MANCHESTER GETS CRAFTY!

Kathryn Austin talks to Gianna Maghuyop to discover all you need to know about joining a society while at university

By Kathryn Austin

‘‘It’s a society founded by burntout students, providing a safe space to craft and sip tea,” Gianna Maghuyop proudly describes how she, alongside a group of fellow students, established the Hobbies and Crafts society at Manchester Metropolitan University. When Gianna and I first meet over Zoom, she tells me they are hosting their most recent social that very day, and it’s the first to be led by a professional. It is a flower cloche workshop in partnership with floristry studio Frog Flowers, which is located in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. The Hobbies and Craft Society charge around £3 to attend their events, which covers the cost of the craft materials used.

The socials, which are usually held twice per month, include workshops demonstrating how to make the likes of jewellery and candles, as well as more casual art sessions where attendees can make whatever they wish with the materials provided.

One of the objectives of the society is to make the most of the local art businesses in Manchester in this way, something Gianna is very passionate about.

She assures me that their classes are very beginner friendly, and no prior experience is needed. Most of the crafts are taught using instructions, use a video guide, or are led by somebody experienced in the activity.

“I think the environment we were trying to establish was something super relaxed and just a safe space for people to get away from academics”.

“Apart from the activity, it’s about meeting like-minded people and creating a community”. This community feel is becoming even more important among UK students.

According to a 2022 report, nearly half (44%) say they have trouble meeting new people and making friends, (Chegg, 2022).

Gianna embarked upon her degree in International Relations during the coronavirus lockdown of 2020, when social interaction was severely limited.

The following year, she decided to take advantage of joining a range of cultural societies and taking part in sports.

“I was never really active in sports before university, but it’s just a place where no-one judges you if you’re new, you just take part in it”.

There are hundreds of clubs and societies to join while studying, with Manchester Metropolitan University offering a varied selection, ranging from hobbies and sports, to those that bring together students of the same faith or those interested in similar career paths. Other examples include Golf, Film, Mature Students’ and even the Cheese and Wine Society! There is something for everyone.

Information about all clubs and societies can be found at the Fresher’s fair, as well as at your relevant universities’ union webpage.

As for her advice for other students, Gianna is enthusiastic: “People should definitely get out of their comfort zone and try as many societies as they can.’’

“Personally, I think it’s a really good, affordable way to experiment with new things.”

There is now a new Hobbies and Crafts committee for this academic year, however their enthusiasm certainly remains! Information about how to join this and other societies is available on the relevant Students Union website.

Inspired?

As well as becoming a member of existing societies, there is the option for students, to begin their own. You can start by speaking to somebody at the relevant Student’s Union, or by visiting their website. Here, there is a form to fill out to start you on your journey to creating a society.

While there is quite a bit of responsibility involved, it provides no end of transferrable skills for the future.

The training provided can teach valuable skills such as first aid, and setting up the society and any socials will certainly help when it comes to planning risk assessments, budgeting and networking.

If you are passionate about something, and wish to share it with other, like-minded people, why not try it?