For an immediate answer before emailing, check whether we've already answered your question below. If we haven't answered your question please email Societies@cardiff.ac.uk and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Where can I find out about / contact societies?
Our 200+ affiliated student-led societies within the Guild of Societies can be viewed
here. Each society has their own webpage, which details their activity, membership, contact details and more.
Where do societies meet and when?
Each society will meet on a different day at a different time and location. You can find out about where/when societies meet on their Webpages or social media. You’ll be able to buy tickets to their events here too.
Can I try a society’s activity before buying a membership?
Yes! The Students’ Union run a Give It a Go programme, where societies offer taster sessions to those interested in trying something new before purchasing a membership.
Give It a Go sessions usually run at the beginning of the academic year in September/October, and in January. Keep an eye out at Freshers’ and Refreshers’ Fairs, on social media and society webpages for more information.
How do I join a society? Can I be in more than one society?
Yes! You can join as many societies as you’d like and can fit in around your studies.
To become a society member, you must purchase the Guild of Societies membership, as well as society membership.
The Guild of Societies membership only needs to be purchased once per year and allows you to join as many societies as you like.
What is the Guild of Societies?
The Guild of Societies is home to all 200+ societies. Joining the guild allows you to join and take part in as many societies as you like!
How much is the Guild of Societies membership?
The Guild of Societies memberships costs £10. You only need to buy this once per year.
The Guild of Societies membership will automatically pop up during the checkout process for you to add to basket. You will not be able to purchase a society membership without also purchasing the Guild of Societies membership.
All memberships expire on 1st August, so all memberships need to be repurchased each year if you want to continue as a member.
What is my Guild of Societies membership paying for?
The Guild of Societies membership contributes to various resources, including but not limited to:
- Transport Provision
- We have a fleet of vehicles available to affiliated groups and provisions for students to undergo driver training with our Transport Coordinator.
- Staff Support
- Every society has a designated staff contact to support the committee with the running of their group.
- Room Bookings
- Affiliated societies have access to free use of our meeting room and rehearsal spaces, across the Students’ Union and the University
- Societies are offered discounted rates when using holding events in our commercial venues (e.g., Y Plas)
- Financial Support
- The Guild offers an opportunity to receive grant funding for all societies, which is offered in semesters one and two
- Webpage access and maintenance
- Access to facilities and storage
- Personal accident insurance
Do I need the Guild of Societies and a society membership?
Yes. You will not be able to purchase a society membership without also purchasing the Guild of Societies membership.
How do I get a society/Guild of Societies membership refund?
To request a society membership refund you should contact the society committee.
To request a Guild of Societies membership refund you should contact societies@cardiff.ac.uk.
Who can I reach out to if I have a concern?
Every society should have their own Wellbeing Officer. If you are comfortable doing so, you can contact them, and they will be able to signpost to the relevant individuals and services. Their contact details can be found on the society’s webpage.
The Students’ Union also has its own in-house Student Advice service. They offer impartial, confidential and free advice from a team of student advisors who are here to support you. You can contact them at advice@cardiff.uk, or by calling 029 20 781 410.
What should I do if I’m having issues when trying to checkout on the SU website?
When trying to checkout on the Students’ Union website, there are occasions where anti-fraud checks appear. If this is the case, please ensure that the address you provide at checkout is the same address the card is registered to.
If a message appears telling you that you do not meet the requirements, please email a screenshot of this to societies@cardiff.ac.uk, and we will pass this onto our Web Team.
If you are still experiencing issues, you can visit the Finance Office on the 3rd Floor of the Students’ Union or email them at SUFinance@cardiff.ac.uk. They are open from Monday to Friday 10:00-16:00.
How do I become more involved in the Guild of Societies?
Aside from joining one of our societies, you can become a committee member or join the Societies Executive Committee. This is an opportunity to work alongside the Vice President Societies and Volunteering to shape and support the work they do. This could include supporting them in the development of policy, running outreach activity, or simply putting on events and activities students want to see.
The Societies Executive Committee form a link between the VP Societies and societies themselves. They will meet twice a month, provide feedback and hold the VP Societies accountable to their manifesto and duties.
All societies committee members can apply in the Autumn elections, or by completing an application of interest form. Keep an eye out on the SU website and communications from your VP Societies at the start of the year to find out more!
How can I start a new society?
If you’re interested in starting a new society, you can first take a look at our Save A Society list - this is a list of previously affiliated societies that are no longer active, so waiting to be brought back by a new group of students. You can email your Save a Society application to societies@cardiff.ac.uk.
You can also fill out this form to start a new society from scratch! New society applications are approved by the VP Societies and their Executive Committee - you can email vpsocieties@cardiff.ac.uk if you would like an update on your application, or if you have any queries on the process.
Before completing either application, you must have at least a President, Secretary and Treasurer, and a minimum of 20 members.