Here are the most UNDERrated Exeter Uni societies and why you should join them

When you mention that topic of societies to an Exeter student, their mind instantly goes straight to the likes of rugby, hockey and lacrosse.

Whilst this is understandable as TP Wednesdays and rugby varsity are typical highlights of most students’ social calendar, there are (unbelievably) around 300 other societies that new and current students can join. All of which are equally as fun and sociable but are actually a little underrated.

Exeter offers various societies for everyone’s interests and hobbies. Why not join one? Who knows, you may fall in love with it.

So, here is a list of societies you should consider joining this upcoming academic year.

Benchball Society

Up first is Benchball society – promoting itself to be one of Exeter’s most affordable sports societies.

Benchball was THE game that would make PE bearable in school, with similarities to netball and dodgeball.

They have weekly socials, varying from pottery painting to “dress as your degree” club nights, plus winter and summer balls.

Every year there is also a Benchball Varsity where universities from across the country meet up to compete against each other and Exeter’s Benchball Society has been the reigning champ for two years.

So, if some light-hearted and sociable exercise sounds like a bit of you, here is the link to their Benchball Guild page.

Bodysoc

Body society is another exercise and movement-related group, but one that is very inclusive and accessible. They host various classes such as yoga, Zumba and dance fitness all at a student-friendly cost.

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Bodysoc promotes having alcoholic and non-alcoholic socials, such as cake mornings and pub crawls, which also seems like the perfect place to meet new people who enjoy similar types of exercise to you.

If this wasn’t enough to convince you to become a bodysoc-er, maybe their termly £10 balls will entice you to give it a go? Or maybe the fact they won the Exeter Students Guild Wellbeing Award last year? Want to join bodysoc? Here is their Guild page.

Nightline

Now, moving away from fitness-related societies, Nightline is a society which is both underrated and undervalued. By calling their number on the back of your student card, you can access a free, anonymous and confidential listening service which is operated by students who volunteer their spare time.

If you don’t feel like talking to someone over the phone, they also have a message-chat feature, which can be found on the Nightline website here. 

So, if you would like to either volunteer or access their services, here is the Nightline Guild page to find out more.

Taylor Swift Society

Even though The Eras tour has unfortunately ended in the UK, the love for all things T-Swift continues in Exeter through Swiftsoc.

With their socials ranging from crafting tote bags and bracelets to attending the Swiftogeddon tour, it is certainly the society to join if you’re partial to a bit of Shake It Off or All Too Well (10 minute version, obvs).

The society also picks a different charity each year to fundraise money for. This coming year it is for Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services – a brilliant charity that provides confidential support to survivors across Devon.

Enjoy listening to Taylor and also want to raise some money for an incredible organisation? Look no further than their guild page here. 

Contemporary Choir

On the topic of music, the Exeter University Contemporary Choir is the largest music society on campus, promoting that they are ‘non-auditioned’ and sing a wide range of genres – catering to everyone’s taste and abilities.

They have weekly rehearsals, socials, and occasional concerts as a way to showcase the amazing talent that the Choir holds.

If you like singing AND playing sports, this Contemporary Choir also has intra-mural sports teams, so there is no need to compromise your vocal chords with your netball position. If you thinking that this new academic year is the time to join this friendly and approachable Choir, here is their Guild page.

Padel Club

Debuting at Exeter this September, Exeter Padel Club aims to be diverse, accessible and appealing by welcoming players from all backgrounds and levels of physical abilities.

Students can get discounted rates on court hire and have the chance to compete in the National University Padel League (NUPL).

With their affordable membership, you can also access exclusive brand deals on rackets and grips, amongst so much more.

Played similarly to tennis in terms of its scoring, this fun racquet game is guaranteed to bring an exciting element to exercise and is a brilliant way to play competitive sports but with less pressure.

So, fancying picking up a Padel and having a shot at it? Check out their Guild page here.

HER campus

At Exeter, the arts, literary and media talent is flourishing, and societies such as Her Campus contributes to this.

Being exclusively for female and non-binary writers, they encourage inclusivity, equity and creativity. Her Campus is not just an Exeter-based society, they are a global media outlet fostering empowering perspectives including (but not limited to) world affairs, lifestyle, and relationships.

But do you have to be a well-versed writer to join? Nope. All you need is a passion for writing and a love for diversity and you are certain to fit in perfectly to the Her Campus family.

To find out more about joining Her Campus, click here.

Open Water Swimming Society

Coming to university pushes you out of your comfort zone, but Open Water Swimming Society will push you even further.

Meeting up for a weekly sea swim at Dawlish Warren, OWSS is a brilliant place to get some exercise in whilst appreciating the natural beauty surrounding Exeter. Similar to the other underrated societies that have already been mentioned, this society is accessible to everyone, regardless of whether you have always lived near the sea and go for a swim regularly, or are a city person whose not had their first dip yet.

Their memberships are also FREE so if the benefits of sea swimming itself does not make you want to join, then what would?

Want to make a splash in the world of Open Water Swimming, here is the OWSS Guild page.

Any cultural or religion-related societies

Finally, any societies that are related to different cultures or religions are brilliant places to start if you are missing home or just want to connect to people with similar backgrounds.

At Exeter, there is a group for almost every country, culture and religion, from Portuguese to Polish, Azerbaijani to African and Caribbean, there is certainly a place you will feel comfortable, and if you think there is not – you can make your own society.

There are far too many to link each one, but if you go straight to the societies section of the Exeter Students’ Guild page and select the ‘Cultural’ category, you can choose the perfect one to suit you from their extensive list.

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