Alternative Societies You Might Not have Heard About
There are over 200 student groups at Lancaster (203 to be exact).
As Activities Officer, it’s my responsibility to be their representative at the Students’ Union, which of course, means familiarising myself with our student groups who are a little more unique. The diversity of the student activity on campus is astounding.
Here’s a little something from the student behind some of our more obscure clubs and societies to look out for this year!
Korfball (Lancaster University Sport Club of the Year 2024!)
“Korfball is the best sport you've never heard of. An indoor, mixed-gender sport, with similarities to netball and basketball, our club is built on being fun, friendly, and sociable. Most importantly for Freshers, its uniqueness means almost everyone starts on the same page. With three teams competing at various levels, and fun-focused club sessions too, korfball has something for everyone. If you're looking to try a new sport (and stay warm out of the Lancaster weather!), come and see what LUSU's Club of the Year 2024 has to offer!”
Sam, Lancaster University Ligers Korfball Club
Speleological Society
“At LUSS you can try the exciting recreational sport of caving! Come with us to the Yorkshire Dales and explore some amazing cave systems. We crawl, we tackle squeezes, do occasional underground climbs, but most of all we have fun. There’s often water and mud, and it can get chilly (don’t worry, we provide all the required gear), but with a warm-hearted group of cavers, the elements never bother us. If you’re looking for an adventure, look no further. There’s nothing like caving when it comes to challenging yourself and making some unforgettable memories!”
Maria, Lancaster University Speleological Society
Edible Campus
"Edible Campus is a very unique community; there is a nice mixture of experienced and non-experienced gardens that creates a really nice learning environment for those who want to get into gardening. The ECO-Hub always has something to do as well; weeding is always a satisfying job to do, as you can very quickly see the results of your work. I really recommend gardening to any university student, as it is good for mind and body."
Beth, Edible Campus
Living History Society
“At the Living History Society, we offer a wide range of 12th Century crafts and combat styles. We train to fight in dynamic, unscripted mass battles that allow our members to portray a range of medieval soldiers. Outside combat, we maintain a variety of traditional crafts, including Maille working, drapery, embroidery, leatherworking, and much more.”
Daniel, Lancaster University Living History Society
Underwater Hockey (Octopush)
“Underwater Hockey (aka. Octopush) is a globally played limited contact sport where two teams go head-to-head on the bottom of a swimming pool floor, trying to manoeuvre a puck into the opposing team’s goal. Effectively, it is just hockey but you get a snorkel and fins, and must hold your breathe while pushing the puck. It’s loads of fun and we train weekly. We also play competitively against other Uni teams in competitions and Roses.”
George, Lancaster University Octopush
Refreshers’ Fair
With so many societies, it can be hard to know where to even begin. If only there was somewhere you could meet a ton of societies all in one place…
Come down to the Refresher’s Fair to meet societies, ask any questions, and have some fun!
Written by Jack Watson
ACTIVITIES OFFICER