When I began my journey as a university student here in Manchester, I absolutely longed for the authentic university experience, cooking with my flatmates, random coffee runs, and the ultimate experience, joining societies with my friends. As an architecture student, I’ve had the unique privilege of being able to join societies from not 1 but 2 universities, University of Manchester and Manchester Met, and it has not just doubled the fun but multiplied the experiences, friendships and leadership skills I’ve had in my time here. For me, societies in Manchester have become a fundamental part of finding my place here as an international student, more than just extracurricular. They gave me the means to find people who share my passions and interests, providing much needed balance when I need some time outside of my coursework.
In my second year, I decided to take a leap forward and run for the committee of the Disney Society, thus marking the beginning of my transition from a member to part of student leadership. From what started as just meeting fellow Disney nerds at movie nights and cosy game sessions, Disney meet-ups turned into an incredible outlet for honing organisational and communication skills, as I learned more than what it meant to be a club member, but what it means to be in the team that makes it happen. Ticket applications, room bookings, even training sessions, all while overwhelming at first, became my escape from architecture deadline stress and pressure. The student union team have been nothing short of amazing in helping with last-minute room booking problems and have always been happy to assist when we needed them with any event preparations we weren’t sure of. I grew to enjoy (and still do!) organising events and seeing those happy faces feel at home when they attend. So much so, that joy led me to run again in third year and here I am STILL on the committee, a position I love to hold!
Alongside this, in my second year, I also decided to deepen my involvement in the Manchester Student Society of Architecture. Run by the BA3 cohort, this society is the largest student architectural society in the UK and comprises several subgroups, each with a different focus. I was part of the founding committee for the interior design subgroup, established to help other architecture students with a passion for the field, like myself, grow their interest and explore the interior aspects of design. Now leading this subgroup, I head organising workshops, showroom visits, competitions and so much more, keeping me busy but always inspired. This is not just a task of organising for members, but has allowed me to organise for my interests too (almost like killing two birds with one stone). It has shown me how to organise my time, communicate with external professionals, coordinate visits, and develop a skillset in management as well as engagement, all of which will undoubtedly benefit me in the working environment one day.
Looking back, societies in Manchester shaped my degree experience and me as a person as much as my course has. They’ve pushed me beyond my comfort zone, given me friendships I will cherish for years to come and introduced me to opportunities I will carry long after graduation. Societies here are a reflection of Manchester itself, if you ask me, vibrant, diverse, welcoming, where there is truly a place for everyone. Joining a society is more than filling up free time and getting an extra point on your CV, it’s about building community, strengths and creating that work-life balance you need to keep you grounded when things can get tough. For me, it did more than enhance my experience, it almost defined it.