PG recommendations: Academic and Community

Our recent research has reinforced the notion that postgraduates tend to be less engaged in clubs and societies than undergraduates at Imperial.

This is often due to a wide range of factors that can't be shifted, however, we know postgraduates do express they want to be more involved in extracurricular Imperial activities.

So, to help you find a club or society to fit with your schedule, we’ve gone out and asked current Imperial postgraduates what they’re involved in, what their activities involve, and how it’s going alongside their studies.

Follow along this multi-part blog series to help you navigate finding a new club or society to join as a postgraduate student!

Here’s what current postgraduate students had to say about some of the academic and community group societies they’re involved with at Imperial:

LGBTQ+ Network

I think LGBTQ+ is the most inclusive community, always hosting lots of interesting events. My biggest regret is missing any of them. I especially love the community's custom merchandise, and I'm proud to be a member. No entry fee. Happy Pride Month!

TedX

TEDx Imperial worked well for me because I was personally looking for more opportunities to put myself out there. I did not have to show up all the time as I could plug into an assigned task and focus on that, which made it easy to manage with school and work commitments.

I was one of the MCs for the TEDx Imperial Annual Conference in Nov 2025 and also the Speaker Coordinator for the TEDx Student Conference in January this year. Both roles pushed me in a good way. I got to work closely with speakers, shape their stories, and be part of delivering two full events.

I would recommend TEDx to other PG students because it feels purposeful. You are not just attending, you are shaping and inspiring others and also building you public speaking skills along the way. The only monetary cost was the onetime membership of £10, other cost are just your time and effort. I got the most value from being part of the team and Sharon and Sze Jing (TEDx Imperial co-chairs) are really accommodating of everyone’s schedule. TEDxImperial is a great society if you want something flexible but still meaningful.

I would agree that there is still room to get more information out there to help PG students become part of these societies and get involved faster as I almost missed the opportunity to join the society.

Robotics Soc

The Robotics Society is great for some cathartic engineering. No requirement for research potential, no lengthy approval process for component procurement, and definitely no supervisors looking over your shoulder. It is a great outlet to discover (or rediscover) your joy for making things and maybe (accidentally) building something cool in the process.

As a more experienced postgrad, you can also lead teams of undergrads and impart your wisdom upon them, which I am finding to be a rewarding experience. Previously, I made a 1.5m scale reconstruction of Imperial's famous ALERT statue and I am currently working on a lobster-themed Mars Rover.

RAG

IC RAG is the fundraising arm of the union, with the society planning and executing events for charity! I joined the committee, which has been very good especially as a postgraduate as everyone is very understanding about workload and helping balance! It costs nothing to be involved, and everyone on the committee is lovely and easy to get along with!

*Please note: Some responses have been slightly edited for clarity and length.