Overwhelming in the extreme, it’s the best thing to happen in Front Square since Jedward at T Ball; Fresher’s Fair is back. Wander between the tables, and you will find a lot of eager (potentially rainsoaked) students ready to welcome new members into their beloved societies. Joining societies is the best way to meet new people at the beginning of your college journey, and they want to meet you too! Here is a somewhat helpful guide to accompany you through your front square odyssey, even if you are only planning to go for the free stickers and the SU pizza.
Debating is inexplicably a craze among Trinity students, so why not join them in the GMB and visit the Hist and the Phil, our two debating societies. I dare you to ask what the difference between them is. I did; it turns out there isn’t any, really. Choose one and love it forever, or don’t- why limit yourself? The Hist and the Phil both organise weekly debates open to all members, as well as competitions and a great selection of famous faces as guest speakers. Make sure not to miss both of their maidens tournaments, a chance for beginners to get sucked into the cult that is college debate, with motions that will make you question everything.
Everyone knows that the coolest society in the GMB is actually the Theo, who welcome anyone with an interest in religion and its impact regardless of affiliation. It has been said they make a great cup of tea, but Lit Soc might just give them a run for their money. Hidden in the cosy attic of Teach a Sé, they host events for writers and readers alike, encompassing all genres. Like many societies, they do not restrict their membership to those who study English, far from it! Another favourite is Film Soc, which will keep you logged into Letterboxd, and might help you find some new favourite films at their screenings and discussions. Both these societies, and many others, publish their own journals during term, creating a space for students to write about their passions, such as the History societies’ The Historian, and the Politics Societies’ Stance.
On the topic of student publication, there is room for all writers across Trinity’s wide selection of magazines and journals. Join all the writers’ group chats to pick up a pitch and write to your heart’s content. It might seem a little daunting to join a group chat, but new perspectives are invaluable, so if you have something to say and some time to write between classes and pub nights, take the leap!
For the business-minded, there are a host of things to get up to, such as the Trinity Entrepreneurial Society or the Trinity Student Managed Fund (Trinity SMF), which works under the guidance of those in the investment industry alongside dedicated students, and might just help you secure that internship. Report back once you have figured out investing.
Anagloue is in this year, and Chess Soc, Cards Soc, and Pool Soc are all a great way to hang out with friends and spend a little bit of time away from a student’s inevitable assortment of screens. Or if you are looking for people who share your more niche interests, DU SciFi Society, with their weekly book clubs, watch parties, and game nights, might be perfect for you. Emerging from the Goldsmith Bunker, alongside all the other societies who lurk down there, they truly have all bases covered when it comes to sci-fi and gaming.
It’s a big year for FashionSoc. Count down the days until Dior, with the best-dressed society on campus and take part in their workshops and fashion shows, which are guaranteed to be great experiences for anyone interested in any aspect of the fashion world. For other budding creatives, DU Photos, with their workshops and exhibitions, will ensure your film dump on Instagram will be the envy of all your friends. Another society hiding on the top floor is Trinity FM, our student-run radio, where you can apply with any show idea and hopefully get your incredible music taste on air for all of College to enjoy.
Dublin’s music scene is thriving, and you can make your mark through Trinity’s music societies. Whether you want to connect with fellow fans, put your own band together, to gain some experience in music promotion, DU Music, DU Alternative Music, Jazz Soc, Trad Soc, to name but a few. All host regular gigs, workshops, jam sessions, and coffee hours. If you are looking for an opportunity to keep up your playing, there is also Trinity Orchestra, who embrace all genres and the possibility of EP tickets.
For the performers, your people are out there too. You’ll hear them coming from a mile off. Trinity Musical Theatre puts on two student-led productions a year, so the post-show sadness never lasts long. And no list is complete without Du Players. Their Players Introductory Programme (PIPs) allows everyone, regardless of experience, to take part in all aspects of theatre-making and is a perfect way to get involved in the society as a Fresher.
Turns out Trinity has a fair amount of sports societies, but have you considered Juggling and Circus Soc? You can learn all the skills you might need to run off to the circus if this degree thing doesn’t work out. If all this is leaving you feeling overwhelmed, why not walk it off and get back to nature with Hiking Soc. The only thing you need is a pair of hiking boots, and you’re set to go on their first hike of term, which is a great way to meet new people away from a pretty hectic campus. Or if you have an inexplicable urge to climb everything you see, and love some cool society merch, DU climbing might just be for you
There is so much more waiting for you! Attend the pub quizzes, taster sessions, and coffee hours! Talk to committee members and make the most of free tote bags and stickers! You have it all to gain, and you never know; next year you might be standing at those tables yourself.
