Joining a society in the second semester

3

Hi, I want to join one of my unis societies, but since it's the second semester, I'm scared about doing so. When it was freshers I didn't join any cus I wasn't 18 yet and I'm also absolutely petrified of the idea, but I really want to put myself out there more and make friends. Idk is it too late to do so? The society I'm looking at seems to have one once a week where they go to a club (I think) and I'm scared I won't be able to talk to anyone or make friends. I'm a really anxious and nervous person but I'd really like to try and put myself out there more and actually make more friends. Idk if I should join one now or maybe just wait till second year? Ik that there's a refreshers thing but I missed it unfortunately :frown:

. Anyways, any help or advice is appreciated!!

Reply 1

YSJstudents

Official Rep

15

Original post

by reverse-magnolia

Hi, I want to join one of my unis societies, but since it's the second semester, I'm scared about doing so. When it was freshers I didn't join any cus I wasn't 18 yet and I'm also absolutely petrified of the idea, but I really want to put myself out there more and make friends. Idk is it too late to do so? The society I'm looking at seems to have one once a week where they go to a club (I think) and I'm scared I won't be able to talk to anyone or make friends. I'm a really anxious and nervous person but I'd really like to try and put myself out there more and actually make more friends. Idk if I should join one now or maybe just wait till second year? Ik that there's a refreshers thing but I missed it unfortunately :frown:

. Anyways, any help or advice is appreciated!!

Hi!

I have been in this exact situation, I joined a society at the beginning of second semester of my second year and I can honestly say it is so worth it. people are so welcoming and there is no judgement whatsoever for not joining at the start of the year.

Hope this helps! Faye 🙂

Reply 2

reverse-magnolia

OP

3

Original post

by YSJstudents

Hi!
I have been in this exact situation, I joined a society at the beginning of second semester of my second year and I can honestly say it is so worth it. people are so welcoming and there is no judgement whatsoever for not joining at the start of the year.
Hope this helps! Faye 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing, I really appreciate the help :smile:

Reply 3

De Montfort University

Official Rep

17

Original post

by reverse-magnolia

Hi, I want to join one of my unis societies, but since it's the second semester, I'm scared about doing so. When it was freshers I didn't join any cus I wasn't 18 yet and I'm also absolutely petrified of the idea, but I really want to put myself out there more and make friends. Idk is it too late to do so? The society I'm looking at seems to have one once a week where they go to a club (I think) and I'm scared I won't be able to talk to anyone or make friends. I'm a really anxious and nervous person but I'd really like to try and put myself out there more and actually make more friends. Idk if I should join one now or maybe just wait till second year? Ik that there's a refreshers thing but I missed it unfortunately :frown:

. Anyways, any help or advice is appreciated!!

Hi there,

No, it's not too late! Actually, it's never too late. I was in the same situation as you during my first year. I decided to wait till second year and regretted this decision, as it turned out there was nothing scary about joining society :smile:

Join now!

Take care,
Ilya,
Cyber Security Student from DMU.

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 4

Kingston Zhi En

Official Rep

10

Original post

by reverse-magnolia

Hi, I want to join one of my unis societies, but since it's the second semester, I'm scared about doing so. When it was freshers I didn't join any cus I wasn't 18 yet and I'm also absolutely petrified of the idea, but I really want to put myself out there more and make friends. Idk is it too late to do so? The society I'm looking at seems to have one once a week where they go to a club (I think) and I'm scared I won't be able to talk to anyone or make friends. I'm a really anxious and nervous person but I'd really like to try and put myself out there more and actually make more friends. Idk if I should join one now or maybe just wait till second year? Ik that there's a refreshers thing but I missed it unfortunately :frown:

. Anyways, any help or advice is appreciated!!

Hi there @reverse-magnolia, as an introvert myself I totally understand how putting yourself out there in new environments can feel daunting😵*💫 I would suggest joining a society sooner rather than later! Joining in the first year gives you more time to get to warm up to people and to see if the society is the right fit for you 🙂 if it doesn't work out there are plenty other clubs and societies you can join in your 2nd year at university 🤗 What are some of the societies you are interested in? You can also join a few societies at once as not all societies have the same level of commitment (eg. crochet, film society, board games...) I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in your university experience 😉

Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)

Reply 5

reverse-magnolia

OP

3

Original post

by De Montfort University

Hi there,
No, it's not too late! Actually, it's never too late. I was in the same situation as you during my first year. I decided to wait till second year and regretted this decision, as it turned out there was nothing scary about joining society :smile:

Join now!
Take care,
Ilya,
Cyber Security Student from DMU.

Thank you for sharing that really does help :smile:

Reply 6

reverse-magnolia

OP

3

Original post

by Kingston Zhi En

Hi there @reverse-magnolia, as an introvert myself I totally understand how putting yourself out there in new environments can feel daunting😵*💫 I would suggest joining a society sooner rather than later! Joining in the first year gives you more time to get to warm up to people and to see if the society is the right fit for you 🙂 if it doesn't work out there are plenty other clubs and societies you can join in your 2nd year at university 🤗 What are some of the societies you are interested in? You can also join a few societies at once as not all societies have the same level of commitment (eg. crochet, film society, board games...) I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in your university experience 😉
Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)

I was thinking maybe the rock/metal music, games or maybe a volunteering one! Thanks for the advice :smile:

I'll look more at my options and then just dive in 😊 thanks for the help!!

Reply 7

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

18

Original post

by reverse-magnolia

Hi, I want to join one of my unis societies, but since it's the second semester, I'm scared about doing so. When it was freshers I didn't join any cus I wasn't 18 yet and I'm also absolutely petrified of the idea, but I really want to put myself out there more and make friends. Idk is it too late to do so? The society I'm looking at seems to have one once a week where they go to a club (I think) and I'm scared I won't be able to talk to anyone or make friends. I'm a really anxious and nervous person but I'd really like to try and put myself out there more and actually make more friends. Idk if I should join one now or maybe just wait till second year? Ik that there's a refreshers thing but I missed it unfortunately :frown:

. Anyways, any help or advice is appreciated!!

Hi there,

It’s definitely not too late to join a society! Many students join in second semester or even later in their degree, so you wouldn’t be the only new person. Societies are always open to welcoming new members, and most people won’t even realize you weren’t there from the start.

How to Ease Into It:

•

Message the society (Instagram, Discord, or their SU page) and ask about upcoming events—some may have casual meetups, not just club nights.

•

Start with a low-pressure event (e.g., a social, a coffee meet, or a group activity) instead of jumping straight into a club night.

•

Bring a friend (if possible) – Even if they’re not interested in joining, having someone with you can make it less intimidating.

•

Set small goals – Even saying hi to one or two people is a great start!

•

Remember, everyone was new once – Most people in societies are friendly and joined for the same reason: to meet people!

If this society doesn’t feel right, you could also try another one where the social events are more in your comfort zone. But don’t wait until second year—you might regret not giving it a shot now!
It’s scary at first, but once you go to a few events, it’ll feel more natural. You’ve got this! 😊

Kind & Regards
Coventry University Student Ambassadors.

Reply 8

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

13

Original post

by reverse-magnolia

Hi, I want to join one of my unis societies, but since it's the second semester, I'm scared about doing so. When it was freshers I didn't join any cus I wasn't 18 yet and I'm also absolutely petrified of the idea, but I really want to put myself out there more and make friends. Idk is it too late to do so? The society I'm looking at seems to have one once a week where they go to a club (I think) and I'm scared I won't be able to talk to anyone or make friends. I'm a really anxious and nervous person but I'd really like to try and put myself out there more and actually make more friends. Idk if I should join one now or maybe just wait till second year? Ik that there's a refreshers thing but I missed it unfortunately :frown:

. Anyways, any help or advice is appreciated!!

Hi @reverse-magnolia

This is a great question; it looks like you've had lots of brilliant advice.

I agree it is well worth joining in your second semester! Rock/metal music, games, and volunteering society all sound like good choices. Societies are run by students for students and are a fantastic way to connect with others over shared interests. Having an activity such as games reduces the pressure on you having to have a full-blown conversation with someone too, you can hang out and get to know people over games.

It is surprisingly common to join in the second-semester of your first year as often during the first semester you are busy getting to grips with a new course, the university, and getting to know people on your course.

I actually didn't join any societies until the second semester of my first year, when I joined the Archery Society, and they gave me a reduced fee as I joined halfway through the academic year, so that is worth checking. It depends on how your university operates, some societies let you pay-as-you-go, and many will allow you to attend your first session for free as a taster to see if this society is your cup of tea before you decide to part with any money.

Dropping the society a message so they know you're attending, bringing a friend, and starting with a low-key event is a great way to try out a society, and like the Coventry Reps say everyone was new once, so they will know how it scary it can feel to join for the first time.

Best of luck and have fun!

Lucy ☺️
(Official Uni of Salford Student Rep)

Joining a society in the second semester

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