Hands On Societies: ArtSoc

Approaching the middle of term, Lina Katwala tells us about her experiences with ArtSoc…

I recently joined Art Soc because I wanted to try an extra-curricular activity that I enjoy, so that once in a while I can relax and forget about the stresses of final year. I have always loved art but I am by no means a budding young artist nor do I have any kind of fine art talent, so naturally I was slightly apprehensive about joining. My level of ability was not an issue at all. The society welcomes everyone, whether you’re the next Picasso, like some of the other members of Art Soc whose work I’ve seen over the last couple of weeks, or just doing it for a bit of fun, like me.

Just a bit of fun? Image Credit: woodleywonderworks

There are two weekly sessions, Life Drawing, and Textiles, which consists of making loads of cool stuff with a different theme each week (over the last few weeks we’ve designed notebooks and diaries, dry-clay modelled and made garlands and buntings), which can be used as house-decoration, whether your housemates like it or not! Art Soc is also starting a new open studio session, where you can work on your own projects, and ultimately collectively work towards an exhibition. I’ve really enjoyed every session I’ve been to so far: I’ve been able to create some delightful things, meet like-minded students and just kick back and relax and chat to new people. The committee members also make the sessions incredibly enjoyable – they’re all very friendly, encouraging and clearly experienced, who so far have inspired many to create great art with their creative ideas. I would definitely recommend the society to anyone who has an interest in getting creative and only regret not having joined it before!

Getting involved in any society here is so important. University is the only place where you can pursue your interests or even try something new so easily, with people your own age and normally at such a low cost. We are so fortunate to have such a vast range of societies at the university, from knitting to netball and chess to chocolate, so any student will be able to find something they want to be a part of. By joining a society you can develop your interests, meet loads of new people, escape the pressures of studying and let’s not forget that it looks great on your CV. So what are you waiting for? Get involved!

Image Credit: karindalziel

 

Lina Katwala

Whatever form it takes, get involved!

President of the Classics Society Ronnie Henderson explains just how important it is to get involved in any and all aspects of the university experience at Exeter, starting with the vast range of introductory activities happening this week.

Freshers’ week 2013. For those arriving in Exeter for the first time, it’s a week of new places, new parties, new people. For those returning, it’s a week of freedom before a term of panic, procrastination and, of course, a little partying. But what is obvious to the fresher and the finalist alike is the sheer volume of things going on. Societies that you didn’t even realise existed are hosting a full week of activities. From Clay shooting taster sessions to Community Action’s bouncy castle on campus, there is an incredible number and range of events available. All this can seem very daunting, especially when you are getting to know your new flatmates, recover from the night before and grapple with the Da Vinci code that is an Exeter University timetable. And so it is perhaps easy to forgo trying out a new society amidst everything else that is going on in this busy week. Yet dragging yourself out of your halls to attend that taster session in Freshers’ week could be the start of a new activity that really defines your time here. Exeter is not just an excellent academic institution; it’s a sports club, it’s a theatre group, it’s an orchestra – it’s a chance to discover what you love.

“Exeter is not just an excellent academic institution; it’s a sports club, it’s a theatre group, it’s an orchestra – it’s a chance to discover what you love.”
Photo Credit: Lori Greig via Compfight cc

In Freshers’ week of September 2011, feeling suitably overwhelmed by all that Exeter had to offer, I rocked up to the Classics Society’s pub quiz, not really knowing what to expect, apart from an opportunity to show off my wealth of useless facts (which are still vast and entirely useless). Two years on and I am lucky enough to be the President of Classics for 2013/14, having been on a number of brilliant socials, acted in plays, played terribly in numerous games of netball, whilst meeting some of my best friends in the process. A social in freshers’ week is the ideal opportunity to meet people with similar interests to you in a very informal and fun way. For example, one of the highlights in Classics’ calendar is the Toga social – the perfect chance to get to know your coursemates whilst dancing in Arena dressed in your perfectly folded classical garb. It’s also the ideal to meet friendly committee members and see what the society has to offer.

So, am I telling you to join Classics Society? No, not if it doesn’t interest you. But this is my experience of one of hundreds of societies here at Exeter, which started from attending one of over 700 events put on in freshers’ week. So my message is quite simple – get involved! With such a wealth of societies available, there really will be something, or several things, for everyone. Why not see freshers’ week as an opportunity to try out a sport or hobby you’ve never had the chance to before – most societies have some form of taster session, and there’s no obligation to join up if you don’t think it’s your scene. Plus, you can always join a society later on in the term, not just at the Freshers’ fair – just go to the Guild website and sign up online. While studying at Exeter, you’ll realise why we’re probably the best university in the world. When you get involved at Exeter, you’ll realise why we are the best university in the world.

Ronnie Henderson

 Are you getting enough opportunity as a fresher to access the societies you’re interested in? As a returning student, how much did the sessions you attended in freshers’ week affect your involvement with societies now? Leave a comment below or write to the Comment team at the Exeposé Comment Facebook Group or on Twitter @CommentExepose.