Societies are what make life at UCL feel like a community. They’re where you can meet people who get your interests and just feel like you belong. We’re celebrating all the societies doing amazing things this year and giving a shout-out to the top 10 with the biggest memberships, who keep bringing students together and making life at UCL fun.
These are the groups that have built communities that students can't wait to be a part of:
1: Hiking Club
With over 2,200 members, UCL Hiking Club takes the top spot as the society with the most amount of members. They organise incredible hikes around London and beyond, aiming to help people to get involved in hiking and exploring the outdoors.
They're an incredibly active club (last academic year they ran over 85 events!), and meet every weekend to travel to a destination on the outskirts of London or in the wider East/South East of the UK. Check them out!
2: Economics and Finance Society
Coming in at spot number two is the Economics and Finance Society (EFS)! They provide a platform that connects students with top career opportunities, while making your time at uni more fun, social, and rewarding. With over 100 annual events, an 100 per cent mentorship success rate and over 20 society collaborations, EFS is an incredible way to explore career paths and grow your professional network (plus enjoy some fun socials!)
3: Dance Society
With over 1,100 members, Dance Society takes third place. They offer free weekly classes for members run by experienced, professional teachers in tap, ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, break and commercial. This year, they've also added student-led 'Absolute Beginner' classes for anyone who wants to grow their confidence before jumping into their first dance class!
In addition to dance classes, Dance Society hosts numerous shows each year, participates in multiple inter-university competitions, runs successful volunteering programme called Dance It!, where they teach dance at a local community centre, as well as hosting regular socials.
4: Tennis Club
With over 900 members, UCL Tennis Club is the biggest sports society at UCL - plus one of the largest across the country! As well as all of their activity on the court, they also hold weekly socials, team dinners, charity events, inter-university events and balls! Find out what they're all about.
5: Investment Society
UCL's Investment Society (UCLIS) provides financial education through real-world investing experience, their mentorship programme, and their flagship Finance Conference - where the top students apply to manage UCLIS’ £10,000 real money fund. Their aim is to equip members with the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in finance - and you can join them!
6: Yoga and Meditation Club
Coming in at sixth place is Yoga and Meditation Club, with over 800 members. Joining the Yoga & Meditation Club is a great way to de-stress, stretch, and recharge during a busy term. Plus, it’s a chance to meet like-minded students and explore meditation and mindfulness in a welcoming, supportive environment.
7: Badminton Club
It doesn't matter if you’re new to badminton or a seasoned player, Badminton club is ready to welcome you in. With both social membership and competitive membership options, there really is something for everyone. They've also created a real community on campus, with regular social events happening throughout the year.
8: Entrepreneurs Society
Our Entrepreneur's Society has been promoting entrepreneurship and helping students create globally impactful startups since 2007. Their aim is to employ radical creativity to solve the big problems facing our generation - helping their members to dream big about the future! They follow a three part pipeline to success: Inspire, catalyse and grow. You can check them out here!
9: Salsa Society
Salsa Society aims to bring people together through a love for all the different flavours of Latin music and dance. All levels of dancers are welcome, from complete beginners to advanced! No dance shoes, special equipment, or partner is needed. In our End of Year Awards Ceremony last academic year, they won the award for Most Inclusive Arts Society of the Year, Best Event Award Jazz x Salsa Fiesta - Jazz Society & Salsa Society.
10: Consulting Society
Rounding off the top ten is Consulting Society! They aim to educate about the infinite consulting opportunities available - from Management & Strategy Consulting to Tech or even Environmental Consulting. They partner with external firms to put on events and presentations, and offer practical experience in the form of projects ranging from start-ups to charities, and partnering with mentors from consultancies where you can apply to be a student consultant. You can join them here!
How you can get involved
Our clubs and societies are here for everyone, and with over 400 to choose from, you're sure to find something you like. Getting involved in a society is a great way to build your community here at UCL - you can check out all of the groups you can be a part of here.