With over 350 societies to choose from at The University of Edinburgh, it can often be hard to decide which to try (let alone which to join) in just the first few weeks. But don’t worry! There are plenty of societies for you to join throughout the academic year, and looking for something literature-related is a great starting point. So, if you like literature and do not have long, look no further…
Let’s begin with a modern classic: Literature Society. After its re-establishment last year, LitSoc has been committed to welcoming “anyone who loves books, stories, films and talking about them” with its various exciting events and its affordable membership (at £6 for the year). As with all the societies that will feature in this article, you do not need to study literature to join! From book swaps to beach bonfires, LitSoc could be your warm welcome to literary societies at Edinburgh.
Book Club Society is another society welcoming all literature lovers. They host relaxed monthly book discussions, kicking off this year with Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad. You can vote each month for the book you wish to discuss next, plus you get a 15% discount with their partner Lighthouse Books on the chosen book of the month. Did I mention that membership is free? See you there!
If you are interested in writing as well as reading, the Creative Writing Society might be for you. This friendly society hosts weekly meetings and workshops for anyone interested in creative writing, so you don’t need to be a published author to attend.
SWAPS (Spoken Word And Poetry Society) is another option for exploring and sharing creative work, regardless of prior experience. But, if mention of publishing has you interested, Edinburgh’s aptly named PublishEd Society has its very own events, such as bookshop crawls, and is home to ‘The Inkwell’ literary magazine (which is now taking submissions!).
Theatre lovers are also certainly not to be left out in Edinburgh, with a constant curriculum of events and all sorts of roles to try. The Theatre Company at Bedlam is student run, and there are always opportunities available, from writing, to assisting on stage, to working with associated companies such as the Candlewasters. If you want to experiment, Theatre Paradok facilitates theatre that is “experimental without being exclusive,” or perhaps you will find Les Escogriffes (French Theatre Society) more your niche.
If you have more specific literary interest — such as in Shakespeare or Tolkien — then you’re in luck, as The University of Edinburgh has both a Shakespeare Society and a Tolkien Society. Essentially, Edinburgh has an amazing selection of literature-related societies to choose from and they are available to everyone, all year round, no-stress. By keeping an eye on societies’ socials (and perhaps your other eye on the Literature section of The Student…) you’re sure to find something that suits you!
Image Via lauren Tooze @laurentoozeillustration for The Student
