This blog post is the perfect space if you are looking for a more in-depth information of the variety of societies we have at the University of Kent! Whether you are looking for a club to meet new people, gain new experiences or look for like-minded individuals at Kent you will most definitely find this.
Societies are a vital part of the University experience and great for employability as you build skills on teamwork, cooperation and excellent time management of your studies and socialisation. The University of Kent provides numerous societies closely tied to Law or those which will help you build your skills.
Here is some societies we think are great!
Kent Student Law Society (KSLS): is the largest society of UKC, giving a lot of opportunities to meet people from all walks of life. KSLS aims to “represent and assist students in law and joint law programmes”. They provide networking opportunities; skill building and work closely with ‘Rate my Placement’ of potential work experience opportunities! [@KentStudentLaw]
Kent International Law Society (KILS): provides a broader scope for KLS students beyond the United Kingdom, and how global events impact our legal education. KILS provides opportunities for students to engage in events such as negotiating, alternative dispute resolution and even visit international legal bodies such as the International Criminal Court! [@kentinternationallawsociety]
Human Rights Law Society (HRLS): as members, students get a more in-depth scope of topical Human Rights issues, and glove issues. HRLS aims to look beyond the UK jurisdiction and broaden their horizon and legal perspective. [@kenthumanrightslawsociety]
Quote from President: “Our favourite events organised by the society include last year’s conference on the limits of law in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the conference on refugees in law in the 21st century, & the movie screenings”
European Law Student Association (ELSA): With a membership of 43 countries and 50,000 members across the globe ELSA gives the opportunity to be closely involved with the international legal field through your experience and studies. ELSA can give unique opportunities such as Law Schools from world-class scholars ranging from the University of Kent, Oxford and even the European Court of Human Rights! Not only is ELSA academic driven but also gives amazing extra-curricular opportunities such as international Mooting competitions and even visit Parliament and the Supreme Court. [@elsakent__]
Canadian Law Society: if you are an International Student and looking for a home away from home maybe the Canadian Law Society is the perfect fit for you! As they aspire to reflect members interests of being informed about Canadian accreditation and assist new Canadian students with employment, further studies and organising fun social events. [@canadianlawsociety]
Kent BAME Law Society: aim is to provide a close community for BAME students to gain experience and provide a variety of networking opportunities. Such as even partnering with Commercial Law Academy to provide valuable resources for aspiring students. The society aims assist and promote students in future careers within law and provide a safe community for BAME students. [@kentbamelawsociety]
Empowering Womxn in Law Society: as members you will have a platform to discuss inequalities experienced by women in past and present and aim to promote equality for womxn within the legal profession and under the law. With talks and live panels, you will be able to raise issues and debate change on topical issues such as around intersectionality and injustice. You can bring change! [@ewil_kent]
Kent Model United Nations: MUN champions it’s pride in promoting values and principles of the United Nations through its simulation of debates on topical issues ranging from NATO crisis’ to the current affairs.
As a member, I can reaffirm that within the debates it gives you great opportunities to practice your public speaking, teamwork and leadership skills which are crucial for a future lawyer! Whilst learning about global affairs you simultaneously gain skills that will benefit you in your professional career and they give amazing opportunities such as travelling abroad to conferences to meet new people and looks good on your future applications. [@kentmodelun]
Quote from President: “My favourite memory is our Paris MUN conference. It was the largest with over 2000 delegates across the globe and everyone debated so passionately about their represented country. We would be running across Paris in our suits trying to figure out if we have enough vote for our draft resolutions. The whole experience was unbelievable and one that I would treasure for a long time”
University of Kent Debating Union: as a member you are provided a safe inclusive space to debate on topical issues. You gain a platform to challenge different views from other members and practice your skills of public speaking and delivering an argument. As a future KLS student the more confidence you gain in public speaking the more it will benefit you in your career and academics, such as with presentations. [@ukcdebating]
Quote from President: “My favourite thing about the Debate Society is the fact that I get to hear about so many perspectives on topics that I did not fully consider forcing me to challenge my own views and broaden my horizons”.
Any Kent student can join one of over 250 groups, with new ones forming all the time. Want to try a new sport, join a society, or get involved in community action? Interested in student media, fundraising for charity or volunteering your time? Check out the full list of what’s on offer here!