Extracurricular & Social Life at UK Universities (2025-26)

Oct 3, 2025

Are you planning to study at a UK university or gearing up for the 2025‑26 academic year? Youni, the platform for students to discover, join and create events and societies, can help you make the most of university life. Our mission is to connect students with vibrant communities and opportunities across campuses and beyond.

This guide highlights key events, societies and social opportunities at leading institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews, King’s College London (KCL) and Imperial College London. Whether you’re looking for inspiring lectures, cultural festivals, sports competitions or lively student clubs, Youni makes it easy to find and join activities that fit your interests.

What is Youni?

Youni (.tbc) helps students discover, join and create events, societies and communities. By using Youni you can:

  • Stay informed about upcoming events and fairs at your university.

  • Meet like‑minded peers through societies, clubs and volunteering.

  • Create your own events to share passions with the wider student community.

Key student events across UK universities

Oxford University

  • Black History Month programme (Oct 2025) – Oxford celebrates with lectures and events open to students, staff, alumni and the public.

  • Sheldonian Series: “Cancel Culture” (21 Oct 2025) – Vice‑Chancellor Irene Tracey discusses the impact of cancel culture.

  • Exhibitions and concerts – Explore exhibitions like About Time: One Passion and Kabuki Kimono: Costumes of Bandō Tamasaburō V at Oxford’s museums.

University of Cambridge

  • Entertainment Fair & themed events – Cambridge SU hosts events like Play Your Way and Bridging the Gap: Africa & the Diaspora.

  • Annual Athletics Cuppers & society forays – Participate in Athletics Cuppers or join the Mycological Society’s Wandlebury Foray.

  • Training and volunteering – Learn to lead committees, run events and discover volunteering opportunities.

University of St Andrews

  • Memorial Symposium for Professor Wilson Sibbett (22 Oct 2025) and In Conversation: art and identity (26 Oct 2025) – Lectures and discussions celebrating academic contributions.

  • Annual Black History Lecture & Bright Club Halloween Edition (28 Oct 2025) – Academic and comedic events during Black History Month.

  • Proteomic profiling seminars, drawing sessions and workshops – A rich calendar featuring seminars, art sessions, performances and holiday workshops.

King’s College London (KCL)

  • Panel debates and lectures – Events such as Europe’s Future in the Age of Geoeconomics, the London Shakespeare Seminar and a talk on US‑China geopolitics (21 Oct 2025).

  • Green initiatives and education reforms – Sessions on topics like Understanding “green China” (24 Oct 2025) and Agency in the Anthropocene (18 Nov 2025).

  • KCLSU Welcome Fair (22 Sept 2025) – The Students’ Union’s flagship event with hundreds of student groups, clubs and partner stalls.

Imperial College London

  • Imperial Lates: Lights, Colour, Action (23 Oct 2025) – An evening festival exploring science through interactive activities.

  • FoNS‑MAD Competition Final & Building Mathematical Lego (22 Oct 2025) – Showcases student innovation and playful mathematics.

  • Grantham Institute Annual Lecture & Under Pressure lecture (late Oct 2025) – High‑profile talks on climate change and clinical trials.

  • Union events – Imperial College Union organises yoga sessions, University Challenge try‑outs, Halloween cocktail‑making, pottery painting workshops, ARTS Night, environmental trips, swap shops and mental health talks.

Societies and student organisations

Every university has a thriving ecosystem of societies and clubs. Oxford alone has hundreds of registered student clubs across academic, cultural and sporting interests. Cambridge SU’s online directory makes it easy to discover societies, St Andrews Students’ Association supports over 140 societies spanning food, arts, media, charity, politics and academics, KCLSU oversees a huge range of clubs and runs events throughout the year, and Imperial College Union supports more than 380 clubs and societies across sports, arts, culture, academic departments and volunteering.

Joining societies is one of the best ways to meet people, explore new interests and build leadership skills. Most societies recruit at the start of each term, but you can usually join at any time via the union websites. Youni helps you discover and join these societies quickly and easily.

Tips for enjoying extracurricular and social life

  • Attend welcome fairs and orientation events – Fairs like KCLSU Welcome Fair and Imperial Lates introduce you to clubs and campus culture.

  • Mix academic events with fun – Balance lectures and seminars with relaxed activities like yoga classes, art nights or film screenings.

  • Explore local culture – Venture beyond campus to discover museums, galleries and historic towns like Oxford and St Andrews.

  • Volunteer and give back – Most unions host volunteering fairs; supporting local causes is a great way to make friends and develop skills.

  • Try something new – Join a club you’ve never considered before; you might discover a hidden passion and broaden your network.

By taking part in the diverse events and societies across UK universities, you’ll create an enriching university experience filled with learning, community and lasting memories. Youni is here to help you navigate these opportunities and make the most of your university years.