Study

Clubs and societies

In Exeter, thousands of students sign up to around 300 different Guild-affiliated societies. These societies cover a wide range of activities enabling our students to get fully involved with university life. Societies range from the conventional (such as English Soc, Ski Club, Photosoc and Jazz Orchestra), to the more esoteric (such as the Chocolate Society and Hide and Seek Society). You can get involved with the running of any of these and if there’s a society you want that we don’t have, we’ll help you set it up. The full list is available on the Guild website.

If you love sport our active Athletic Union runs 52 sports clubs, covering activities from American Football to surfing. Find out more about sport at Exeter.

Clubs and societies are a cornerstone of life on Penryn Campus and there are over 120 to choose from. Falmouth and Exeter Student Union (TheSU) provide practical support, as well as subsidies for many activities to help reduce the cost . Clubs vary from the traditional sports of rugby, football and hockey to the more unusual tap dancing and the stick and ball game Shinty. Other popular groups include the Hip Hop Society, MarineWatch, Bee Soc and the Renewable Energy Society. There’s an ever-growing list of student clubs, so if we don’t currently have the one you want, The SU will help you set your own up once you’re here! The full list is available on The SU website.

Student media

Our award-winning student media network is one of the most vibrant in the country. Based on the Streatham Campus, X-Media is made up of three student run media outlets Xpression FM, Exeposé and XTV, providing Exeter with high quality radio, news and TV shows, respectively. Involvement in the Guild’s media outlets has provided the springboard for the careers of several famous Exeter graduates, including Thom Yorke of Radiohead, who was a DJ, and Emma B, who was a Guild Sabbatical Officer. Several of the station managers who have been in control at XTV are now working in the television industry for companies such as the BBC, Carlton and FoxTel in Sydney. Previous members have also used XTV to build portfolios for film school applications and to get into television work. To find out more, please visit the Student Media website.

In Cornwall the student committees for the online newspaper The Falmouth Anchor and Surf Radio have merged so members can now contribute to broadcasts, podcasts or written stories. This offers you the opportunity to showcase your talent while gaining valuable work experience.

Volunteering

Raise and Give (RAG) is our student fundraising group in Exeter. In 2016/17 RAG raised £255,982 through the hard work of more than 1,000 students who volunteered their time to raise money for local, national and international charities. Exeter RAG host a multitude of events each year and organise international fundraising excursions, including treks to Machu Picchu and Everest Base Camp, marathons and more. Exeter Student Volunteers (ESV) run  community volunteering projects including: Summer Adventures – a summer camp for young carers, community cleaning and dog-walking projects.

In Cornwall, The SU provides plenty of opportunities to volunteer locally and fundraise for national and international charities through Raise and Donate (RAD) activities. This year the RAD Society is fundraising for Save the Children and has just completed a 24-hour bikeathon that raised over £1200. Each year the Society members decide who they wish to fundraise for.

RAD society members on exericise bikes, dressed in fancy dress.

Why our students join clubs and societies

Find out why our student bloggers love being a part of campus life, clubs and societies.

» Sober Socialising at University

“Societies are a fabulous way to get connected with people with like-minded interests and form a community in Exeter.” Zara (February 2024)

» Living on The Penryn Campus in University Accommodation

“Being surrounded by a tight-knit community made every day a beautiful day. Whether I was bumping into flat mates in the communal kitchen and updating each other on uni life or at a regular party between other flats, there was never a dull moment right outside my door.” Gaby (February 2024)

» Embracing life at the University of Exeter as an International Student

“We have around 300 different societies ranging from academic and course related societies, sports, volunteering and creative societies, to the fun and unusual sounding clubs like societies for fans of Taylor Swift or Harry Styles and so on. That means you can always find a friend in one of those societies!" By Mya (January 2024)

» Winter Wellbeing Coping with Loneliness and homesickness

“Finding uni societies that are part of your religion or culture can be a great way to make sure you still celebrate holidays that are important to you.” Paris (January 2024)