One of the first things I heard about the University of York before I had even applied was how many societies it has; it boasts over 250 weird, wonderful clubs that range from ballroom dancing to bell-ringing.
As a result, the University is home to its fair share of unique, lesser-known societies. I reached out to three society Presidents to ask them a little bit about their club, what makes them unique and why you might be interested in joining.
BEAT Society
BEATSoc is a society that represents the eating disorder charity, BEAT. They run fundraising events, charity sports matches and collaborations with other societies on campus. We reached out to President, Abigail Barrett.
Nouse: What is BEAT and what does it do?
Abigail: BEAT is a UK eating disorder charity that aims to end the pain and suffering caused by these serious mental illnesses. They work to spread awareness of eating disorders and support both sufferers and those caring for them. They provide a variety of services, including a helpline and multiple online support groups.
N: Why do you think a society like this is important for students at York?
A: Coming to university is a huge step for anyone, especially for people on a recovery journey. Whilst our society offers a safe space to discuss mental health, we think it’s equally important to hold lighthearted socials—even if that involves making some questionable-looking bath bombs. Being around like minded people and being part of a supportive community can really make a difference to someone’s recovery journey. It can be the encouragement they need to keep going, which is why we think our society is so important for incoming students.
N: As President, what has your experience with the society been like so far?
A: Having only been President since last November, it has been so incredible to see such a supportive community form! We have also received amazing support from the other societies we have collaborated with in order to raise awareness. It has been so rewarding getting to know every single member that has come to one of our events, and I’ve personally found it comforting meeting people who have had similar experiences to me. Holding fundraisers for BEAT and supporting their important work has definitely been the highlight of the past year, especially since we get to host fun events!
N: What are the challenges that come with running a society of such a sensitive nature?
A: My main priority is to make sure that the information we are spreading is useful and won’t trigger anybody. We post on social media with the aim of busting myths and breaking down the stigma around eating disorders. We have such an amazing group of people on our committee, and we all read each others’ content to make sure we are happy before it gets shared. Whilst our in-person socials do offer a space space, we reiterate that nobody is obligated to discuss their personal experiences or talk about anything they don’t want to. We also make sure to let people know if we are discussing specific issues at our socials before they occur.
N: How do you think we can encourage more open conversations around eating disorders on campus?
A: Eating disorders are still very much a taboo topic and because of this, they are widely misunderstood with damaging stereotypes connected to them. But the best way to get people talking is through collaborations. Interviews, radio appearances, and socials with other amazing groups means that we can spread awareness beyond the club, and inform people who don't know too much about these disorders. This year, we have plenty of collaborations planned involving everything from crafts to roller-skating!
BEATSoc try to meet once a week, and are very busy during fundraising periods. Members are welcome to attend as few or as many events as they like.
Fetish Society
Next, I spoke to the President of Fetish Society, Cassandra. FetSoc is a kink society dedicated to educating members on how to safely engage in different activities. They host events such as rope bondage workshops, discussion panels, and craft afternoons.
Nouse: Why do you think we need a Fetish Society at York?
Cassandra: There are a couple of reasons. Firstly, we are able to provide a space for the kink community to come together and interact. Secondly, the majority of our events are educational; they exist to put important safety information out there.
N: How do you create a safe space for students wanting to experiment?
C: We cover a lot of different topics within sexual education and we are also associated with YorSexualHealth, providing free contraception and advice. We create a space where information can be shared in a safe and educational way.
When dealing with topics such as kink and fetish, if people have the wrong information, it can be dangerous. Our society provides the correct information and also demonstrates incorrect methods or techniques so that people know not to use them.
N: What are the challenges that come with running a society of such a sensitive nature?
C: Running a society isn’t easy; it’s a big challenge in itself, but due to the nature of FetSoc, we have to invest a lot of time and research into our events. There’s a lot of planning that goes into making sure we have the correct information.
We also have had to tiptoe around York SU for a while - we were scared that if we took one wrong move, we’d be ratified. But we’ve greatly improved that relationship now, which I’m proud of.
N: What do you think about the stereotypes and assumptions that people may make about FetSoc, and what do you do to combat them?
C: There has always been a level of stigma surrounding this society. We have to run the majority of our events in members-only locations because of issues in the past; we have to be very careful about who attends them. We have had people before who have both displayed and promoted poor behaviour at our events, which is not what the society is about.
In addition, people sometimes get the wrong idea about what we are; a lot of people see the name ‘Fetish Society’ and assume it’s just going to be a bunch of weirdos, but that’s obviously not the case!
N: What would you say to students—especially freshers—who are interested in the society, but apprehensive about joining?
C: Don’t be intimidated by the name - we’re a very welcoming and accepting society! Come and give it a go—either turn up to one of our socials, which are open to everyone, or our taster sessions. There’s no need to be apprehensive; it’s very non-judgemental.
FetSoc runs two events per week, which include discussion panels made up of FetSoc alumni and Shibari rope workshops. They also host icebreakers and regular socials. Locations are disclosed to members only.
Octopush
Finally, I spoke to Octopush President, Alex Pelling, about the club. Octopush, also known as Underwater Hockey, is an aquatic sport played between two teams competing to push a puck into a goal. The club is currently the fastest-growing sports society at the University.
Nouse: How did you get into Octopush?
Alex: I was fortunate enough to have a club near me in Guildford that was able to show me the ropes when I was 13. Absolutely fantastic people—they’re so passionate about what they do, and I was immediately hooked!
N: What do you do to appeal to intrigued students and encourage new players?
A: First of all, Octopush is such an inclusive sport, and unique in that it’s played in mixed teams right up to the highest level. We love chatting to potential players and showing off how easy it is to get started. There’s no kit or experience necessary—we’ve had players turn up with no knowledge of the sport at all, only to be obliterating the competition at a national level five months later. In what other sport can you do that?
N: How did you manage to turn the club into the fastest-growing sport society within such a small time frame?
A: We believe that for a sport to be successful, change has to come from the people that make it. Last year, we spent months talking to students from a variety of different backgrounds in order to find out exactly what barriers were stopping them from accessing Octopush. We ran surveys and attended sports fairs, all to better understand the student mindset.
With our campaign of printed media, social media and even radio appearances—shout-out College Sport Catch-up—we’ve been able to communicate the idea that it’s never too late to get involved. When you reach out in good faith, people respond to that, and we’re so grateful for everybody who has got stuck in this year.
N: What do you think sets Octopush apart from other, more widely-recognised sport societies?
A: It’s no secret that students can get stuck between these niche-yet-aimless sports, and grand-yet-inaccessible juggernauts like rugby or hockey. Welcoming as these clubs claim to be, it can be difficult to find your tribe whilst desiring competitive prospects. At Octopush, we guarantee all regularly-attending players at least one league match if they’re interested—our training is designed from the ground up to turn everyone into a strong athlete.
If you want to complain about sport, go for one of the big guys; but if you want to win, join Octopush.
N: Why do you think that freshers looking to join a new sports club should join Octopush?
A: We’re a very welcoming bunch, with sessions designed to help you be the best you can be. There’s no pressure to compete, and we’re all about getting everyone involved and building a great community!
Plus, we organise regular drinking and non-drinking socials that are open to everyone (even if you don’t play the sport), and our new Welfare Secretary, Abby, is putting together a new calendar of extra events as we speak.
Octopush host sessions on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9pm-10pm at York Sport Village.
