This month, the Lifestyle Section is launching Settle In September: articles about settling into university, a new country or finding your people, wherever it happens.
One of the best parts of university is joining societies with like-minded individuals. Over three years I met my beloved partner, my closest friends and people I have learned so much from.
While I did not feel completely homesick at university, I definitely knew the feeling of isolation in school. But when I joined my precious societies I created a home made of people, not brick and mortar.
I am quite a confident person, but like everyone I have doubts and worries, especially about my abilities and worthiness in creative spaces.
But with the societies I joined I strengthened my creative skills, learned more about myself and got back into things I enjoy.
With gardening, I combine nature with physical and mental wellbeing. As well as snacks and tea at the end.
Creative Writing got me back into writing when I thought I couldn’t do it creatively anymore after a break. Now I write about folklore, science fiction and drama.
I love listening to the radio in the car. Air3Radio gave me the opportunity to geek out about 40s music and show it to people. I now have valuable experience and knowledge in a field I have been interested in for years.
Pole fitness, while a sports club, boosted my confidence and made me try new a new sport I thought I wouldn’t be good at. I had my first performance in the spring to Singin’ in the Rain.
Joining societies gets you out of your room and gets you back up.
Featured image credit: Isla Barker
Third year journalism student. 2025/2026 Lifestyle and Comment Editor at Brig. Published in The Yucatán Times, Mi Campeche and The Mourning Paper. Host of From the 40s with Air3Radio.
