Skip to main content

Join the club

Watch the video View all clubs and societies

Clubs and societies

Clubs and societies on the SUBU website

Get ready for more than just your new degree

Our clubs and societies, run via the Students’ Union (SUBU), are based entirely on our students’ passions – so whatever you’re into, we should have it covered. These range from sports to charities, baking to gaming, education to politics or even the Bournemouth Banchees Quidditch Society (yes, it really does exist).

This makes for a truly eclectic mix of over 130 clubs and societies that you can become part of – or SUBU can even help you set up your own if you think they're missing a trick in any area.

Becoming part of a club or society (or more than one if a few take your fancy) will offer you loads of opportunities. From making new friends and socialising, to having fun away from your studies, trying new things, or developing your teamwork and leadership skills – it’ll help to bolster your CV when you graduate too.

Pheobe Watkins BU BA Hons English

“On the social side of things, the opportunities are endless, and if you can’t find your dream society, you can invent it! I’ve tried out the University Orchestra, which was a fantastic experience, and so much fun... this year I’m playing lots of netball with the social team, as part of the Campus Leagues.”

–​ Pheobe Watkins, BA (Hons) English

Find a club or society to match your passion:

Academic

If you have a passion for a particular subject, which may or may not be related to your degree, then joining an Academic club or society might be for you. From the Design Society to the Law Society, BU Women in STEM or the Robotics Network, there are plenty of options to exercise your mind.

Arts & Performance

Embrace your creativity by joining one of our Arts & Performance clubs and societies. If watching Strictly Come Dancing has inspired you, then the Ballroom & Latin Dance Society could be right up your street.

Alternatively, you could get involved in a fully staged musical production in a professional venue as part of the Performing Arts Society.

Cultural

Joining our Cultural clubs and societies will give you a fantastic glimpse into the diversity and mix of global cultures at BU. Learn a completely new language or brush up on your existing linguistic skills, and immerse yourself in your own or another culture.

Faith

Make new friends, take part in social events, learn about other faiths and reflect outside of your busy study schedules – just a few of the things you can expect from the Faith clubs and societies.

Five Star

Explore the clubs and societies which have achieved 5* status from SUBU. Essentially, this means that they have become the crème de la crème of the clubs and societies through increasing participation, encouraging community involvement and raising monies for their chosen charities.

Political & Campaigning

Whether you are a political novice or an experienced campaigner, you can get involved from day one. With opportunities to meet MPs and trips to Parliament, becoming part of these clubs and societies is guaranteed to expand your life experiences.

Sports

If you’ve ever fancied trying your hand at a new sport or are keen to continue with a sport that you love, the Sports clubs and societies can offer you just that. Whether you are a top athlete or just want to keep fit, with over 30 clubs and societies on offer, there’s bound to be something for you to enjoy.

And don’t forget the many classes, activities and the gym run by SportBU if you’re looking for other opportunities to socialise and keep fit.

See all clubs and societies on the SUBU website

Other life-enriching opportunities

Nerve media

Nerve Media

Whether you're interested in the radio station or the monthly magazine, get involved with various writing and production opportunities.
BU RAG Refugee campaign

RAG: Raising & Giving

The award-winning fundraising arm of SUBU could see you hitchhiking abroad or going on a trip of a lifetime, all while supporting good causes and potentially make a huge difference.
Competitive sports

Competitive sports

All of our teams compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) competition which includes 165 universities throughout the UK. We are currently ranked in 22nd place and hope to be in the top 20 by 2019.

“RAG has allowed me to make some amazing friends and learn a lot about how to fundraise. This year I am taking on the Fire and Ice Trek for The Children's Society, with a goal to raise £2,490.”

–​ Emma Reynolds, BU student