🎉 How to Run an Epic Student Group Social!  

So, you want to run a Social that people actually love? Here’s your ultimate step-by-step guide to making it fun, engaging, and totally worth their time! 

 

1. Plan Like a Pro 📝 

✅ Know Your Vibe: What’s the goal? A chill hangout? A hands-on experience? A full-on showstopper? Define the experience you want to create and ask Members what they would like to see!  
✅ Pick the Perfect Spot: If you need to book a space, our booking policy makes it easy! Pick one that’s the right size—not too big, not too small—so it feels just right. And if it comes with cool lighting, comfy seating, and snacks, even better!  
✅ Set the Date & Time: Avoid lecture clashes and major student events. Lunchtimes and evenings usually work best. 
✅ Sort Your Stuff: Need music? Props? A presentation? Get everything prepped so you’re stress-free on the day! 

 

2. Do the Boring (But Important) Admin Stuff 📑 

✅ Email Your Student Opportunities Coordinator: Make sure they know the date, time, location, and details of your event—the easiest way is to just fill out the form! They’ll appreciate being in the loop!  
✅ Sort Out a Risk Assessment: A risk assessment is a must—because no one wants a dramatic tumble, a surprise chair collapse, or an unexpected fire alarm solo! Your SU has a handy template, so grab it and get it done. 

 

3. Hype It Up! 📣 

✅ Make It Look Good: Design eye-catching posters and social media posts (Canva is your best friend). 
✅ Social Media Blitz: Post on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Share countdowns, teaser videos, and polls to get people excited. 
✅ Get People Talking: Word of mouth is gold! Get friends to spread the word, and consider a small giveaway (free snacks? VIP spots?) for early sign-ups. 
✅ Use SU Resources: Ask your student union to promote it in newsletters, emails, and digital boards. 

 

4. Run the Best Social Ever 🚀 

🔹 Welcome & Hype (5-10 min): Greet everyone, introduce yourselves, and set the vibe. . 
🔹 Fun Icebreaker (10-15 min): No awkwardness allowed! Try: 

• “Speed Friending” (2 min convos, then switch!) 

• “Would You Rather” (but make it themed to your group!) 

• A quick interactive quiz with small prizes! 
  🔹 Main Activity (30-45 min): Show off what your group is all about! Have fun mix with new members and make sure everyone feels part of the fun! Whether you're winning at the activity or maybe not encourage everyone to get involved!  
  🔹 Wrap-Up  (10 min): Tell them what youve got coming up (QR codes, sign-up sheets, social links). Maybe even offer a special perk for those who sign up to your next event then get a discount! 

 

5. End on a High Note! 🎯 

✅ Get Quick Feedback: Use a fun emoji-based rating system, a short Google Form, or ask people to write their favourite part on a sticky note. 
✅ Capture the Moment: Take pics or short videos (with permission!) to use in future promotions. 
✅ Follow Up: Send a thank-you message, post event highlights, and remind them of the next meeting. 

 

Bonus Pro Tips for Extra Fun! 🌟 

✔ Free Snacks = Instant Popularity 🍪 
✔ Background Music = More Energy 🎶 
✔ Themed Decor = More Instagrammable 📸 
✔ A Fun Hashtag = More Hype #BestTasterEver 

 

Our top DO’s and Don'ts for the best Socials 🌟 

✅All socials are voluntary; not everyone needs to attend socials to be a member of the group.  

✅We love it when everyone stays safe! Rember safety is all attendees' responsibility. 

✅All activity should allow everyone to engage if they would like but equally if people want to attend and not engage that's all good to! 

✅If you fancy having an alcoholic drink that’s great just remember not everybody has to have one! 

✅We want to make sure everyone's having a great time, Committee members remember to check in on members make sure everyone is enjoying.   

 X Social activities must not bring the reputation of the group, UWTSD SU or UWTSD into disrepute. 

 X Just because you think an activity is fun and you want to take part doesn't mean everyone will. No one likes being peer pressured so let's make sure everyone wants to take part and knows they don't have to.  

 X Nobody likes their property getting damaged so make sure we respect other belongings.  

 X Creating concoctions with potentially harmful ingredients (e.g. large quantities of chilli, nuts, numerous shots) or ingredients designed to humiliate individuals (e.g. mix beverage with body fluids) nobody enjoys it and it's not funny!  

 X We want everyone to enjoy being part of a student group it is not expectable to encourage or force individuals/groups of individuals to perform tasks, whether degrading/humiliating or otherwise Causing harm to an individual.  

 X Harassment of any kind, including but not exclusively racial and sexual harassment 

 X Initiations are forbidden! Any group found to be taking part or encouraging initiations will follow UWTSD SU Student Group Disciplinary process, any members/committee also found to be breaching this rule will be reported through the university disciplinary process in line with the student code of conduct. 

 

 * If any member feels that these guidelines have been breached, they should inform the students' union by emailing su.opps@uwtsd.ac.uk.