The 1980’s heyday of student political activism may be long gone, leaving behind faded Che Guevara posters, Save Mandela badges and unwanted student debt but that’s not to say that todays’ students aren’t, or can’t be, a politically active bunch. The sour taste of the student fee protests still lingers in the mouths of many but there are hundreds of worthwhile causes students can support and if you’re ever going to get involved in political activism, university is the time to do it!
If you’re new to Exeter you might be questioning whether it holds the political opportunities of larger cities or the capital, but, as any politically engaged student here would argue, you’d be wrong to cross it off your list. Exeter University is home to a wealth of political societies, most of which are active locally and nationally. So to help you on your way, HCX is delivering the ultimate guide to political societies and activities in Exeter; after reading this there is no excuse not to turn up to Fresher’s Fair with a few extra pennies in your pocket and get involved!!
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The Main Parties
Perhaps the easiest way to get involved in politics is to join a political party, and the main parties are all well represented in Exeter. Despite stereotypes to the contrary, all three main parties pick up plenty of members during Fresher’s, with the Conservatives and the Labour party receiving roughly the same numbers of members (although both societies will hotly contest this!) What’s great about the societies here is that they interact and hold joint socials and termly debates.
And if you don’t feel there’s a party represented you can always contact the Student Guild and start up your own student branch of the party you support!
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Other Options
But if you don’t think you’re ready to commit to a party yet, or if party affiliations aren’t for you there are plenty of other ways you can get involved. The weekly debates hosted by DebSoc are a great way to get started, or if it’s just a particular issue you’re interested in there are many societies which campaign for a multitude of issues.
- Debating Society
- Amnesty International
- Friends of Palestine
- Howard League for Penal Reform
- Gender Equality
- Exeter Green Party
- Model United Nations
The Guild
The other way to get involved in student politics is to get active within the Guild. Exeter’s version of a Student Union, the Guild represents all the students on campus, both within the University and nationally. There are numerous positions available to stand for, from Fresher representatives to year-long paid sabbaticals – if you’re interested it’s definitely worth looking into as soon as you start!
Journalism
Maybe you prefer to report on political issues rather than get involved? If that sounds more like you, then there are loads of opportunities to get writing! Have a look for Exposé at the Freshers Fair – it’s the official student newspaper and you can get involved in the team by editing and regularly writing, or if you want less commitment you can send in articles as and when you want and hope they get published! They also have an online section http://xmedia.ex.ac.uk/.
The university also have a radio station where you could get involved in the news reading or producing or even host your own news related show!
And of course not to forget the most important one…. Her Campus Exeter!!! We publish articles every week, have weekly meetings, and our viewing figures are fantastic; if you want lots of choice in your writing and lots of people to read it, HCX is the place to be! Find us during Freshers week wandering around campus in our Committee polos, or come have a chat at the fair. If it’s news and current affairs you’re interested in, definitely ask about getting involved in the Current Affairs section!
Photo Credits – Exeterguild; facebook; onemanandhisblog.