Start a new society
Cant find a society you like? Setting up your own is super easy and the SU will provide you with training and as much support as you would like.
Before setting up a society, check if a similar society is up for adoption - this is when a society has been approved, but at some point along the way has not been taken over. Adopting a society is much quicker than setting up a new one.
How do I set up a society?
1. Fill in the new Society Application Form
This New Society Application will ask you about your aims and objectives, and some other additional questions.
2. Communities team considerations
Your application will then be considered by the Communities team, who meet every two weeks to consider new society applications. They have multiple options:
- Approving your Society
- Suggesting amendments; you can either accept these and your society will be approved, or reject the suggestions in which case the Communities Team consider the application again
- Referring your Society Application to the Executive Committee in certain situations such as, but not limited to, when the Communities team cannot come to an agreement. This is a committee with the Presidents and three students who meet every two weeks. They can either accept or reject your society.
3. You're approved!
The communities team will inform you of the outcome, and if approved the first step will be to give us some additional details regarding who is on your committee and attend training.
4. Training and support
Once you have undergone training you can start running society events and the SU will support you in any way you need to make these happen - we can be as hands on or hands off as you want us to be with the exception of some key processes that every society needs to follow.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I set up a society?
Setting up a society with Norwich Arts SU is an opportunity to give back to the student community and create fun and inclusive spaces within the University, where students can bond over shared interests or lived experience, while developing a lot of skills and gaining unique experiences that will benefit you in the future.
In our 2025 End of Year Society Leads Survey, students report they gained the following skills (list is non exhaustive):
- Confidence
- Planning
- Time Management
- Graphic Design
- Social Media
- Communication
- Team Work
- Leadership
Do I have to cover the costs of my society activity?
No! The SU has a budget that funds society activity either fully or partially with remaining costs being covered through fundraising or ticketing.
What is involved in running a society?
As a Society Lead team you would be responsible for running your society which primarily includes organising events and meetups in accordance with relevant SU procedures (such as room bookings, funding requests and risk assessments).
You would also run society social media and/or society groupchats.
The SU will support you in your role; the communities team is available via email, the SU Instagram and for meetings to help with planning or one off queries, but it is important that we empower you in running your society and help you take the lead so you can benefit from the experience as much as possible.
How many people do I need to run a society?
We require a minimum of two society leads but there is no upper limit.
You can also recruit additional Society Leads throughout the year. Former Society Leads recommend committees of 3 - 4 people.
Do I have to run my society within the SU?
We understand that formalising your society may seem daunting or too much work, however affiliating your society with us grants you a lot of benefits, including:
- Public Liability Insurance
- Personal Skills Development
- Training and Operational Support
- Advertising via SU Channels
- Funding
- Access to Room Bookings
- SU Awards and other Volunteer perks
If you choose to not formally set up your society with the SU but run it anyway, you should not use the SU or the Universities name in your social media or other advertising and make it really clear - such as in your Instagram bio - that you are not affiliated with either organisation.
