Societies and the Students' Association
As a new student, you automatically become a member of the Edinburgh University Students' Association, with access to over 325 societies and student representation.
Student Societies
Student Societies are a big part of the student experience and can be a great way to enhance your social and academic life.
You don't have to be an expert on a particular topic to join a society. It is about developing new interests and experiences, meeting like-minded people and having fun.
Societies offer free sessions during welcome week/first few weeks of term. Then if you wish to join the society there is a cost for membership, this can vary depending on which society you wish to join. Prices for membership can be found on the link below, and clicking on your choice of Society then clicking 'Join'.
Worried about the price of memberships? There is also an option to apply for the Student Participation Grant.
Find a society
With over 325+ societies to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
Start a society
If you've got an idea for starting a new society, you can also submit a proposal for a new society.
Start a society - find out how
Edinburgh University Students' Association
The Students' Association is an organisation run by students and for students and aims to make sure that you have the best possible experience while at University. Your Students' Association will have a wide range of events on offer throughout Welcome Week and beyond.
Edinburgh University Students’ Association website
Advice Place
You can get free, confidential, and impartial advice on everything from money and accommodation to your health and wellbeing through the Advice Place.
Whether you’re in Edinburgh or joining us online, the Advice Place is available to answer any of your questions and help you access the support you need.
Peer Learning and Support
Peer Learning and Support gives you access to student leaders who run study sessions and community-building activities.
These groups offer a great opportunity to meet people, improve your grades and have fun.
Sabbatical Officers
The Students’ Association represents student views with a team of five full-time, elected sabbatical officers, who are all Edinburgh students or recent graduates. They will listen to you and liaise directly with the University to share ideas, create change, gain new skills, and access support.
Your elected Student Officers and Representatives are also here to ensure your views are represented within the Students' Association, the University, and beyond.
Academic representation
Each school within the University has a team of School Reps (representing both undergraduate and postgraduate students) who are elected to represent you to staff within your school (including members of senior management).
There are also Programme Reps who work at the local level to improve individual tutorials, courses, and programmes.
School and Programme Representatives (Students' Association website)
Liberation Officers and Section Reps
Your Liberation Officers and Section Reps represent communities of students who are either underrepresented in higher education or who experience oppression (including harassment and discrimination) in wider society. These include black and minority Ethnic students, disabled students, LGBT+ students, trans and non-binary students, female students, commuter students, international students, mature students, part-time students, student carers, and student parents.
We have a wide variety of spaces on offer for studying, socialising, eating and relaxing. There are on-site shops to grab essentials too.