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Creating a new society

With over 180 societies, we are proud to be represented by such a vibrant, diverse range of student-led groups. We're always keen to expand the opportunities available and love hearing new society ideas from student!

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New Society Q&A

Before you actually put in an application to start a new society, take a look at this document, which has some critetia you will need to be aware of and meet.

Not all applications will be accepted, but we want to make sure that all get off to the best start. Reading this will support you in creating your society.

Now that you know your society application would meet the criteria, you can begin the application process.

The first thing you need to do is submit an idea below. Once your idea has twenty up votes or more, and students have demonstrated that they are keen for this society to be set up, we are then able to begin the formal process of setting you up.

After your idea have received twenty votes, you can fill out a new society application pack and send it over to union.opportunities@uea.ac.uk with the email subject labelled as 'New Society Application Pack'. Please fill this out in as much detail as possible, to give you the best chance of being accepted. 

When we recieve your new society application pack, we pass this over to Societies Executive for approval. If it is accepted through Societies Executive it is then taken to Union Council for final approval. We will keep you posted on the stage of your New Society application throughout the process, however, we have put together a timetable below that shows you when you can expect your application to go to Societies Executive and Union Council.

The 'how to create a new society' guide will take you through each stage of the process, so take a look and make sure you are ready to go. 

A peer support group can be formed by a group of students for the sole purpose of supporting their peers, provided that Union Council approve their Constitution. The overarching difference is that Peer Support Groups receive funding through the Opportunities team. This money is held within the Opportunities management account and the group will not have this money moved directly into their subs account.  Peer Support groups do not charge membership and set up on the grounds of supporting peers. 

You will need to fill in the peer support application pack and send it over to union.opportunities@uea.ac.uk with the email subject labelled as ‘New peer support application pack’ please fill this out in as much detail as possible, to give you the best chance of being accepted. When we receive your peer support application pack, it will be reviewed by the student group coordinator, Activities and Opportunities officer and peer support group soc exec rep. They will then pass over their recommendations to yourself and to Union Council.

We will email you all the information you will need to know now that you are a fully fledged society!

However, this document also explains the next steps in us setting up your society, so make sure you take a look!

We also have a great new tips guide for brand new societies to follow in order to set yourselves up in the best way possible!

If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to ask the Opportunities team - we're here to help you! Just email union.opportunities@uea.ac.uk or pop into the office and see us.

Over the summer period, Societies Executive and Union Coucil (these are the committees that approve your ideas) do not meet and therefore any new society applications cannot be ratified until the following year.

However, do submit new ideas on this page and begin the application process! 


Timeframes for ideas

If you submit a new society application by this deadline…

Your application will be reviewed on this date…

If your application is accepted your application will be taken to Union Council on this date…

30th September 2024

1st October 2024

10th October 2024


What do you think of my idea for a new society?

Are you keen to make a brand new society happen? Post your idea here and see what people think of it. If 20 people vote your idea up, we'll get in touch with you about getting started!

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  • 38 score
    50 voters

    The Handball Club

    Current
      The UEA Handball Club is set to become a cornerstone of the University of East Anglia’s sporting community, dedicated to advancing the sport of handball while creating a vibrant, inclusive environment for all students. Looking ahead, the club’s mission is to foster both competitive excellence and a strong sense of community, positioning itself as a key player within the university’s athletic landscape. Our foremost goal is to achieve qualification for BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) leagues and tournaments within the first two years of our establishment. To realize this objective, the club will implement a structured approach to training and competition. We plan to establish a rigorous training regimen led by experienced coaches, participate actively in local competitions to build our competitive edge, and focus on recruiting skilled players to enhance our team’s performance. In our efforts to expand membership, the club aims to attract 50 active members within the first year. This will be accomplished through a multifaceted recruitment strategy that includes engaging with students at university events, leveraging social media for targeted outreach, and hosting introductory taster sessions that allow potential members to experience the sport firsthand. Skill development is a cornerstone of our strategy, and the club is committed to providing high-quality coaching and training opportunities for players of all levels. By partnering with seasoned coaches and organizing skill-building workshops, we will ensure that all members have the opportunity to improve their abilities and compete effectively. Inclusivity and community building are central to our vision. We aspire to create a welcoming environment that embraces students from all backgrounds, including undergraduates, postgraduates, and international students. Our approach includes organizing diverse social events, promoting recruitment practices that highlight our commitment to inclusivity, and ensuring that all club activities and facilities are accessible to everyone. The UEA Handball Club will also focus on strengthening its engagement with both the campus and the wider community. We plan to build strong relationships with other university clubs and local organizations through collaborative events and outreach efforts. Additionally, we aim to establish partnerships with local businesses to secure sponsorships and support for our activities. To ensure the club’s sustainability and growth, we will implement a leadership development program to mentor future leaders and create detailed handover documents for committee roles. Financially, we will develop a robust strategy that includes membership fees, fundraising activities, and sponsorships to support our operations and expansion. Effective communication will be key to our success. The club will maintain regular updates through email newsletters, social media platforms, and in-person meetings to keep members informed and engaged. Feedback from members will be actively sought to continually enhance their experience and ensure that our offerings meet their needs. In the long term, the UEA Handball Club envisions establishing an annual handball tournament that attracts teams from other universities and local clubs. Additionally, we plan to celebrate our members’ achievements with an annual awards night, recognizing exceptional performances and contributions to the club. Through these efforts, the UEA Handball Club aims to make a lasting impact, providing enriching experiences for all members and contributing positively to the university’s sporting culture.
    Mudatheer Mandan
    4:28pm on 3 Sep 24 THIS IS AMAZING! UPVOTE THIS NOW