University isn’t just about attending lectures and burying yourself in a textbook. Some of the most valuable experiences you can have while at university are the social ones. And what better way to socialise than to join one of the many student clubs and societies?
Around the world, students are constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional clubs and societies, coming up with weirder and wackier interests to share. Some notable international standouts are the Nicholas Cage Appreciation Society at Lincoln University, the Extreme Ironing Club at the University of Nottingham, and the Assassin’s Guild at Cambridge University.
However, many Australian universities have interesting clubs and societies of their own. Here are five of the best student clubs you probably didn’t know existed.
Pirates Club - University of Melbourne
If you’ve ever had the urge to sail the seven seas, uncover buried loot or just do some general plundering, then the University of Melbourne’s Pirates Club might be for you!
Dedicated to all things musical and piratey, the Pirates Club aims to raise awareness of pirate awesomeness and provide an environment for pirates and generally cool people to socialise and form new friendships.
And as their motto states, ‘time flies when you’re having rum’!
Gastrodiplomacy Club - University of Sydney
Have you ever wondered if food could change the world? Well, the students at the University of Sydney did, and decided to form the Sydney Uni Gastrodiplomacy club.
Gastrodiplomacy is an emerging field of study that considers how food can be used for diplomacy and peacebuilding around the world
The club hosts monthly dinner and discussion nights, as well as networking, professional development, and a range of other food-focused events throughout the year.
If you are a lover of peace or peas, you might just be a gastrodiplomat in the making!
Coders for Causes - University of Western Australia
Maybe you’re looking for a club to not only meet new people but also make a difference. Well, if you’re a lover of tech and social justice, we recommend the Coders for Causes at the University of Western Australia.
This club aims to promote and facilitate student developers with projects focused on creating technical solutions for charities and non-profit organisations.
Not only is this a great way to give back, but it is also a perfect opportunity for student developers to gain some real work experience before entering the workforce.
Check out their website to see a list of current projects, guides and workshops.
Taylor Swift Club - Multiple universities
Whether it's the Swifties’ Society (Taylor’s Version) at the University of Melbourne, or The Taylor Swift Society (USYD’s Version) at Sydney University, one of the most popular clubs popping up at universities everywhere is the Taylor Swift club.
Hosting ERAS tour viewing parties, Swiftie game and trivia nights, ‘study and swift’, and karaoke nights, these clubs promote creating a safe space for the fan base to express their appreciation for Taylor and her music, no bad blood here!
If there is a blank space on your list of social clubs, this might be the love story you’re looking for.
Robogals - Multiple universities
Founded in 2008, Robogals is a student-run organisation that has become a global movement committed to transforming the underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Robogals boasts over 30 chapters across the globe in over 10 different countries, including clubs at the University of Adelaide, the University of New South Wales, the Australian National University and Monash University.
The group provides a range of student-led programs, free engineering and technology workshops, and events such as their sew & circuits event and annual industry gala.
Have your own idea for starting a weird or wacky university club or society? We recommend checking out our recent article on Starting Your Own University Club.
