The quirkiest societies at Bristol’s universities

Societies have come a long way since the classic sports societies of the 1980s.

Students expect more, and in return they get more. With increasing membership fees, and often fiercely competitive societies all vying for the Top Student Society award, it’s no wonder some societies have chosen to go further afield.

Ahead of the exciting launch of the 2022/2023 Student Guide, Bristol24/7 has put together a list of some of our city’s more off-the-wall student societies.

Comic, Sci-fi and Fantasy Society, UWE Bristol

Described as “your one-stop-shop for all things geeky at UWE”, this society appreciates all things sci-fi, from Marvel and Star Wars to Harry Potter, Doctor Who and Lord of the Rings. The society has weekly sessions every Thursday (in the Law building on Frenchay campus) and weekend socials which include film and TV marathons, quizzes and much more. Recommended for all who love to nerd, fan girl or geek out.

Membership fee: £5 for a year

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGpe32RDTJ-/

University of Bristol Historical Reenactment Society

One of the University of Bristol’s quirkiest societies, the Reenactment Society’s activities range from making clothes, cooking, craft, shield and weapon-making, to fighting each other with steel weapons. The society also attends shows across the country, staying overnight in castles and recreating the 12th century with societies from universities across the UK. The group specialises in recreating Norman combat, but occasionally delves into the art of Roman warfare, and is part of the nationwide society Historia Normannis, which has over 400 members.

Membership fee: Free unless you want to partake in national shows, in which case the fee is £10 for the year to cover insurance costs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbK0_fJMpo7/

University of Bristol Folk Society

Dance, sing and play with the University of Bristol’s Folk Society. Running friendly practice sessions and workshops to enjoy traditional (and not so traditional) folk activities, you can explore all elements of older and contemporary folk to your heart’s content. The society meets every Monday from 7.30pm onwards at The White Bear on St Michael’s Hill.

Membership fee: Free, with almost all events free for members.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CfCXFamtE7d/

……………………………….

Read more: Venue of the month: The Mothers’ Ruin

……………………………….

UWE Bristol Pole Fitness Society

Both the University of Bristol and UWE Bristol have Pole societies but latter’s Pole Fitness society is often lesser known, but just as fun. The society is an inclusive space, where “anybody can join regardless of their skill level, gender, sex ethnicity.” Holding a weekly class every Wednesday at Spin City Bristol, UWE Pole Fitness Society pushes the boundaries of fitness, bringing body confidence, inclusivity, diversity and pure enjoyment to exercise.

Membership fee: £25 for the whole year. Although slightly more pricey than other societies, the amount of equipment and training you will use makes it worth it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ChjsF9fIrcu/

University of Bristol Taylor Swift Appreciation Society

University of Bristol’s Taylor Swift Appreciation Society is a microcosm of a rapidly growing international family of ‘Swifties’, stratospheric super-fans that live and breath Taylor Swift. After a University of York student went viral last year for writing an entire masters thesis on Taylor Swift, student Swifties have bound together to celebrate one of the reigning queens of 21st century pop. The society’s description aptly writes: “Our socials will range from screaming All Too Well at a club to themed brunches and listening parties.”

Membership fee: £5, a worthy cause.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ43j0QM-03/

University of Bristol Sexpression Society

Sexpression UK is a nationwide charity providing inclusive, and informal sex education. Originally formed in 2000, the charity now has members from over 25 university branches, delivering teaching to 11-18-year-olds in schools and community groups across the UK. The nationwide societies train student volunteers to run peer-led, inclusive RSE sessions to empower young people about fun and safe sex. If you wince at the memories of your sex-ed lessons as much as we do, this could be a great way to make sure no one else has to have the infamous condom and banana experience…

Membership fee: free!

https://www.instagram.com/p/ChCBKB4gPXb/

UWE Bristol Kickboxing and Muay Thai

University of Bristol and UWE Bristol are inundated with sports societies. Aside from the classic titans that dominate the sports roster, there are a huge number of societies that draw on sports from all over the world. UWE’s Kickboxing and Muay Thai society is exactly that. A combat sports club that offers many different opportunities, Muay Thai is a stand up boxing sporting often referred to as Thai boxing. For complete beginners or those who compete at semi-professional level, this is a society that you won’t want to leave.

Membership fee: £32.50 for the year

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeHFrqRo_pY/

University of Bristol Drag Society

Made for anyone who loves to express themselves through drag, makeup and queerness, University of Bristol’s drag society is open to all sexualities and genders. Members can share “tips and gossip” at the weekly makeup mingles, discover the best of Bristol’s queer nightlife, and attend or perform drag shows.

Membership fee: £4 for the year, but the society also has a “no-one turned away for lack of funds” policy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbvUvT1K5Qp/

UWE Bristol Neuro-diversity Society

A place where neuro-divergent people can “connect and feel understood”, UWE’s Neuro-divergent society describes itself as “different, yet unique, with diverse strengths and difficulties.” We are different, yet unique, with diverse strengths and difficulties.” Weekly socials offer a safe space to meet a diverse range of people and opportunities.

Membership fee: Free

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb5rbclMkWS/

Main photo: The University of Bristol Reenactment Society

Read next:

• Bristol student swipes Banksy’s professorship at graduation
• Sole sisters: Bristol’s all-female running group
• Using poetry and art to confront the climate crisis

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast