Join clubs and societies

There really is more to campus life than your studies, and that includes over 100 student clubs and societies. Keep an eye out for them during O-Week on the plaza.

Why sign up?

1. Achieve a balance. Clubs and societies allow you to do just that; you can take a step back from the books and do something you enjoy.
2. Make a difference. If having a tangible impact on the world around you is your thing, there are plenty of opportunities available. We can think of at least one society that places animal welfare close to its heart, for example.
3. Meet new people. We get that it’s difficult to settle in during your first year, but joining a club or society can help. You’ll meet people outside of your course, and you’ll get to know campus a little better.
4. Looks good on your CV. In time you will need an internship and, depending on your course, there are a bunch of clubs and societies that look really good on your CV.
5. Learn more about yourself. Joining a student organisation presents many opportunities to get to know yourself, your goals and your strengths better. This self-awareness can be beneficial in future.

How to join

Either pay membership fees in cash or have them charged to your student account, whether that’s on the plaza during O-Week or throughout the year at the Societies Helpdesk on level five in the Steve Biko Students’ Union building.

The following are just a few options:

Academic

• AIESEC UCT (the world’s largest student organisation) • Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals • Association of Built Environment Students • Association of South African Black Actuaries

National/Cultural

• Abantu Zambian Society • Congolese Society • East African Students’ Association • Ghana Society • Hellenic Students’ Association

Faith

• Acts Kolbe Catholic Society• Anglican Students’ Society • Apostolic Faith Church of Portland Oregon • His People • Jubilee Society • Muslim Students’ Association

Special interest

• Art of Living – SMILE • Fashion Society • Film Society • Green Campus Initiative • Habitat For Humanity • Photographic Society • RainbowUCT • We Are Animals

Politics

• Democratic Alliance Students’ Organisation (DASO) • InkuluFreeHeid • Palestine Solidarity Forum
• Pan Africanist Student Movement of Azania (PASMA)

For more info and a full list of societies visit www.dsa.uct.ac.za/student-development/student-societies-organisations/overview.