisans who do crafting, bardics who help with performances, music and poetry, brewers who make their own brews, clothiers for crafting clothes as well as shields, cooks who use authentic medieval recipes and fighters who have weekly training sessions.

This is so St Andrews, can you imagine Prince William taking part in this?

9. University of Exeter – Hide and Seek Society

It doesn’t get much more Exeter than this.

This society doesn’t just do hide and seek though, as it also covers “classics like Grandma’s Footsteps and Stuck in the Mud.” It even has a Sports Day. I won’t lie I thought this one sounded lame at first but after looking at its socials it actually looks very wholesome, so good for everyone at Exeter for healing their inner child.

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