PG recommendations: Arts and Entertainment Clubs and Societies

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.

Here’s what current postgraduate students had to say about some of the arts and entertainment clubs they’re involved with at Imperial:

ICSM Dance

I really enjoyed how relaxed and welcoming the society was. As it is largely run by medics, there was a wide age range, which kept me from feeling too old for the society, which I think I would have felt at some other societies. The subsidies for classes are great, and this is so much cheaper than external dance classes, but still with good quality teaching. I met lots of great people — strongly recommend!

IC Radio

It’s great to have a space available for students to host podcasts, DJ on air, or just for free practice. The Modulate event at the Union was a great chance to showcase the talent of IC Radio and socialise with other members. Would definitely recommend to other PG students.

Art Club

It gave me a chance to unwind while also helping me feel more connected to uni life. It is a great way to meet new people and let go of some of that accumulated stress and expectation. When it comes to costs, the Art Club is rather cheap... and there is a chance to pay as you go based on the sessions you want to visit. Additionally, if you don't feel like paying, there is always a chance to just go to the sessions for the members, which are generally free.

Felix

This is a free-to-join society that is all about writing, producing, and copyediting the student newspaper, Felix! I really recommend this as a way to meet people beyond your programme, it is very low-stakes and easy to join without any experience. Over the course of the academic year, I have become confident in copyediting, using Adobe InDesign, and expressing myself clearly in my written work.

I've also had the chance to meet so many interesting people and work on projects that directly affect the lives of Imperial students. The team is really excited for you to bring your interests to the newspaper, so don't be scared to be your full self!

A Cappella and Chamber Choir

Being a member and part of the committee for these amazing societies has been the main thing keeping my life and postgraduate university experience so fulfilling.

Being a PGR student, I have a lot more flexibility with my work schedule, so I am able to fit ad-hoc society committee work within my week, and the compulsory evening rehearsals and trainings have actually helped me get more of a structured workday routine, as it prevents me from working too late in the day.

Being an active member in societies has given me amazing opportunities, such as busking in Covent Garden, singing in the Royal Albert Hall and St Paul's Cathedral, recording a CD, singing for BBC Radio, competing and placing in competitions, and going on tours abroad.

The costs for each society vary significantly. A Cappella is the cheapest, with only £5 membership, since we get most of our money through busking and paid gigs. Chamber Choir is the most expensive, since some of the more interesting activities like tours cost up to a few hundred pounds. However, these trips include funding from the union, making them cheaper than a comparable personal holiday. So all in all, it gives me the chance to do things like travel with my close friends, but for a similar or cheaper price.

I found it quite daunting originally to join societies as an older student, but I have found many other PhD students and even staff members in all of the societies I am involved in. It has also transformed my social life. Since these societies involve being part of a group that I see once or twice a week, I have gained some of the best friendships of my life. I have had the opportunity to expand my hobbies and take them more seriously at showcases, performances and even competitions.

Overall, being part of societies at university has been a key part of my experience, and it has given me so many new skills outside of my research, as well as lots of opportunities and experiences that I look forward to. I could not recommend enough getting involved with clubs and societies.

Musical Theatre

I'd heard about MTSoc from friends who are Imperial alumni when asking about which societies I should join based on my interests. The choice of the main spring musical was the main deciding factor in why I ended up joining, and I don't regret it one bit.

As a PG student, especially at Masters level, it's quite easy to just be 100% focused on studying for the whole year, but that's how you end up missing out on meeting great people and having some wonderful experiences. MTSoc was very welcoming and made my time at Imperial so much lovelier.

I was surprised (but very, very pleased) that the membership fees were so fairly priced, even if you were part of the show. And the other activities are either free or relatively cheap for what's included (I'd say ~£50 for a whole year worth of activities and shows).

I'd definitely recommend it to other PG students, even if you haven't done MT before or are worried about balancing it with your degree. It's such a nice way to meet people outside your course and do something completely different for a few hours a week. And if you're not on the South Ken campus, you also get an excuse to explore it haha.

Having a creative outlet alongside studying honestly made such a difference for me. You get to let loose and express yourself outside of academics for a little.

One thing I'd like to point out though is that students fully based on other campuses (e.g. Hammersmith Hospital) don't really get societies advertised to them as much, so it's very easy to end up missing out on events and opportunities unfortunately!

Stay tuned for more PG recommendations as part of this new blog series! We’ll be walking you through some of our other Management Groups, see you next time!

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