Soc it to me, baby

In Secondary School/Sixth Form, clubs (with the exception of sports/music) are few and far between, and are usually the watering holes of people with unwaveringly intense passion for cross-stitch, or water rockets. On the contrary, one of the first things I saw being thrust in my face like Miley’s behind at the VMAs was York’s societies, or ‘Socs’, as YUSU’s website states next to a pair of jauntily-angled socks. How punny. Intrigued, I looked at the society list, so that I wouldn’t be coerced into signing up for something I dislike at Freshers’ Fair, like the Quakers (I like their oats though).

Baking Society will suit me just fine; I need people to exasperate over The Great British Bake-Off with. A book club here, a rock choir there. All very normal. ‘Special Interest’ societies are… especially interesting. As an avid Douglas Adams fan, I rejoiced at the sight of ‘DougSoc’, as Adams’ sci-fi masterpieces have been forgotten in recent years in favour of fantasy like Game Of Thrones (GoT is still brilliant), though they remain a true favourite of mine. However my hopes were quickly dashed as I found their Facebook group, which states ‘no hitchhikers references’. Well done for instantly rejecting the majority of your target audience. I shall continue reading Dirk Gently alone, away from such unsavoury folk. (“Sorry, I know we are called the Lithuanian Society, but we actually do Extreme Ironing.” I think not.) A more promising one was QI Society. Who doesn’t love fact-based hilarity from some of the UK’s most beloved comedians, writers, and actors? I love it. And as for York University Cocktail Society? I’m sold.

As for sport, well… I’m not the sporty type. My marathons are Doctor Who ones, and the only working out I do is my eBay Shopping Bag total (we all have our vices). Nonetheless, I do have one vaguely sporty pastime.

Being of the lanky Lanky persuasion, I am a keen outdoorswoman, rock-climber, hill-walker, fresh air breather-inner, whatever you want to call it. See a hill, yomp up it! I’ve done indoor rock-climbing since I was a wee nipper, and I’ve always loved going for walks through forests and over mountains. Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze and Silver were incredibly fun times also – nothing bands teenagers together like the smell of wet tent canvas, and dwindling supplies of Kendal Mint Cake. Unfortunately, due to the weight of Sixth Form on my back (I’m serious, it has given me sciatica, very depressing) and a gammy foot, I have been unable to pursue outdoor pursuits for a few years. Fortunately, York’s location in God’s Own County of pleasant pastures green, coupled with the University’s three outdoors-y clubs, means I can get oot and aboot once more. Now all I have to do is pick between Mountaineering Club, Ben Lairig, and OutdoorSoc!