Xiaohongshu
The artsUCL community is made up of almost 50 different arts groups, covering drama, art, fashion, multiple music genres, salsa, freestyle dance, candle-making, graphic novels, and more!
In other words, there’s something for everyone.
However, with so much choice, it can be difficult to decide what’s right for you. Below are some steps on how to join the perfect arts group for you and create your community at UCL.
1. Research
Every artsUCL society has a webpage. Welcome Week can be busy, but if you have time, put 10 minutes aside to look through what societies there are and what they get up to.
Each society page will tell you a little bit about their ethos and what events they have, such as, socials, workshops, classes, and talks.
Head to the Students’ Union Student Groups Webpage and filter the groups by arts activites, for example:
- Performing Arts
- Music
- Visual Arts
- Dance
2. Come to the Arts Fair
Once you have an idea of what Societies you might be interested in, head to the Arts Fair to chat to them in person! This is taking place during Welcome Fest on Tuesday 29 September, 10am – 3pm, in the North Cloisters.
There you will be able to ask any questions you have, chat to new people who are either involved in societies already or who want to join up too.
There’s also a Speed Friending happening in the Yellow Room, so you can break the ice with other new joiners interested in the arts!
3. Tasters
Once you’ve narrowed down the societies you’re interested in, you can sign-up for a free, or low-cost, taster membership and attend some taster sessions. This helps you work out if you enjoy the society, without the worry of long-term or financial commitment.
4. Join!
If you’ve enjoyed your time looking into artsUCL and loved your taster sessions, you should be good to go!
- All students are automatically enrolled into the Students' Union. If you aren't for any reason, you can become a member of the Students’ Union for free here: Union Membership Form
- Log into the Union website with your UCL log-in and join your chosen society!
Societies do cost money to join; the membership fee is generally based on what the society provides in terms of space, equipment, and activity. The membership fees help fund the society and all the great things they do throughout the year.
We do, however, know that money can be a barrier and can prevent people from getting involved. If you’d like some financial support to get involved in societies, we have the Student Participation Fund: find out more here.
5. Still not sure?
If you still aren’t sure about joining a society, but you want to do something creative during your time here, have a look at our artsUnlocked Programme. Here we provide low-cost and low-commitment arts workshops and activities!
If you have any questions about artsUCL societies and how to join them, email [email protected] and address your email to Aggie, Arts Development Coordinator.