Catching up with the History Society

There’s an almost endless list of benefits to joining a society when you come to university.  

However, one of the main benefits of a society is that they are a fantastic way to find a ready-made engaged community for something you love or something you’ve always wanted to try. Amongst the sports teams, hobby societies and networks are subject-based societies. These societies provide a space for course mates to catch up outside of timetabled teaching but are also open to any student, so if you’re a film production student who loves to talk history, for example, this is your opportunity.  

We recently spoke to the student-led History Society to find out more.

 The Society at the Freshers Fayre (@uowhistorysoc) 

 

Can you give us an overview of the Society? 

James (23/24 Chair): We try and host all sorts of activities catering to all periods of history, ranging from movie viewings to museum trips, very much intended to be informal and a break from normal uni life and lectures 

Lucy (23/24 Vice-Chair): As a society we like to cover all types of history so that we’re welcoming to anyone that enjoys history whether they study it or not. Against our stereotype we like to make history fun with varying activities and trips. 

What’s a misconception about the History Society (or societies in general)? 

James: A lot of people think that in order to join a society like the History Society, or any other subject based society, you have to be doing a degree in that subject, but you don't, societies and degrees are completely separate. 

Lucy: That we’re only for history students (we’re open to all) and that we don't have fun in our sessions 

 

"Societies have been a great way to meet people with similar interests. I've picked up various bits of advice about my degree from older students in the society" - Mia, Medieval History student

 

What has been your favourite event/trip? 

James: Winchester City Museum, it was the first trip we ran and it went smoothly which was really encouraging 

Lucy: Winchester City Museum because there was a great turnout, and the museum included a bit of history for everyone 

Harry (Member): Winchester City Museum 

Sophie (Member): Royal Green Jackets Museum 

Mia (Member): Winchester City Museum 

As you can see, Winchester City Museum was massively popular with the society this year. Winchester is a city steeped in history, so maybe it’s not a surprise that the museum is so popular. The Royal Green Jackets Museum is another fantastic place to visit with its 25 square metre diorama of the Waterloo battlefield featuring 30,000 model soldiers.

Do you feel that you have picked up any additional skills being the Chair and Vice-Chair of a university society? 

James: It's definitely been an opportunity to work on an array of employability skills 

Lucy: I have picked up more organisation and planning skills as well as the key involvement of clear communication 

 

A Guest Speaker at the History Society (@uowhistorysoc)

Who would your dream speaker for the society be? 

James: Historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes 

Lucy: Archaeologist Dr Cat Jarman 

Harry: Sunday Times bestseller Jennifer Saint 

Sophie: Actor and musician Mathew Baynton 

Mia: English classicist Dame Mary Beard 

Find out more about our range of History degrees and the History Society

 

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