This is the second blog in my series of Welcome themed Student Group Shout-Outs, all about the amazing work our groups and associations have done to greet new and returning students. Take a look at what they’ve been up to, and remember you can still get involved, it’s never too late to join! Visit our website to learn all about our fantastic Student Groups.
UoB Psychology Society:
Psychology launched two schemes to get their members to mix with other psychology students and help them feel part of a community.
One of these schemes was called the Social Circle, which is a scheme where psychology students can meet others with similar interests. Students were put in a group of 3-5 like-minded people. In total 117 Psychology students signed up and were put into groups.
Psychology also launched their annual Family Scheme. This scheme involves both undergraduate and postgraduate Psychology and Neuroscience students. It’s a chance for students to get advice, meet students across all years and feel part of the university community. 208 students signed up and 35 families were formed.
Get to know UoB Psychology Society.
Gluten Free Soc:
Gluten Free Soc held a meet and greet which was a great way for members to get to know each other, get support and advice, and meet like-minded people who had all experienced similar things. They also hosted bake-alongs via Instagram Live for a week!
They are also in the process of creating a guide for gluten-free student life at UoB and sharing a few maps with gluten free destinations on campus, in Selly Oak and in the city centre.
To join Gluten Free Soc, view their Guild profile page.
Occ Soc:
The Occult and Paranormal Society hosted two activities during Welcome - their taster session was called “Spells and Sigils for Success” where they all made a sigil (a symbol of power) and charged it with a spell to help everyone succeed in the academic year! Here’s one committee members sigil to manifest “I am successful”
They also did a livestream on Twitch where they did tarot readings for people in the chat.
They pulled a card for the readers of your blog, which was the Knight of Pentacles – this card is all about hard work, organisation, and a systematic approach! It reminds you to keep working methodically towards your goals and to remain committed to the task at hand. You don’t need to work quickly, just be persistent and dedicated, and try to stick to a consistent routine. The daily grind might become a bit repetitive or frustrating, but stick with it and don’t leave a job half done – you’ll be grateful for it later!
They also launched their OccSoc Discord server where members can chat about whatever aspects of the paranormal they’re interested in, from sharing their favourite spells to raving about the latest episode of Ratched! It’s becoming a lovely little community of friendly witchy people, and we’re looking forward to seeing it develop over the year!
Thinking of joining Occ Soc? Here’s how.
FolkSoc:
Folk Society hosted an online Zoom taster session to introduce the society and engage with people who are interested in folk, traditional or acoustic music. They have exciting plans for this year and they can’t wait for the year ahead!
Here’s how you can join Folk Soc.
BedSoc:
BedSoc have been doing committee takeovers on Instagram to keep things interactive! They’re trying to encourage more non-English students to join because especially this year their socials are very English-themed, for example for Halloween they’re planning to do a Dracula/Frankenstein themed paint night where they publish templates for inspiration before-hand, so it’s great for anyone who likes English/books/creativity! BedSoc are planning on doing 2 socials a week: one that’s more creative at the beginning of the week and a more fun one towards the end!
As well as socials, they’re doing other challenge-based activities like wellbeing Wednesday to help encourage new students to settle into uni life i.e. join their sports teams that week etc!
Get to know BedSoc.
ValeFest:
Valefest were really excited to be a part of the Lakeside event and they booked 30 acts from the University and all over Birmingham to perform. They also did three live-streams in partnership with the Guild and Twitch, putting on a mini Virtual ValeFest across the three, with music sets, cooking tutorials, sign language lessons, Q&As and other exciting activities. Check out ValeFest.