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Bucks’ Students’ Union has a number of societies that you can join for free, these are a brilliant way of meeting like-minded people and socialising with others outside of your halls and course.

I am part of the BNU Believers Love World society. It is a welcoming society that anyone can join and learn more about Jesus. We are an all-inclusive family, and we welcome everyone to join and take part; it does not matter if you have different beliefs or views or were not raised in a Christian family. Everyone is more than welcome to join.

I remember my first semester at university; it was not what I had been expecting. I didn’t even attend Freshers’ Week! Can you believe it? The most anticipated week at university, and I did not participate. You may wonder why? At that time, I was dealing with my mental health. It was so bad that I did not even want to leave my house or make an effort to speak to others.

Semester two started and I finally joined my first society BLW BNU. I remember the first day I attended, I was very anxious, and my heart beat so fast that I could hear it. To be completely honest with you, I was surprised that my nerves were not showing. That is how anxious I was! At the end of the day, I thought to myself, why was I even worried? Everyone was so lovely and welcoming, felt like family straight away. From personal experience, I can tell you that, if you try, you will find the right people to be friends with for a long time and support you in the long run. My mental health is so much better than before I joined this society. Now I can say I have friends; I have people to go to if I need help or advice.

My advice is that it is never too late to join a society, even if it is your last semester of the year or a month before the summer holiday. If you’re worried about how you will make friends and fit in, a society is the place to go. If I can get out of my shell, then you can too. Societies are a great way of building your confidence in a group of people with similar interests. I hope that you jump at the opportunity to join! Maybe I’ll even see you there.