How to pick the club that's right for you
EXPERT ADVICE
By Mitch McBurnie, Director of Marketing & Experience, Arc - UNSW Student Life
What is a UNSW Club?
UNSW has 300+ Clubs, run by students and supported by Arc, that range from huge faculty societies to Sport Clubs to special interest Clubs. While some Clubs have been around for years, all students need to start a Club.
Does every faculty have their own Club?
Sure do! The fancy name for a Club or Society that represents faculty or school is “constituent club”. Most give you automatic membership when you study with them, but you should make sure you like them on Facebook, join the group and rock up to their events. They will keep your social life (and grades) on track.
Why is it good to join a Club/Society?
It’s not good. It’s the BEST! Clubs are a way to ignite your passion, develop your skills, meet awesome people and get involved in a community. There is something for everyone (and then some), and if we don’t have what you’re looking for, you can start your own!
What should I take into consideration when deciding which Club(s) to join?
- Do what you love. Your passions and interests will always energise you so unleash them!
- Try something new. Uni is a time in your life to take risks and get outside your comfort zone.
- Throw yourself in. It's not high school – your parents aren’t dropping you off, and your teachers aren’t forcing you to attend, so you have to make the commitment to turn up to stuff.
What is your personal favourite Club at UNSW?
Online, PhotoClub is awesome. They run amazing workshops from upping your Instagram game to hardcore DSLR camera and the people involved are really inspiring.
In Sydney, I love Adventure Society and Outdoors Club. They both explore the city and beyond in incredible ways and give you access to experiences that you wouldn’t otherwise find yourself.
What happens in Clubs?
Depends what you join. Latin Dance Society does weekly dance. Debating Society does weekly debating. Data Society does weekly data. But there is so much more – there are camps, games nights, cruises, balls, road trips, workshops, shows, dinners and the list goes on.
What is the most unusual Club at UNSW?
Don’t make me choose between my babies! But I can’t look past the wholesomeness of UNSW Dog Appreciation Society. They do merch, dog walks and most recently a mystery night called “The Case of the Missing Sausage”.
Are the Clubs for postgrads?
All clubs are for everyone – but yes there are clubs specifically for postgrads, the biggest one is Graduate Student Association.
Do Clubs offer virtual events and social opportunities? And what is Discord?
There are heaps of online events every week so you can sign up and show up (and stay in your sweats).
Heaps of Clubs also use Discord for regular hangouts and online events. Check it out here.
How do I join a Club?
So easy!
- Make sure you’ve joined Arc.
- Head to SpArc to see the full list and join the ones you like.
- Rock up to events and get involved.
How can students get in touch with you or a member of your team?
Drop the friendly Arc Clubs team an email or slide into the Arc DMs on Facebook.