One of the perks of Oxford and the college system is the clubs, committees and societies. Perfect for your CV, but still open to varying levels of commitment and skill.
Oxford College Sports and Societies
Each college has many clubs and societies that you can get involved in, from typical Oxford sports and activities to societies you might never have heard of. Examples include:
- Sports
- Debating
- Committee positions- Womens, BAME, Entertainment, VP
- Discussion groups
You can join these as a member, but you can also get involved in running the groups. It's a great way to meet people from your college, have responsibility in organisation and also give something back to the college community.
Oxford Sports – For Everyone
Oxford is great because you can take part in sports no matter your skill and experience level.
College teams are often less time commitment than uni teams, with fewer training sessions each week. Colleges can compete against each other in leagues and sports days which is great fun.
Being netball captain has been so much fun and I've loved organising training, dinners and socials for all of the girls
Uni teams require trials to get onto and have more training sessions, with matches against other universities.
Sports offered within the uni and colleges:
- Netball
- Football
- Rugby
- Hockey
- Rowing
- Kick boxing
- Archery
- Golf
- Athletics
- and many many more!
Charity
The student union's Raise and Give (RAG) organisation holds many events throughout each term to raise money for 4 charities (chosen yearly).
As with societies, you can take part in these and raise money yourself, but you can also apply to work on the committees to organise and promote events.
Popular events organised by RAG include:
- LOST – Race back to Oxford from a mystery location while completing fun challenges on the way. This year's location was the New Forest with a jungle theme.
- Scavenger Hunt – Find hidden clues around Oxford to introduce new students to the city
- Jailbreak – Using no money, get as far away from Oxford as possible within 12 hours. Teams have gone as far as China, the Sahara, and many other great and distant places in the past.
- RAG Ball- a glamorous and fun night held in the best locations, enjoying entertainment, refreshments and music. The 2018 ball was hosted at the Oxford Museum of Natural Science (dinosaurs welcome).
- Fashion Show- local designers come and showcase their pieces on a night of entertainment and creativity
I was on the committee for LOST, and really enjoyed designing the theme, logo and planning the logistics of the event, as well as choosing fun challenges
Subject-Related Activities
There are always loads of free talks, exhibitions and presentations going on around the university, which focus on so many arcane and intriguing topics.
I've heard the editor of New Scientist speak, learnt about academics' research into cancer, networked with top law firms and been to dinners with big banking firms.
Each subject usually has a society, which host events and sell stash (customer merchandise – very popular with students). There are plenty of other societies with a broader audience, such as general science, Tolkien, drama, women in business and consulting.
There really is something for everyone, and you have the chance to have a look at the Freshers' Fair. (You might want to take note of our advice on making the most of Freshers' Week.)
Boost Your Employability
The Oxford Careers Service is a great resource which you can take advantage from at any point in your degree. Their role is to allow students to learn and use skills which will boost your CV and guide you towards potential career paths.
What do they do?
- Advertise internships and job roles
- Run insight sessions focusing on business, academia, teaching, medicine
- Connect you with career advisors to look at your CV and give tips
- Interview practice
- Help with online admissions and tests
- Run student fairs for jobs, internships and events for all subject disciplines
Conclusion
The university and college communities have so many great things – you can get involved in Oxford sports, business connections, charity events, and more. But whatever you pick, you'll contribute to Oxford life and allow yourself to gain valuable skills and meet loads of new people.
For other things to do in Oxford life, click here
