Can’t Find the Right Society? Start Your Own!
Steel House Society, Winner Academic Society of the Year 24/25
So, you’ve explored our societies and nothing quite fits? No problem, it’s easy to start your own with Newman Students’ Union!
You can apply to start a society at any point in the academic year. All you need is an idea and the motivation to bring people together. It’s easier than you think. All you need is an idea and one other person, that’s it! One of you will take on the role of Chair, and the other a standard member or Vice-Chair/Treasurer. You can start a society around almost anything, whether you want to run an academic society for your degree subject, explore an interest, represent a liberation group, or share your faith. Whatever you’re looking to do, we can support you.
Once you submit your application, it goes to the Community & Wellbeing Committee for approval. If approved, the SU Vice President will help set you up with a proposed constitution and support you as your new Development Society gets started. You’ll have one term to grow your group to have both Chair and Vice-Chair/Treasurer in place, and at least three other members to become a fully-fledged Students' Union Society. Don’t worry, you won’t be doing this alone. The Union will support you every step of the way, helping you advertise and promote your Society to recruit new members
Thinking About Restarting a Society?
Sometimes societies pause if students graduate or get too busy, so we save them for a year, ready to be brought back to life! Restarting a society is a great option because many already have resources in place: equipment, branding, funds, and possibly members. You’ll also get the same level of support and resources as any new society, and we’ll help you rebrand it to fit your own goals and ideas. So, if you want to get into society leadership, but aren't sure where to start, talk to us about restarting a society!
Restarting a society means stepping into leadership from the start. You’ll be the new committee, shaping the group’s direction while building valuable skills in organisation, teamwork, and confidence. It also counts toward your HEAR record, making it a great addition to your CV or applications for scholarships and postgrad study.
Key Roles:
Chair
As the leader of the Society, you’ll take charge of planning and running meetings or events. You’ll organise the where and when, and keep things running smoothly. It’s a brilliant way to grow your confidence and leadership skills.
Vice-Chair/Treasurer
If you’ve got an eye for detail, this one’s for you. You’ll step in as Vice-Chair if the Chair is unavailable. You’ll look after the Society’s funds, keep track of spending, manage receipts, and make sure everything’s submitted on time. It’s great experience, especially if you’re interested in finance, management, or admin roles.
Why Start (or Restart) a Society?
Running a society is fun and also rewarding. You’ll get:
- HEAR accreditation (great for your CV!)
- Training, covering your role and the skills needed to make the most of it!
- Skills development and the opportunity to develop your own events, initiatives and projects, you can get help from the get help from the University Careers Service to really make the most of this.
- Discounts on Newman Students’ Union merchandise all year round
Support from the SU
As a registered society, you’ll also get:
- Secure financial management; we’ll hold your Society’s funds in a protected account, accessible only to your committee
- Your own society webpage and social media promo
- Support at Welcome Fair to recruit new members
- Long-term support to keep the society running even after you graduate
Ready to Get Started?
Launch something new. Build your community. Leave your legacy.