The weird and wonderful world of university clubs

Illustrated by Eden Laing

By Leila Lois

First-year, eager to make friends, try something new, and not spend the entirety of my time at uni studying in my bedroom, I became the Social Secretary for the University Ballet Club. Essentially, this involved organising raucous BYO dinners and picnics between our classes and shows each semester. I probably dedicated more time to ballet at university than I did to my ‘academic’ studies, but somehow, I managed to get a high enough GPA to apply for Postgraduate study. Being part of the University Ballet Club made me realise I wanted to do further study in Dance, not my original honours subject. I feel that clubs may even help you work towards further study or a career you might love, instead of doing what you think you ‘ought to’ do. Alternatively, student clubs can be fun, silly, and an excuse to get together with weirdos just like you… which was certainly the case for me.  

Here are some random clubs at other (anonymous) universities, to make you giggle, or feel less weird: 

Assassins’ Guild, various universities. I remember seeing these guys go at it on the university lawns and I’ve heard they exist everywhere…  Members take part in mock assassinations across the campus. They have mock assassination targets and must try to ‘get’ them with water pistols or toy swords. Sometimes games can last for weeks… I don’t know how they have the stamina. 

Rock Paper Scissors Club 

This is a club that takes competition very seriously. Imagine the tension competing to be the ultimate RPS champion each semester… you could cut the air with a knife, or scissors.  

Jailbreak Society, various universities. Members make teams where their goal is to get as far away from “jail”– the university campus – as possible within just 36 hours. Some students (apparently) have been able to persuade airport staff to let them on flights for free and ended up on the other side of the world… not sure how they got back? Rich mummy and daddy?  

Extreme ironing society 

Does what it says on the tin. Bring your iron, your ironing board and maybe some climbing ropes or crampons to experience the most thrill-seeking version of no one’s favourite chore.  

Custard wrestling society.  

Pretty obvious how this one goes. Members spend their evenings wrestling each other in a paddling pool filled with custard. Standard.