At the University of Bedfordshire, students have a wide variety of exciting societies open to them, including the Disney Society, Environmental Society and Pride in Beds. Plus sports teams like rugby, hockey, futsal, and cheerleading.

Liam Bloomfield, President of Beds SU and former Vice President for Sport, offers his five top tips on choosing the right society or sports for you.

Tip #1 - Pick something that interests you

It sounds simple enough, but you’d be surprised how quickly you can become overwhelmed with the amount of choices at university. So pick something that you have an invested interest in, and this will accomplish two things: firstly, you will meet like-minded people and blossom friendships for life and secondly, you’ll be more likely to stick at it because it interests you.

Tip #2 - Nothing fits your needs

This is more common than you think and you shouldn’t worry. Almost all universities up and down the country will give you the option to start your own sport or society if there is enough interest. So, gather the troops, be brave and take the first step in the right direction to make your university journey great.

Tip #3 - WOW! Hold your Horses

If you are confident and dead set on playing for the football team or joining the computing society, then get yourself signed up early – but if you’re on the fence, make sure you hold fire. It’s normal to be unsure. Attend the Freshers’ Fair, ask lots of questions, and make a decision when you’re ready.

The @BedsSU Freshers' Fair is the perfect opportunity for students new and old to grab some freebies, sign up to societies and sports teams and maybe even grab a cheeky slice of pizza. 😍🍕 pic.twitter.com/Jg3T7uqkQS

— uniofbeds (@uniofbeds) September 25, 2019

Tip #4 - Jump at every opportunity

The best tip I can give to anyone is to sign up to anything and everything. This gives you lots of choices when it comes to clubs that might interest you and gives you a good old “try before you buy” package.

Tip #5 - Anything is better than nothing

Do you want to get the most out of your university life? Is there nothing that interests you and you can’t be bothered to set your own club or society up? Then you sound like me in my first and second year. I didn’t get involved in sports or societies until my third year! Which was the biggest regret of my university experience. Join anything and grow to love it: university is better with a big group of supportive people like a sports team or a fantastic society around you. Go out there and make memories you’ll remember for the rest of your life and don’t make the same mistake I made of joining too late.