Valini Samaroo, an MSc Transport Planning and ITS student, writes about the societies she’s been involved in at Newcastle University and how societies can help when relocating to another country.

Making the decision to pack your things and move to a new country, by yourself, for a whole year, is a nerve-wracking experience. So many things go through your mind: Will I fit in? Will I enjoy it? How will I cope with the weather? Suppose I miss home too much? What will I eat?

Before I arrived in September, I decided to do some research into the societies at Newcastle University via the Newcastle University Students’ Union webpage. What better way to settle into a new place and make some friends than joining a group of like-minded people? To my amazement, the Students’ Union offered over 160 societies from which to choose! I decided to join the Dance and Civil Engineering Societies, as well as keep a keen eye on ‘Give it a Go’ which offers opportunities to participate in completely new things like paintball and ice skating at ridiculously low prices.

Being a part of these societies has helped me settle in immensely. I was even encouraged to join societies by my Personal Tutor within my degree programme! It has helped me appreciate Newcastle University even more, as emphasis is placed on both work and play, and one needs only to find a way!

I have always been passionate about dance and the dance society’s classes are my way of connecting with both myself and other dancers from all around the Uni. The classes, taught by other students, have offered me a sisterhood that I know I can escape to after eight plus hours of lectures, to simply relax and have fun.

I attended the Civil Engineering Society’s Christmas Ball, which gave me the opportunity to interact with my colleagues and classmates in an informal setting, where we could truly relax and have a fun night out. This event and others allowed us to connect beyond the classroom and develop a kinship that truly helps when home-sickness sets in. You always have a group of people that you can look forward to spending time with.

Joining a society offers you a home away from home, and I would recommend it for any student coming to Uni, international or not. You get a chance to connect with people through a medium that transcends language and cultural barriers. The best part: you get to have fun!