University is one of the few times in life when doing something completely new does not need an explanation.
University is one of the few times in life when doing something completely new does not need an explanation.
You could join a society because the event poster looked interesting. You could try a sport you have never played before. You could go to a workshop, learn to DJ, volunteer at an event, perform on stage, start going to the gym, apply for a student role, or say yes to a plan you would usually avoid. Not everything has to fit into a career plan. Not everything has to look impressive on LinkedIn. Some things are worth trying simply because they make your life more interesting.
That is the beauty of university. You are surrounded by people who are also experimenting with who they are. Everyone is trying to find their circle, their routine, their confidence, and their thing. This makes uni one of the easiest places to be a beginner without it feeling strange.
Trying something new can also change the way you see yourself. You might realise you are more confident than you thought. You might discover a hobby that becomes a part of your personality. You might meet people you would have never crossed paths with otherwise. Sometimes, one random decision can lead to a whole new version of your university experience.
The important thing is not to wait until you feel fully ready. Most people never feel ready before trying something new. You just show up, feel slightly awkward for the first few minutes, and then realise it wasn’t as scary as you thought.
University goes by faster than you expect. At some point, you will remember the nights you almost skipped, the events you went to last minute, the people you met by chance, and the hobbies you tried for no serious reason. This is what makes new things worth it. Not every experience has to change your life. Some will just give you a funny story, a new friend, a bit more confidence, or a better sense of what you actually enjoy.
The Guild of Students has over 350 societies that you can join, so if you want to try something new, why not start there?
So, while you are here, leave some room for the unexpected. University is not just about becoming the person you planned to be. Sometimes, it is about discovering parts of yourself that you did not know were there.
Written by Residence Life Wellbeing Assistant, Nikhil