UCD Societies

boneless

As we will have a lot of prospective new UCD students checking out the forum I thought it would be good to get some info up here on the various societies active in the college. If any auditors or members of these are on Boards, could you give a brief outline of the soc and an idea of the activities organised. Hulla has okayed this but if we could keep it as spam-free as possible it would help a lot. Thanks Brothers and Sisters!!

elmyra

*Outs self*......hmmm, I'm the Sec of the L&H and I *think* I'm the only committee member posting on boards, *stares at 2 lurkers*, so I guess I'll give this a go.

L&H stands for Literary and HIstorical society. We're ancient (well, the society, now in it's 152nd session, is. The members are still fairly lively). Our activites mainly centre around debating (cos we're that cool) but we like other stuff too, like drinkin' and dancin', so if you like that kind of stuff too you should still join! If debating isn't your thing we have a nightclub event. We also have the Strauss Ball which is probably gonna be your only opportunity during your college years to sit down to dinner in formal wear and follow it up with waltzing to an in-house orchestra, not to mention the disco to follow. The Strauss is the only white-tie society event in UCD, and L&H members get a discount on their tickets. If you like debate but don't like speaking, there's nothing better to watch that one of our weekly debates. Sometimes on funny topics and sometimes more serious, we always try to have great guests every week and in the past have had all types from Ardal O'Hanlon to David Norris, from Noam Chomsky to Jessie Jackson and from porn stars to equally sexy members of Dail Eireann . In a nutshell, if you no like speaky speaky, we're pretty sure you'll still like the food, the fun and the famous people.

On the other hand if you are a debater type we have a whole plethora of competitions goin' on. Internally there's the Maidens', run jointly with LawSoc, which has a lovely big prize fund and some pretty cool drinks receptions. There's also the Maidens Mace as well as weekly house debates where you can entertain the masses. Externally.....there's Cork, and Galway, and Trinity, and maybe even some competitions as far afield as Limerick (don't worry, you're a college boy now, of course your Mammy will sign the consent). These are called IV's (intervarsities), and they mainly involve UCD people being better than people from other colleges at debating. The L&H will pay for you to compete in these and even cough up for a bed for ya, the host society of whatever part of the country we're headed to will probably give you some free drinks aswell, all you have to do is sign up, and it's only a damn food who doesn't sign up for free food, drink and accom in some far flung part of the country for a weekend. A damn fool.

Oh..and finally....if you're a debate virgin who hasn't popped your speaking cherry yet, we have room for you too. We'll teach you how to be not-shit and give you pointers and practice in mock debates and workshops. If you haven't debated before, then don't worry about it. You have to start somewhere and college is as good as anywhere. In fact, it's probably better because we give you free stuff.

Your first taste of the L&H will be our stand in the Freshers tent during Freshers week. There'll be a whole committee around ready to tell you anything you want to know about the society and if you sign up, we'll give you a bag of free stuff. Once you sign up, be sure to stay involved, if not as a speaker then get involved in ents or simply get to know us by coming to house debates and attending events. Societies are a great way to make friends in college. The L&H is a great way to make cool friends in college

boneless

Well, seeing as it was my idea...I'm the previous auditor of the Archaeological Society. The present Auditor is to my knowledge not on Boards so I'll pitch the sale.

The Archaeological Soc is not just for archaeology students!! We organise fieldtrips to well known and not so known sites around the country. Usually there is someone who actually knows what they are talking about on these adventures... lecturers are very supportive in this regard.

There is also a trip abroad over the Christmas break. Last one was to Edinburgh and was great. There are also lectures on various aspects of the subject during the year. We usually ask for the guest lecturer to try for the informal and informatively funny approach... Mick (Stripey Jumper) Aston gave one such last term.

On the social side , there are the usual beer nights and for those who do not partake of beer, we organise coffee/tea mornings in the Arts Block. Good biscuits will be provided!!See us in the tent during Freshers Week!!

the evil lime

I'm the treasurer of Gamesoc. We are a very active society (I think 3 or 4 events a week avg. last year), and cover all forms of gaming: Board Games, Card Games, RPGs, Computer gaming and Console gaming.

We have weekly coffee morings at which there is free tea, coffee and whatever variety of biscuit I feel like getting. Games tend to be played at this.

Finally, special mention of the Werewolf game is nescessary. This is a group game based on deception, wild accusation and the occasional bit of calculated guesswork. Google it to find out more.

If any of the above seems to interest you, join up. If it doesn't join us anyway and get more than your money back in free tea and biscuits.

Riamfada

Belfield FM

will be looking for loads of new folks for open positions in producing , researching, presenting. Its great crack, you meet loads of nice people , get to spam all over the airwaves . Its a great excuse to skip lectures and has is the only place with a private couch to hang around on all day and get some kip . Look for the stand at freshers day or just stroll up to the studio when we are broadcasting in freshers week.


http://www.belfieldfm.ie

dajaffa

In addition to the above, Belfield Fm is bloody great. No matter what genre of music you're into, from hip-hop to just regular pop u can do it on BFm. If music's not your thing, there's news and sports shows and always room for new ideas. I've made loads of friends through Belfield Fm. I'd zero experience, any necesary training is provided + there's workshops from some of the top media people in Ireland too.

singingstranger

Well, now that BFM's been covered... and I know I fear much wrath for this being a Society thread... but...

(pimped from ucdsu.net)
UCD Students’ Union, as the name suggests, is a Union for the Students. Their job is to keep an eye out for us and make sure we’re all getting treated fairly across the board. The Union offers help with anything college related. Their offices are in the Student Centre.

The Union also runs some facilities across campus. From shops to pool tables, the Students Union has it all. Check out the Students’ Union shop for supplies downstairs in the science block or the trap in the Arts block for pool tables. Two college bars are also by the Union. The Union also helps you with any issues you have about college life, so contact them! Their office doors are always open.
(/pimp)

I would recommend that any new students give a thought to running for Class Rep. It's the best way to end up getting to know your classmates, and you get to know so many other people from all over the campus and from every different School. I ran in Second Year and didn't get elected but stayed involved and ended up becoming Secretary not long afterwards; it was the best thing I've ever done in UCD because I met so many fantastic people, many of whom I now call real friends, and when there's a campaign going and you have some tangiable input it's a really great feeling to see something positive come out at the other end as a direct result of your input.

In a way being involved in the Union is very similar to a society setup but it's a real year-round exercise; there'll often be different postering sessions or meetings/activities/events at lunchtimes and even when there's nothing happening, there's usually some of the other Union-heads just sitting around the Staff Office looking to just hang out and have a chat.

Long story short - anyone who's a little apprehensive about coming to UCD for the first time and anxious to make sure they meet people, then you could do worse than get involved in the Union or run for Class Rep. You meet a ton of great people and learn a lot about life and yourself along the way.

I know it'll sound a cliché for all the new first years but really, UCD isn't as big and daunting a place as it might seem, if you only take the time to try and get involved in a club or society. It's the only time you'll ever be in a concentrated environment where every sport or activity you can probably think of is catered for by a collective of some sort. So get out there and meet the best friends you never could before.

Finally, boneless, excellent idea for the thread. Again, sorry for shoving the Union in when it's obviously not a society, but it's a similar way to settle in UCD and to make friends.

TheVan

New this year, the UCD Student Legal Service, a revival of the Legal Advice Society.


The UCD Student Legal Service (SLS) is an student society new this year to UCD. The SLS has as its primary aim to provide the students and staff of UCD with a free legal information service. This service will be given by a select group of law students from the University who are of the opinion that legal information should be easily available to all, and not just the privileged few. We hope to increase awareness among students of their legal rights and entitlements, and furthermore to encourage voluntarism in the student body.

Each year many students fall victim to unjust treatment at the hands of landlords, employers and retailers. For some time now no free student legal advice service was available, however this is about to change. We hope to impart to such students information regarding, amongst other things, their rights and responsibilities as tenants, employees and consumers. Students should not be left in the dark as regards knowing their rights nor should they have to put up with maltreatment and injustice, and if any student feels that they have been wronged, the volunteers in the SLS will listen to their problem and analyse it from a legal perspective.


If you are having a legal difficulty or feel you have been in someway mistreated do not hesitate to contact the SLS. We will be operating informational and advice clinics on campus for students and staff throughout the academic year. Look out for our posters for more details, as we will be advertising our presence on campus. If you have any questions or queries, or wish to get involved, we can be contacted via email studentlegalservice@ucd.ie or through your student adviser.

Stabshauptmann

Dutch SOC

UCD's best society organising the biggest and best house parties in and around UCD. As a fresher you'll probably join a lot of societies but you are far more likely to really get to know people and making lasting friends at one of DutchSOC's many events.

Events are regular, inexpensive, often involve free booze and range from bonfires, mystery tours, poker sessions, our kick ass christmas party and the infamous annual trip abroad.

hullaballoo

Ball ox, the answer to that question in your deleted post is yes. (Pimping is allowed in this thread, but only this thread, unless you ask one of us first.)

ball ox

well in that case.....
anyone looking to try something new and challenging in collge should check out the caving and potholing club. I'll give ya the spiel from the web site.....

---

"The Caving club offers the means for anybody who wants to go caving or who wants to improve their caving skills and knowledge. Most importantly, however, we are just a group of friends who want to muck about as much as possible. The main events in our Calender are the weekend trips to Clare and Fermanagh. Our trips away start on a Friday evening and finish on Sunday night. Transport and all essential gear is provided. Both Saturday (energetic) and Sunday (tired) cavers are catered for. Even Armchair Cavers are put up with, sometimes. The cost of the trip covers you for accomodation, food, water and caves. Two items which you must supply yourself after this are your own enthusiasm and drinking money.

We also run practise sessions for SRT an videos / slide shows / lectures / etc. Some notable events in the national Caving calendar in which we participate are the Caving Symposium and the Student Caving Forum. The Caving Symposium is organised by the Speleological Union of Ireland (SUI) and along with the Student Caving Forum is a scaled up version of our weekend trips.

There are only really two main items on our agenda. They are to go caving and to have a lot of fun."

---

anyway tis great craic. Lots of trips, muppetry and booze and a chance to do something a little more interesting than playing football or whatever. Check us out online at www.ucdcaving.com, cheers

UCDCPC cpt.

mikhail

The UCD Soccer Supporters Society is at a fairly low ebb of activity, but they take membership at UCD games.

They help organise a certain amount of fan culture, subsidising buses to away venues, selling scarves and hats and publishing a fanzine (stigonline.com).

Young Siward

*Stands Up

I'm the deputy editor for the College Tribune, aka The Trib aka The Tabloid One. I'm not exactly what you might call objective on this, but I think getting involved in the college media in one form or other is a really good way reach out and get involved in college. It's pretty much as you'd expect, come in and scribble away about just about whatever floats your boat....or doesn't as the case may be. And if writing doesn't do it for ya then you might fancy mucking in with design or snapping a few photos. Crazy fools....I can testify.

In the time honoured tradition or tempting people with free stuff - sports writers get free in to (some) matches, music writers are entitled to press passes and free albums before they come out and if you want to check out a movie coming up we've free in to that as well. All good stuff. Perhaps best of all, contributing looks good on any CV and helps you build a portfolio if you fancy going down the journalism route. A whole load of past/present contributors can be discovered in the national media.

We're currently putting together our annual fresher's guide and getting a few ideas on paper, so if you fancy expresing yourself in a wordy way feel free to pm me, email tribune@campus.ie, or just drop into LG18 down by the Trap.

hullaballoo

Oh, I get the Young Siward thing now! Amazing! I wrote for the Tribune a bit when I was in 2nd year. It was much more objective back then. Mind you, that didn't go down well with some of the main contributors, so they reverted back to the way it was before. Excellent stuff anyway.

I suppose I'd better add my bit for the side.
_________________________________________________________________

select * from

'The UCD Comedy Soc blah blah blah blah blah.'

'B&L Debating blah blah blah blah blah blah blah*10^1.765'

where entertainment != NULL

singingstranger

Comedy Soc blurb, please?

/me regrets the off-topicness of this post

Chakar

Right so you all people are planning to do courses in UCD if and when you accept course offers to UCD you will get a leaflet from the Students Union in UCD the website is at www.ucdsu.net

In first year you can actually get involved in the union if you run for class reps and the class rep forms will be in the Student Survival Guide that you'll get in Freshers Week.

Also see the UCD Societies thread above there's a piece on the union its gives the general information you need to know.

Anyway enough talking.

Congratulations to all of you for surviving the Leaving!!

beanyb

I'm secretary of the World Aid Society.

We're a small society that aims to raise both funds and awareness for 3rd world issues. Though we're relatively small, (about 300 members last year i think), we're pretty active and have had great success in our campaigns.

Last year, we successfully began our campaign to make UCD a Fair Trade university. Though it's not nearly completed we ensured that all eateries on campus would provide Fair Trade tea and coffee either solely or at the very least as an option. This was no mean feat since we had major franchises to deal with (Insomnia and 911), but eventually they caved!

This year we intend to continue on with past success and build upon it with other campaigns. We're going to hold regular discussion groups on 3rd world issues, as well as continue with some less heavy events such as speed dating, our highly successful slave auction, nights out and table quizzes.

So if you have any interest in these issues, or are just looking for a nice friendly group of people, World Aid Soc is for you! It doesnt matter how knowledgable you are or arent about the 3rd World, we welcome all!

EDIT: This be our website http://www.ucd.ie/worldaid check it out!

boneless

I don't know if there are many mature students on UCD forum, but in case there are any prospective ones out there... there is an active and growing Mature Students Society in the college. The main focus of the group is support, social events and such like.

There will be a stall in the Freshers Tent again this year so I urge any incoming matures to join and broaden the program of events with new ideas.

There is also a very helpful and approachable Mature Students Advisor. If anyone wishes to contact him in advance of term PM me and I will pass on contact details.

The_Minister

As PRO of the ELS, (that's Public Relations Officer of the English Literary Society for those who haven't encountered those terms before) I probably should contribute to this thread and tell you about the ELS.
It is one of UCD's oldest societies haveing been founded in 1911, and is by its very nature a small society with rarely more than 20 members at a meeting. It is in essence a creative writing society where aspiring authors gather to hone their skills by writing in forms and on subjects different from that which they would normally. It is open to all students not just those who study English.
There is a better summary on the ELS website which I have transcibed below.

---

Fact, Fiction & the ELS

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by John Cowman



Whether you’re a fresher or a post grad you will undoubtedly have heard the shadowy rumours of a coven-like gathering of eccentric social misfits who congregate weekly, deep in the dark heart of the English department. If you had promptly dismissed these sinister tales as embellished urban myth, think again. The mysterious meetings do take place. However they are not the ritualistic assemblies of an malevolent cult, but rather the weekly workshops of UCD’s notorious English Literary Society. What follows is a brief description of the infamous ELS, this will hopefully aid you in deciding which of the murky rumours are entirely fictitious and which ones are quite disturbingly true.

The ELS was founded in 1911 as the first port of call for all of UCD’s potential authors, poets and playwrights. Over the years the members have included many extraordinarily talented writers but the society is not solely the refuge of the literary elite nor even is membership exclusive to English students. All are welcome to join its ranks regardless of literary ability or university subject studied.

The society meets every Tuesday evening at 6:00pm in J208. A different society member leads each workshop providing a fresh style and original exercises, ensuring that every meeting is unique. Some meetings follow specific themes, ranging from dramatic dialogue to children’s stories. Others take much broader approaches to creative writing, incorporating recited passages, favourite poems, music, props, cartoons and even mime. The usual structure consists of a number of writing exercises of varying length supplemented by essential large quantities of coffee and biscuits.

After each exercise, those present are given the opportunity to read their compositions to the room. There is absolutely no obligation to share what is written and there have been some extremely accomplished members who never publicly disclosed their compositions. However those that do read out, can do so in the confidence that their among a friendly audience, free from criticism or judgement. Many of the rumours of debauchery mentioned earlier are based on what gets recited. The pieces have included the profound, the poignant, the hilarious, the controversial and the brilliant. Nothing is sacred and the most innocent, unassuming exercise has lead to many a shameless descent into warped depravity. Afterwards a communal trip to the bar is essential, though it is often uncertain whether the motivation is to socialize or to recover from the revelations of the preceding workshop.

Complementing its Tuesday meetings, the ELS holds regular specialist workshops hosted by some of Ireland’s most distinguished writers. Past guests have included Seamus Heaney, Roddy Doyle, Colm Tobín, Gabriel Rosenstock, Pat Boran, Tony Curtis and Paula Meehan. The members get valuable advice, shrewd guidance and first hand accounts of what it takes to become a successful author. Furthermore the ELS produces an outstanding literary magazine. This gives students a vitally important outlet in which they can have their writing published professionally.

Being well aware of the result of all work and no play, the ELS frequently lets its hypothetical hair down. Previous social events have been diverse and distinctive. The Beatnik Bash is a Bohemian themed night, always enjoyed by all but remembered by few the following morning. The annual weekend away delivers a bus load of energetic wannabe writers suitably far from civilization to guarantee that their ensuing exploits don’t reach the tabloids. This year’s jazz and poetry night was yet another unforgettable event, sure to become another mainstay of the college’s social calendar. Further activities include writing competitions, society dinners, wine receptions and trips to the theatre, keeping ELS members entertained throughout the year.

So now you can consider yourself informed. While not all of the sinister rumours you’ve heard regarding the ELS are absolutely factual, the truth behind many of these tales may be far stranger. This may deter you from approaching the ELS but I beg you to overcome these fears. As bizarre as the ELS can sometimes be, there are far more intimidating things in life such as armies of giant robotic ants or exam results. Enter the unusual. All you need is a pen, some paper and an open mind.

Blush_01

What he said, but plus cookies. Lots of cookies. (Hehe... ex-Auditors still have some power!)

boneless

Blush_01 wrote:

What he said, but plus cookies. Lots of cookies. (Hehe... ex-Auditors still have some power!)

Yes... we do!!!

On topic... I forgot to mention the Parenting Society.... this was set up last year in order to attempt to become a lobbying group on creche places and other issues which effect students who have young children.

I am not sure what the status of the society is at the moment but anyone who wants to support it can talk to the officers during freshers week.

GusherING

RETRO SOC

I'm Treasurer of Retro Soc. Last year we were the biggest of the small scoieties, numbering around 900/1000 members. Our chief aim in life is to throw nights out, which are always different from the typical C&E and B&L sort in Bondi/D2. We usually kick off Freshers Week with a 70's night. We hold themed nights based on the various decades, such as the 1920's, 1980's and 1990's etc. Everybody gets dressed up in the style of the night and you are guarranteed a great night out. Our society is different to the C&E and B&L type of society in several distinct ways. Our aim is pure fun, cheap prices, and a truly open society. Our committee is never set in stone, we always welcome new members to get involved and we throw great committee parties. I guarrantee that you will not meet a more diverse range of students in UCD with no other motive than to have fun. This is not the place for those who want to get involved in the cut-throat politics of societies, merely a place to have fun. Consider spending your 2euro on our society. It'll be a worthwhile investment!!

Het-Field

Im Vice Chairman of UCD Young Progressive Democrats. A great political party. We are the proper alternative to the current Parties who have dominated the political spextrum for many years. We are known as the Liberal Party of Ireland. Firstly we are in favour of Same Sex Unions, and we Advocate Free Third Level Education (however, we believe in free fees based on market forces, rather than taxation). Furthermore, in terms of moral questions we allow everybody to think for themselves. Abortion, Euthanasia, Stem Cell research etc, its up to you, the party wont shove anything down your throat.

Im also Vice Captain of UCD Mens Hockey Club. Another great club. We cater for all levels of fitness, talent, appearence. We have one the smallest regestration fees in the Irish Hockey, and we hold the biggest and most inclusive colours event in College. Furthermore, if you are a guy, the 2 : 1 ration of Gals to guys cannot be beat

Join UCDYPD'S & UCDMHC TODAY

AngelofFire

Het-Field wrote:

, and we Advocate Free Third Level Education (however, we believe in free fees based on market forces, rather than taxation).

Paddy could you briefly explain what you mean by free fees based on market forces?

Blush_01

Chris, don't you think there's a better place to start a discussion about that? Like not in this thread?

Societies related question: Weren't Q-Soc supposed to be disbanded or something this year? They didn't survive probation for a number of reasons, apparently, yet they're still around. Anyone know how? (Didn't know where else to ask, and this seemed like the most appropriate thread, if not I'll delete it, just let me know.)

Chakar

Blush_01 wrote:

Chris, don't you think there's a better place to start a discussion about that? Like not in this thread?

Societies related question: Weren't Q-Soc supposed to be disbanded or something this year? They didn't survive probation for a number of reasons, apparently, yet they're still around. Anyone know how? (Didn't know where else to ask, and this seemed like the most appropriate thread, if not I'll delete it, just let me know.)

They are still on probation for the year so they're not still fully recognised.Michael Pat the Auditor appealed to the Society Recognition Committee's decision and they said they could operate this year as long there wasn't a member of the committee from last year.I think theres elections soon to fulfil the requirements.

passive

Join UCDYPD'S

No... The posters at your stand are blatant and disgusting propaganda. where are the unemployment stats for all the countries that aren't highlighted in red? how do you keep a straight facing calling any country you feel like "socialist" on that same poster.

How stupid would someone have to be to not see the difference between "drunks should be kept in drunk tanks and not clog up A&E" and "if you're attacked when you're drunk you will not be treated" -as you pretend FG are trying to say (not that i support FG or anything.. just..y'know.. unpartisan response to your filthy ****ing posters that hurt my eyes and brain.)

panda100

Join med soc
Really a must if your a med. I may be biased but its probably the best society on campus. Who else could tie mondo from fair city to a bed and wheel him down O'Connel street?Or every October get 300 meds taking over trinity shouting 'UCD'? The nights out are legendary specially if you want to meet a young hot doc and its the only place outside of coppers that the chat up line' would you like a full body examination' will actually work.
Med soc also does serious stuff. Like putting the prayer room into the terrace,getting longer opening hours for the terrace library and generally being your liason officer between belfiled and the mater/vincents.
Any mors info go to http://www.ucd.ie/medsoc/index.html ,which bigjimthefirst did a marvellous job of setting up.

Riamfada

come to the BFM tent and meet ME! now

boneless

I want to protest at blatant ageism... I wanted to be a Young PD but they told me I was too old!!!!

*Or was it because I'm a Communist.....?*

The Agogo

zombie bump

..might be worth reposting this time of year