What is a society?
Societies are groups of people, sharing similar interests, run by students. With over 250 societies at Queen Mary, there’s something for everyone.
Why should I join a society?
Societies are a great way to meet other students, take part in activities that interest you and develop your skills alongside your academic course.
What type of societies are there?
Our societies are split into categories, based upon the type of activities they do.
- Academic
- Cultural
- Faith
- Arts, Music & Performance
- Campaigning & Political
- Recreational
- Educational, Employability & Enterprising
- Social
Head to our website to find the society for you!
How do I get in touch with a society?
You can get in touch with societies via their email address and social media pages. If you have any problems, please email su-societies@qmul.ac.uk and a member of the Societies Team will be in touch to help.
I am a BL student, can I join a Mile End Society (or vice versa)?
Yes, all students studying at Queen Mary or on a course with Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry can join Barts and the London (BL) and Mile End (ME) based societies.
The society I’m interested in joining is not at the fair, can I still join?
As these groups are completely student run, not all of them are able to attend the Fair. However, this does not stop you from being able to join that society! You can find our full list of societies to find out more information about them first, and we suggest to first get in touch with them before you decide to join or not.
I can’t find a society I'm interested in; can I start my own?
If you have an interest in something that our current societies do not offer, you can apply to start your own. You will need to have at least a President, Treasurer, and Welfare Representative to form your committee, and your aims and objectives must not overlap with our existing
The society page says it’s inactive – can I still join?
Inactive societies have previously been active, but no longer have a committee. This is where we need you! These societies need a President, a Treasurer and a Welfare Representative to lead them and you can restart the society. Head to the ‘Restart a Society’ section for more information.
With the current national restrictions, what will be societies be doing?
Whilst all non-exempt activities have moved online, our societies have many options to help members get involved virtually from quizzes to film nights to online talks and even virtual food events. We’d recommend taking the time to speak to the societies you’re considering joining at the Winter Fair or via email or social media to find out their plans!
What if I am not in London currently, can I still join?
If you’re not currently in London, you can still get involved with many of our student groups virtually. Our society committees have worked hard to make their activities accessible to as many students as possible this year, wherever they’re based.
What does it mean to purchase a membership for a society?
Most society memberships will give you full access to all society events and activities. Some groups require an additional purchase for certain activities so make sure to check with the society before buying membership.
Why do I have to pay for a membership?
All income from memberships goes straight to our society committees to help cover the costs of putting on great activities for you and other members. Memberships are made to be as accessible as possible!
Do I have to purchase membership before taking part in a society?
Some societies will be holding taster sessions, in which you can get involved with an event or activity to try them out before you purchase membership. If the society you are interested in does not have any taster sessions advertised, you can get in contact with the society directly and ask if you would be able to attend one of their events or activities without having a membership.
How do I purchase membership?
All memberships are sold through the Students’ Union website on each society’s mini site, these are listed on the Students’ Union website. Make sure that you’ve logged in before trying to buy a membership. If you have any questions, get in touch with su-societies@qmul.ac.uk and a member of the Societies Team will be able to help.
A society has multiple types of memberships available, which one should I purchase?
In most cases you’ll be buying a standard membership which are open to any QMUL student. Other membership types available may include associate membership (for alumni & non-QMUL students) or Semester 2/B memberships (a cheaper rate for those joining in January). The type of memberships available vary so get in touch with the society committee with any questions.
I've now purchased my membership, what happens next?
The society committee will be in touch via email with more information, make sure to follow them on social media as well. If you have any problems, please email su-societies@qmul.ac.uk and a member of the Societies Team will be in touch to help.
What if I have changed my mind, and no longer want to be a member of a society? Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, we’re unable to refund memberships so make sure that you definitely want to join the society before buying membership. If the society you are interested in does not have any free taster sessions advertised, you can get in contact with the society directly and ask if you would be able to attend one of their events or activities without having a membership.
Who should I contact if I have any problems with a society?
If you have any problems, please email su-societies@qmul.ac.uk and a member of the Societies Team will be in touch to help.