Universities in Manchester and Salford offer more than just academic learning, there’s hundreds of student societies where you can explore a new interest, double down on an existing hobby or connect with likeminded people. With over 400 student run societies covering all interests and passions, the University of Manchester offers a varied student life away from the classroom. These societies, supported by the University of Manchester Students' Union, give students the chance to find new pursuits, skills, and more importantly friendships.

At Luxome we know first hand how societies can enrich student life, that’s why we currently sponsor University Manchester Basketball and Netball clubs, as well as the Manchester Met Women’s Football Club.

You can find a group that matches your interests or introduces you to new ones among the wide range of student-run societies. We’ve dived headfirst into the world of student societies and written up a brief summary to help you make sense of them.

Luxome x UoM Women’s Netball Club Litter Pick

Which Society Is For Me?

Here’s a selection of the societies on offer across the region, there’s literally hundreds more to choose from so be sure to check out your University’s society page for a full list of what’s available to you.

Academic Societies

Manchester Management Society

Accounting Society Manchester

Society for International Business, Finance, and Economics (IBFE).

ITMB Society

These societies provide an excellent way to meet people and to study further. Their guest lectures, workshops and industry visits often provide insight and connections for your future career.

Cultural and Faith Societies

Indian Society

Public Affairs Hong Kong - 1and1 Social Services.

Kuwait Society

British Asian Society

Manchester Sikh Society

Diversity is reflected at the University of Manchester in its cultural and faith societies. These groups provide further connection and support for British and international students. It’s not just UoM, both MMU and Salford have a range of cultural and faith orientated societies. Check out MMU’s societies here and Salford’s here

Performance and Arts Societies

Indian Dance Society

Bollywood Dance Society

Creative Writing Society

Disney Society

GABS - Gigs and Bands

Creative students will find plenty of outlets at Manchester. Such groups let you be yourself and welcome performers of all levels.

Sports and Fitness Societies

Run Wild

Pole Society

Mixed Martial Arts

Ice Hockey

Dance Fitness Society

Sports and fitness societies offer the chance to get into a new activity and get active. The more popular societies tend to have a range of teams to cater to the needs of everyone so don’t worry if, like me, you’re unlikely to make the NBA anytime soon, you can still play basketball at Uni even with no experience!

Special Interest Societies

Flight Simulation

Horror Society

Furry Society

Lana Del Rey Society

DJ Society

Special interest societies cover everything from anime fans to photography buffs and are places for students to share their interests and make new friends.

Political and Social Societies

Friends of MSF Manchester

Humanitarian & Conflict Response Institute (HCRI)

Women in Media

These societies are great for discussion and activism if you care about social issues or politics, providing forums for discussion of current events on campus and beyond.

Create Your Own Society

No society for you? Universities encourage students to start their own! You can start a new society around your passion with help from the Students' Union, for example The University of Manchester offers funding of up to £15,000 for societies.

Joining a University society is about more than just having fun. It is about enhancing your university experience, acquiring new skills and creating a network that lasts. So whether you are looking to revive a past hobby or embark on something entirely different, the many societies on offer at the University of Manchester, University of Salford or Manchester Metropolitan University will give you plenty of chances to make the most of your time here in the North West.