Your time at Cambridge isn’t just about academic work. Students are able to take full advantage of hundreds of student groups, clubs and societies on offer at the University.

TheSocieties Directory on the Cambridge SU website has a list of all the societies within the University. There are also lots of clubs and societies within the different Colleges. If there isn’t a group or society for your particular passion or interest at the moment, you could start one – all you have to do is find a few like-minded people.

Sports

There is an extensive sports scene at Cambridge to suit all ability levels. One of the advantages of being a Collegiate University is how easy it is for students to get involved with sports at any level.

There are College teams for novices and experts, as well as the University teams that represent Cambridge against other universities and club teams. Most sports teams at the University include a mix of undergraduates and postgraduates so everyone is welcome to take part.

Cambridge offers:

• more than 75 University sports clubs
• excellent sports facilities, including gyms, studios, and sports fields
• University clubs that compete against other universities, and local and national clubs
• extra College sports facilities, teams, and inter-College competitions
• some financial support to help with competitive sport and training to coach or officiate

Discover sport and fitness on the Sports Centre website.

The University also has anAthlete Performance Programme for student-athletes performing at an elite level.

Drama

Cambridge is renowned for its student-produced drama and famous acting alumni, from Emma Thompson to Richard Ayoade. From the cutting-edge comedy of theCambridge Footlights to classical plays, popular musicals and original productions, there’s something for everyone.

Auditions are often open to all and there are also opportunities to have a go at directing, producing, set design, lighting, sound, stage management, costume, make-up and front of house, even if you have never done it before.

There are excellent performing arts facilities around Cambridge. In addition to the University’s ADC Theatre, a number of Colleges have their own purpose-built auditoria and several major productions take place in the city’s Corn Exchange and Cambridge Arts Theatre.

Music

There’s an enormous range of musical societies and student bands catering for any style and level of experience. Many Colleges run open mic nights and numerous bands, choirs and orchestras regularly record and tour nationally and internationally.

The Faculty of Music also offers masterclasses and workshops and has an extensive collection of instruments which can be used by students (some instruments may be available to hire).

Music groups include:

• a capella groups
• Baroque Ensemble
• Brass Band Society
• Ceilidh Band
• Chamber Orchestra
• Concert Band
• Hip Hop Society
• Jazz Orchestra
• Mixtape Society
• Opera Society
• Rock Society
• Show Choir
• String Ensemble
• Symphony Orchestra

Media

If you'd like to try your hand at journalism, there are two student newspapers (Varsity and The Cambridge Student) and various other publications to get involved with and the University’s award-winning radio station, Cam FM, (presented by University members and offering training in many aspects of radio), there are groups focused on photography and film-making.

Other media societies include:

• Bluesci magazine
• The Cambridge Globalist
• Cambridge Film Association