Rallies of enthusiastic pitches bounced against the walls of DIT as over 120 clubs and societies recruited new members.  The exciting ‘sign up week’ has been happening in the colleges of Ireland over the past couple of weeks and they create a magnificent atmosphere.  There was a special buzz humming throughout DIT this week as rhythms were pounded against samba drums and stilted students tiptoed through the stalls.

DIT societies include; the Drama society, Juggling, Life Drawing, Cumann Gaelach, Event Management, Engineering, Young Fine Gael, news soc, Camping, Business and Management, and loads more. LOADS! Clubs focus their attention on sporting activities and are a brilliant way to keep active and fit as well as meet new people.  Clubs range from the Boxing club, Karate to Canoe, Waterpolo, Equestrian to the Skiing Club.

College clubs and societies are an excellent way for students to get involved in the social aspect of their college in a way that is beneficial and worthwhile for all members. 

Keelan, President of the Juggling Society, said:
“I have met people all over the world with the society, by joining I learnt how to juggle and now I can teach juggling and acrobatics anywhere I want.   Societies are a great thing, they allow you to learn something new and it’s great for college as well, you get extra credits for extracurricular activities.”
 
Adam Carpenter, DJ Soc:
“Societies are about finding something you enjoy, having fun and meeting new people, and for meeting birds too! It’s all about having the craic, I’ve been involved in DIT societies for years, juggling, DJ soc, ENG soc, bike polo and the carting soc.  From all of the societies I’ve learned different skills.  In the juggling society I was able to learn how to perform juggling and acrobats and since then I’ve been able to get paid as a street performer.”
 
Alex Kinsella, President of Business and Marketing (BAM):
Our society is all about business and marketing, but it really isn’t just for people who are studying business and management.  Societies are really good for settling in to the college and getting to know new people.  It’s a really good society for organising events.”

Colin Campbell, President of the DIT Drama society:
“It’s about getting involved with fellow students and sharing a common interest, it has given me the foundations to discover more about theatre, it’s given me a platform to explore my interests.  Joining college clubs and societies allows you to discover new interests at hugely reduced prices.  The facilities to put on a play are all there free of charge and you wouldn’t get this in any other non college drama organisation.
The society allows you to meet new people, to settle in and get involved.  Societies and clubs are like a business, everything is run in a business manner, being a committee member you learn about leadership, team work, deadlines, advertising, innovation, these are all the things employers are looking for and it’s the kind of practical experience that you can’t get in a lecture hall.”

My advice for first year students and anyone who wants to get more involved in the social scene is to join as many clubs and societies as you can and go to them all  over the first few weeks, eventually the one you enjoy the most will take over and your college year will be the best "craic" (quoted by dozens of society members!) you'll have throughout your course!