Does the University of Law have societies?

Dec 19, 2022

Written By Annabel Gooden

The University of Law prides itself on being the largest provider of legal education in the UK and as such has a thriving community of students. It provides a mix of undergraduate degrees and postgraduate courses, all designed to give students employable skills for the legal and business sectors.

What kinds of societies can I join?

As the University proclaims on its website, ‘It’s not all work and no play’. There are a large number of activities on offer, ranging from sports groups to debating clubs, commercial law and legal tech societies, LGBTQ+ and women’s networks and faith groups… the list goes on!

The University of Law has 19 locations in the UK, Berlin and Hong Kong as well as an online campus. At each campus you will find plenty to get involved with.

The campus-specific societies will differ depending on where you are. If you feel there is something missing at your campus, you are encouraged to start your own club. The Union website has information about how to do this. If you have even bigger dreams, you could even start up a Global Society open to students across all the campuses.

Wherever you are studying, You will be part of the university-wide students’ union. The union’s website has lots of useful information about activities across all campuses, as well as useful tips and updates on university life. Find out more on the Union website and their dedicated clubs and societies page.

Sports Groups

The University of Law (ULaw) is British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) affiliated. BUCS is the governing body for higher education sport in the UK, and they also organise inter-university sports and national games. Some campus clubs enter teams or individuals to take part in national BUCS events. Many clubs also organise relaxed social activities, providing a fun way to socialise with other students while you take a break from the library.

In London, the Bloomsbury campus has a Table Tennis Club while Moorgate has a Badminton Club. Both are friendly and open to new members. Other campus sports clubs that have been set up in the past include: football, netball, running, tennis, climbing and yoga.

Career Networks and Law Societies

Should you wish to get involved in something more career-related, there are also a number of networking and discussion groups. We’ve listed some examples below:

- In London, there is the Environmental Society at Bloomsbury and the Women in Law society at Moorgate.

- Manchester hosts a number of faith groups and an Amnesty International society.

- In Hong Kong students can join the Asian Law Students’ Association, a non-profit, non-political organisation which promotes the awareness of justice and cross-cultural collaboration.

- Leeds has a Debate Society and a Legal Technology and Innovation Society, which host discussion and networking sessions on topics of interest.

- In Newcastle, the Breaking Barriers group works to promote opportunities for lawyers based in the North East of England.

- The Online campus has a LGBTQ+ network, a human rights discussion group called Beyond Law and a Legal Technology and Leadership Society.

Positions of Responsibility

As a member of the Students’ Union, you will be able to stand for election to one of a number of roles in the Student Parliament. These may include Campus Vice-President, International Officer, Disabled Students’ Officer and LGBTQ+ Officer.

You could also run as a Class Representative for your workshop class. This is a great way to help provide feedback to the University and also to get to know your classmates and tutors. Volunteering for one of these positions is a great way to demonstrate the communication and leadership skills legal employers will be looking for.

Employability

Finally, if you’re keen to give something back to the community, ULaw has a plethora of pro bono and volunteering opportunities you can sign up for. These are worth doing if you want to improve your employability and demonstrate a practical interest in the law.

Whatever you choose to get involved with, it’s worth remembering to highlight your extra-curricular commitments on your CV and any application forms. Whether you are applying for paralegal jobs, vacation schemes, pupillages or training contracts, law firms and chambers want to see that you are a rounded individual with good social skills.

Where can I find out more?

The Student Association has a strong social media presence. There are also dedicated campus pages and groups. You can find out more here. You can also visit a campus in-person by booking an open day here.

Law Societies