My guide to joining a community at Leeds Beckett

Freshers' Fair - your gateway to communities

Freshers’ Week is an exciting time when first-year students are welcomed and introduced to university life. During this event, both Headingley and City Campus host the ‘Freshers’ Fair,’ filled with stalls representing a wide range of communities, sports teams, and volunteering opportunities. Local bars and restaurants also offer exclusive deals and prizes. It’s the perfect chance to chat with current club members, sign up for taster sessions, and grab some freebies along the way!

I vividly remember walking around the Freshers’ Fair with my new flatmates, feeling completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. It was a fantastic opportunity to explore different communities and get a feel for what they offered, all while meeting people before diving into sessions on my own. After chatting with some of the women from the Rugby team, I found my perfect match. The rugby girls have since become lifelong friends, and joining the club was a decision I’ll never regret!

Leeds Beckett Student Communities and Clubs

Joining a community or club is one of the best ways to meet like-minded people at Leeds Beckett. Whether you're into competitive sports or just looking for a fun, social activity, there's something for everyone. From traditional teams like football and rugby to more unique sports like korfball and rowing, you’ll find plenty of options. Many sports clubs also offer opportunities to compete in the BUCS league, but if you prefer a more laid-back vibe, social teams like social netball focus more on fun and connection than competition.

If staying active is your thing, consider signing up for fitness classes like Hyrox or yoga, which are great for both physical health and meeting new faces. But don’t worry if sports aren’t your jam – there are plenty of other communities to explore. You can join cultural groups, academic societies, or even find a hobby-based community that sparks your interest.

I joined the Speech and Language Therapy Society, which became a great way to connect with people across all years of my course. The society offered helpful resources like revision guides and BSL (British Sign Language) lessons, plus regular socials like the Otley Run and coffee afternoons. It was the perfect way to feel more comfortable around my course mates and build lasting connections.

Online Communities

If in-person meetups aren’t your vibe, online communities offer a fantastic alternative. Leeds Beckett has a variety of social media groups, Discord servers, and student forums where you can connect with others who share your interests. These platforms are a great way to expand your network and ease into uni life before even stepping on campus.

LBU has an official offer-holder community group to make it easier for you to find your flatmates, coursemates or people with similar interests ahead of starting. Many courses also have Facebook groups for new students, which allow you to chat, share advice, and calm any first-day nerves.

During my induction week, I met a large group of students for a McDonald's breakfast before our first day – something that wouldn’t have happened without our online community. For me, knowing I wasn’t walking into a huge lecture theatre alone was a huge relief, and it really helped set the tone for my first week.

Put yourself out there!

Whether you're just starting university or looking to get more involved at any point during your time at Beckett, my advice is simple: put yourself out there!

Meeting new people can feel a bit intimidating at first, but by joining the right communities, it becomes so much easier to make lasting friendships and meaningful connections. Whether it’s through Fresher’s Fair, sports clubs, or other student groups, there’s a place for everyone. Don’t let fear hold you back – embrace the changes, get involved, and have fun while doing it!

Personally, joining communities has made my university experience incredible. From meeting new friends to enjoying countless laughs and unforgettable moments, my time at LBU has been nothing short of amazing. And of course, there’s plenty of learning along the way too!