By Manlin Gu

Southampton buzzes with a vibrant array of events all year round, and there is truly something for everyone. The heart of our event scene is the bustling student union, SUSU, which orchestrates a diverse lineup of activities. But that is just the beginning! Each residential hall spices things up with its unique events, ensuring no two experiences are alike across different sites. Plus, the variety extends into the academic realm as well, with numerous course-specific events that enhance learning and foster community. Dive into Southampton’s rich tapestry of events, societies, and activities—it is your playground to explore and thrive during your studies! 

Welcome events  

The academic year begins with numerous welcome events and activities taking place on the campus and across the halls. The Fresher’s fair has been one of my favourites. You can get a lot of amazing freebies, student discounts, offers and explore many interesting activities throughout the fair. It's also a great opportunity to explore the campus and meet new people who might become your lifelong friend. During the welcome week there’s also a Clubs and Societies Fair called the Bunfight where you can discover more about different societies and events they are hosting. Members of the societies will be at the stalls ready to answer all your burning questions! You are welcome to sign up to the ones you'd love to join. Many societies also offer trial sessions for you to have a taste of what the society is like before you sign up to become their member. 

 SUSU events  

Throughout the academic year, the Student Union organises a diverse array of events and activities held at several key venues such as The Stag's bar, The Bridge restaurant, and the versatile space, The Cube. For those seeking a quintessential student bar atmosphere, Stag's is the place to be. Here, you can enjoy playing pool with friends and catch a range of sporting events on the big screens. You can view all the coming events on the SUSU website or on My Southampton app. 

Societies 

At SUSU, there is a wide range of clubs and societies to dive into, from archery and performing arts to debating and life drawing. If media and communication spark your interest, consider roles like DJ or Station Manager at Surge Radio, or even SUSU TV, and explore journalism by contributing to the award-winning magazines Wessex Scene or The Edge. For those passionate about community service, you can join groups like RAG (Raise and Give), which organises fundraising events to aid local, national, and international charities. Additionally, with over 90 sports to choose from, SUSU offers many opportunities to stay active and meet new people. Don’t forget to check out the various international societies too, enhancing your university experience by connecting you with diverse cultures.