“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a St Andrews Student in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a society to join. However little known the feelings or views of such a student may be on her first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding returning students, that she is considered the prospective rightful property of someone or other of St Andrews Legendary Societies. “
Okay so the above was loosely based on the famous opening lines of Pride and Prejudice, just to get the message across how important societies are to the average St Andrews Student. Just as how husbands were all the rage for Mrs. Bennett and all the other ladies, societies are the ‘It’ thing for us.
While the ladies were spoilt for choice with men like Wickham, Darcy and Bingley, St Andrews students have a choice of countless societies!
How about joining Astrosoc? You don’t need to be an avid Astronomy student you just need to have a love for stars and possibly a general lust for wanting to lie back on the West Sands beach and look up at the clear skies instead of joining your class mates at your favourite watering hole.
Stars not your thing? Not to fret! Maybe Harry Potter and Gin is the society for you. This society hits two birds with one stone with a “swish and a flick”! Qudditch in normal circumstances is already cool enough – but pub – style quidditch? Not for the faint hearted unless you have some Felix Felicis you can use for the night.
Perhaps appreciating fine food is more your deal? Tonnucks Society or Fine Chocolate Society are made for you. In my opinion both Tonnucks Wafer and a Godiva Chocolate are the foods of gods so why not treat it with the respect it deserves and join a society that worships it weekly? Remember everyone is trying to be green on campus- so dispose of all the wrappers the next morning in the correct bin!
Or perhaps a TV buff? Why not get your sonic screwdriver and join the other time lords in the DocSoc. Yes a society dedicated to all the Doctors who have come and gone! More of a Dalek fan? Not to worry I’m sure you’ll be accepted all the same!
Maybe travelling is more your thing – so head on over to the societies dedicated to more countries than I can count on my fingers. Join one of these societies and have weekly doses of new and exciting countries such as Hungary, Japan, Italy, Poland or even Russia. When I applied to St Andrews, I knew they were very keen on having international ties and this simply confirms it a hundred times over.
However, societies aren’t just there for TV show fans, Food enthusiasts, Muggles, or travel junkies but also for those who are looking for a place to channel their energy for the greater good.
Into medicine and science- make the world a better place by joining Teddy Bear Hospital Society, or perhaps Medsin? Perhaps that’s not your thing but still want to give a helping hand? Not to worry Oxfam, Save the Children and Charity Runners are always looking for students to join their ranks in their heart-warming societies.
Maybe you’re a student who wants to leave a mark in St.Andrew’s and later on the rest of the world? Join Foreign Affairs, Model United Nations or even UNYSA St. Andrews. You certainly do not have to be an IR student to join these societies- you just need to have an open mind and the ability to understand others’ opinions as if they are your own.
St Andrews definitely is the place to be if you find yourself swaying lonely on your first day during orientation week – but not to worry the loneliness will wear off before you know it as within moments of setting foot on campus you will be met with flyers, goodies and members from so many societies that before you know it you’ll be drawing up tables and charts like you did to choose the perfect university; except this time you’ll be weighing the pros and cons of the most amazing society (or two, or three) to join during your time in Scotland.
And just remember – if there isn’t a society for what you hold dearest to your heart – check at the Union to see how you and your friends can start your own society!
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