What makes a good life?
³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ has an incredibly diverse community.
Universities are unique workplaces and present a fantastic opportunity to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Participating in a range of activities could be a perfect antidote to the daily routine and a way to make friends along the way.
Here is a selection of our socially oriented groups.
Social groups
- Carers' Network
- MeetUp ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ
- Support Services Social Committee
- Parents' Network
- Arts ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ
- ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Women’s Club
- Student Union
- Chaplaincy
The Carers' Network aims to provide all relevant guidance and support information related to being a carer at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ in one place. It enables you to build networks with colleagues in similar situations at the university.
We hope this network will help staff find an ideal balance between work and home life, access valuable resources, and facilitate conversations with other colleagues.
Welcome to MeetUp ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ – a new where people with similar interests can meet.
Since its launch, over 250 people have joined MeetUp ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.
The advertised events and information posted so far include tickets to see Beyoncé & Jay Z, Pearl Jam, Strictly Ballroom, theatre and opera tickets, information about lunchtime running club, chess and badminton clubs, and helpful information on how and where you can get discounts with a staff card.
Anyone who has spare tickets or is looking for someone to go to the theatre, a concert, etc., with is welcome to join the group and post messages. We’re planning to organise (and advertise through MeetUp) more interesting social events (wine and food tastings, maybe?).
The idea behind MeetUp ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is to bring people together and make them feel more like part of the community, which is one of the university's strategic aims. It is also beneficial to employees’ wellbeing and mental health. Over 8000 people work at ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, and many share the same hobbies. You might already know them, but you don’t know they have the same interests as you!
MeetUp ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ is similar to Meetup, but instead of meeting strangers, we would meet with other ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ staff members. We would meet up with people we almost know (know their faces or know about them). It’s easy to use and convenient (if you want, you can meet up for a quick coffee before going to the event together, for example). It’s also great for making new friends and sharing your hobbies.
The Support Services Social Committee provides networking opportunities for staff working in support services roles by arranging activities and events such as the annual summer party. It aims to bring together staff with shared interests by promoting events and activities across the university and within the local area.
The Parents' Network provides an opportunity for new parents and parents to be to attend an informal networking coffee morning to meet other ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ staff in the same situation for mutual support and advice.
These take place monthly in South Kensington, St Mary's and Hammersmith, with People Function colleagues present to answer questions.
Arts ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ: ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ boasts a wonderful extra-curricular music and art programme, the focus of which is the Blyth Centre on level 5 of the Sherfield Building. We offer orchestras, choirs, bands, art workshops, exhibitions and lunchtime concerts.
The ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Women’s Club is a networking club open to all women staff, current and retired, and staff partners.
We aim to provide activities that promote friendship and opportunities for contact between all women connected with the university and to contribute, where possible, to improving facilities within ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.
We have a Book Discussion Group, Day Events Group, excursions, and organise the termly Women of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Lunches.
³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ College Union runs one of the largest student activities programmes in the UK, with over 350 Clubs, societies and projects available to our members. Staff can also join by becoming Associate Members of the Union.
With over 55% of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students being members of one or more clubs, you will find a range of activities that are varied and vibrant. Hundreds of staff members also get involved, and it is a great way to learn new skills, develop existing interests, and meet new people.
The Chaplaincy Multi-faith Centre offers you a quiet space in a frantic world. The Chaplains run sessions for Buddhist, Christian and non-religious Mindfulness Meditation.
The Chaplains offer one-to-one confidential conversations for staff to help you practice meditation or prayer, or to help you reflect on life and work.
We know that the most profound things in life are not always easy to talk about and may be linked to things like culture, family, personal identity, work, politics, emotions or dreams.