Being on a committee for a society is a lot of responsibility, but it can also be a lot of fun. Whether you’re running a sport society, a student media group, an academic society, or one that caters to a niche interest, you’ll probably have to run some socials. Often there will be a social secretary who is responsible for running socials. But the whole committee will often be involved in making sure they run smoothly.
A lot of societies will run socials themed around the society itself, but here are a few more general ideas for both drinking and sober socials that will be a hit with your members.
Ball
Balls are a staple for a lot of larger societies, especially academic ones. But if you’re on the committee for a smaller society, they might still be possible. If there are other societies with things in common, you might be able to collab and plan a ball together. Alternatively, you could rent out a less traditional venue, like a nightclub, and encourage people to dress formally. This would allow everyone to dress up, but would have a lower price tag than a more traditional ball.
Arcade
Adults arcades, which often have a bar, are popping up all over the country right now, and they make for a great social. This social wouldn’t require much planning, you could just tell your members where to go, and meet them all there. An arcade is a great place for a social, as the interactive element would mean members who might not know many people can compete against each other and have fun, but make sure nobody is left without someone to play with.
Museum Trip
If you’re looking for a sober social option, a museum is a great idea. Often universities will have their own free-to-enter museums, like the Manchester Museum and the Ashmolean in Oxford. Yet sometimes you might be able to find a fun and quirky option in your city.
Film Screening
Most societies will be able to find a film that fits their niche. For example, an art society could show Frida, while a student radio society could show Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa. Often your union will have a specific film society that you could collaborate with too. A film screening is also a great social that works both for people who want to drink, and those who don’t. You could even come up with a drinking game.
Pottery painting
Let’s be honest, most of us haven’t been pottery painting since we were kids. But this is another great sober social which is surprisingly fun for adults. Take a look online if there’s a pottery painting studio or cafe near your uni, book some tables, and get creative!
Quiz Night
If you want to host a quiz social, you could either book some tables at a local pub that hosts its own quiz, or you could book a room in your uni’s union and write your own questions. Quiz nights were a favourite social on zoom during lockdown, which could still be an option, but also work well in person.
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