Societies in the Spotlight- November 2015
Joining a society is a great way to immerse yourself into university life, make friends and try something new.
We have over 30 different societies for you to choose from at Cardiff Met. Societies set up this term include:
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Student Action for Refugees (STAR)
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Film Society
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Chess and Checkers
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St John Ambulance
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Dumbledore’s Army
We’ve had an in depth look into what two of our societies have been up to so far this term:
Islamic Society
We spoke to Iman Awadh, a Biomedical Science student who is part of the Islamic Society.
What is the Islamic Society and what do you do?
We are there to offer opportunities for all students regardless of religion or background to partake in alcohol free socials and learning opportunities. We are also present during fresher’s week to offer support to new students and provide opportunities for them to make new friends. We host events in which we try to raise money for various causes. We also occasionally host speakers to give talks on various topics.
What events have you been involved in?
Our biggest event has got to be Charity Week. This happens for 1-2 weeks, once a year, during October where we engage with other students, universities and local communities to raise money for orphans and children in need. We host bake sales on campus, organise street collections on Queen street and we recently completed the "I'm a Charity Weeker, get me out of here challenge" where students signed up to 1 night of camping where they must go without any form of social media. In return, they would be sponsored for it.
Why did you decide to be part of the society committee?
We have a huge role to play in terms of ensuring that all student needs are catered to. We're very popular amongst Muslim students as we offer events that attempt to bridge the gap especially between international students and the remaining students on campus. I personally benefited in terms of acquiring valuable skills and lifelong friends during my time as a volunteer and I wanted to offer this same opportunity to other students. Skills are acquired through individuals volunteering and being an active part of the society usually in their first year at uni. They then have the option of running for a committee role during the next year if they please. During their time as a volunteer with the Islamic Society, they have a very hands on approach in terms of what happens within the society. They provide ideas and help carry them out. The society is there to offer support when needed.
Have you got any events coming up?
On the 11th November, we are rounding off our Charity Week by hosting a quiz night in Zen with food at 6pm. Entrance is £5 and all are welcome! We will be beginning sporting activities next term.
Students can join by emailing cardiffmetisoc@gmail.com
Kendo Society
Jasmeen Alsheekhhamid, an Accounting student and the President of the Kendo Society answered some questions from us:
What do you do and where do you do it?
We practice the Japanese martial art of Kendo, the 'Way of the Sword' and we train twice a week on Thursdays and Sunday's.
Why should people join the society?
The Kendo Society at Cardiff Met is like a close family. We are not a huge club so everyone knows each other well. Also, our society is proud to have James Ogle as our coach. James is an ex-student at Cardiff Met and he is a 4th degree black belt and a current GB team member. Kendo as a martial art is very diverse. When we go out on club visits and competitions, you will meet a lot of people from different walks of life who share the same passion. It’s amazing! You’ll make a lot of new friends from all around the world! While competition plays a part in Kendo, it’s not purely about competing- so don’t worry if you haven’t got a competitive spirit! It is also good exercise and a great way of letting out all of your bottled up energy!
Why did you join the society committee?
I have been practicing Kendo for a year now and it has become something I am very passionate about. I joined the society committee so I can help my society in any way I can and to be able to promote and share our passion with the rest of the university.
Have you got any events coming up?
We are going up to London soon to compete at the Mumeishi 3’s. Two teams from our club will be competing. Wish us good luck! We’ve just had our Halloween social and we will be organising a Christmas social soon!
How do people join the society?
Joining our society is very simple. Just turn up on the day and give it a go! We will even provide you with a bamboo sword to get you started. Make sure to come in with comfortable clothing as you will be moving around a lot!
For a full list of our societies and to join them visit: http://www.cardiffmetsu.co.uk/societies/
You can also set up your own society, for more information visit: http://www.cardiffmetsu.co.uk/societies/#start
Email: societies@cardiffmet.ac.uk