Understanding the student experience: insights from university societies

As universities prepare to welcome new cohorts of students, understanding the full scope of the higher education experience becomes essential for local authorities supporting young people through their educational journeys. This callout seeks to capture authentic perspectives from current students and recent graduates regarding their participation in university clubs and societies, revealing how these groups function as vital extensions of campus life. The responses will illuminate both the benefits and challenges of extracurricular engagement, from building lasting friendships and developing transferable skills to navigating organisational difficulties or exclusionary practices. Such insights are invaluable for cabinet members overseeing education and skills portfolios, as they reveal how informal learning environments complement academic study and contribute to student retention, mental health, and successful transitions into adulthood. For local government leaders, these firsthand accounts provide important context for the broader higher education ecosystem within their regions. Understanding where societies succeed or fail in creating inclusive, enriching environments helps paint a complete picture of the opportunities and obstacles facing young people in tertiary education, informing how councils might better support graduates as they move from education into local employment markets.