We can all agree that studying in college is important. But giving yourself that break from the books is equally important. To be able to go out and socialise, doing the things that you love and enjoy. Whether that be playing Dungeons and Dragons or watching The Wolf of Wall Street with the Film Soc, it’s about finding the balance of social and academic life. If you’re unfamiliar with the different clubs and societies that exist beyond the lectures in DCU, allow me to tell you all that you need to know.
Media Production Society (MPS):
MPS, or as it’s lovingly referred to by outsiders, “The Cult of the Camera.” It may come as a shock that we haven’t always been a cult. I mean, just because we lock ourselves in the college for 36 consecutive hours and perform rituals and sacrifices for the greater good, it is clearly woke propaganda being spread by the frat house that calls itself A&F. The College View, DCU FM, and DCU TV are the holy trinity of DCU. And who runs all of this, you may ask? They must be a stern, stoic, not-to-be-messed-with person in charge… I mean… ehm, we have Sadhbh? All 4 feet 3 of her will definitely kick your shins if you put a toe out of line.
A&F:
Our future businesspeople and accountants. Their society is built around the manifesto ‘Work Hard, Play Harder.’. Their weekly meetings are normally held in the business building, giving tips and tricks for future business needs such as budgeting, auditing, bookkeeping, and how to avoid getting nicked for tax evasion. It prides itself on being the loudest and flashiest society in DCU; the vibes are absolutely impossible to miss. Between the “networking events” such as the A&F wedding, a few KPMG meet and greets, and, of course, Blind Dates, a real crowd pleaser. Forget the usual “get-to-know-you” icebreakers; this is about mixing business with pleasure, and, let’s be honest, it’s probably a little more “pleasure” than “business” if you catch my drift.
Snow Sports:
These adrenaline junkies have more nicotine in their bodies than actual oxygen itself. If they’re not taking over whatever pub they’re drinking in, you’ll probably find them on the ski lift necking airport shots of Jägermeister or Fireball. Similar to rugby, snow sporters are often associated with those more well-off, and I mean, who knew not everybody could afford to fly off to Italy, France, Austria, and Finland all within the space of 2 weeks? Don’t get me wrong, I’d say dealing with the high altitudes all the time does take its toll on your body, but come on, we all know up the mountain is where all the top-class ‘sneachta’ is stored.
Drama Soc:
Acting? Directing? Producing? Drama Soc has you covered, as long as you’re fine with a healthy dose of chaotic energy, absolutely no organisation, and at least 37 people having a “creative disagreement” over how to read a line. Who doesn’t love spending hours pretending to be someone else while also pretending you have your life together? But who cares about the technical stuff, right? You’re here for the experience… And speaking of experiences, Drama Soc’s idea of a backstage “pick-me-up” can sometimes include a cheeky little bottle of poppers to help you get through the endless emotional scenes.
Hiking:
Ah, Hiking Soc—because nothing says “I’m in touch with nature” like voluntarily choosing to get up at 6 AM and trek through mud for hours on end to see a view that, let’s face it, probably looks like your back garden but with slightly more fog. The trips are, of course, “life changing.” You’ll make new friends who bond over shared misery (because nothing builds a friendship like collectively questioning your life choices 30 minutes into a 3-hour hike). And you’ll learn important skills, like how to definitely not read a map, how to complain about your wet shoes for hours on end, while on Google asking “Are there any buses back to DCU?”
Poker:
I gave up trying to get any information out of these guys. After going around to each and every member of this society, I guess you could say they really are four of a kind. 😉
