With the cost of living crisis continuing to impact the student experience, we're here to explain how you can still take part in societies, sports clubs and societies without breaking the bank.
Getting involved in societies, sports clubs and media outlets is a really rewarding part of university life. Whilst being involved in these student groups can be the highlight of your university journey it can also become expensive. With the cost of living crisis continuing to impact the student experience, we're here to explain how you can still take part but keep your expenses low.
Groups often have hidden costs that are not included in memberships and at first glance, you might not realise or budget for these. This article will explain what hidden costs are and examples of how you can budget for them or seek help if you need it.
What Do We Mean by ‘Hidden Costs’?
A hidden cost refers to any additional expense beyond the membership fee that you may have to pay to participate in a society or sports club's extra activities. These costs are not always clearly communicated when you first join, so it's crucial to be aware of them.
Affording Societies
All university societies will have a standard membership fee, typically ranging from £5 to £10. This fee generally covers most of the society’s core activities and often includes perks like discounted event tickets. For instance, if your society hosts a ball, you might be able to purchase a discounted ticket as a member. Alternatively, if you’re more interested in the social aspects and not necessarily in the core activities, some societies offer a social membership. This type of membership allows you to enjoy the social side of the society without committing to its main activities
However, be aware that societies can also have additional costs. For example, if you join a performing arts society, you might need to contribute to show fundraisers or pay for costumes. Similarly, societies that offer workshops and classes may charge extra fees for participation beyond the initial membership dues. Additionally, some societies offer merchandise for purchase, such as show memorabilia. While this is not a compulsory expense, it is an extra cost that you might not have anticipated.
Social activities can also contribute to hidden costs within a society. For societies that only offer a standard membership and not a social one, you might need to pay additional fees to participate in social events, such as Christmas dinners or award ceremonies. Competitions can also incur additional costs. If you belong to a society that participates in competitions and are part of a competitive team, you may need to contribute financially towards entry fees and related expenses such as travel costs to get to the competition.
Make the Most of Sport Clubs
Whilst the majority of costs for sports clubs are included with a standard membership, there are still other ones to account for if you are thinking of joining these clubs. Like societies, there are standard memberships and social memberships which cover insurance and some facility hire.
However, some of the hidden costs include top-ups for specific teams which will need to be purchased as well as a standard membership. Many sports teams also have kits for competitions. The kit costs can vary depending on whether you are buying your kit or hiring it out for the time you are on a team.
As well as kit costs some travel costs may be hidden as teams take trains or taxis to away competitions (or there can be petrol costs for people who are driving). Whilst clubs hold events to fundraise to cover these costs it is not always feasible to reimburse students the whole amount, or it could take a few days for the money to be placed back into student’s pockets given the amount of expense claims submitted.
Furthermore, away competitions themselves can be expensive and paying for accommodation is sometimes a necessity. Although competitions are not mandatory for all members, especially for solo sports, it can be up to you to decide what you are willing to pay for.
For those clubs that need specific facilities that the University cannot offer, payments for external lessons and coaches could cost anywhere from £5 to £80 per lesson depending on the sport and what facilities are needed.
How to Find Out About Hidden Costs
If you're considering joining a student group and are concerned about hidden costs, it's a good idea to talk with the committee. They can provide a detailed breakdown of any additional expenses, so you'll know exactly what to expect financially. Understanding these hidden costs will help you decide whether you want to get involved. If you decide to join but feel you can’t afford to do so, don't worry—this is where the Access Fund can help.
Student Group Access Fund
The Access Fund serves as a valuable resource for students who are eager to engage with student groups but face financial barriers. It provides assistance in covering various expenses, including competition and event entry fees, essential travel costs, and even membership fees. Additionally, the fund ensures that students can access support for both hidden and non-hidden costs, such as membership fees, making participation more feasible. It's important to note that each student can request a maximum of £150 per academic year from the fund.
Applying for support is straightforward, all you have to do is fill in a simple form. However, it's essential to gather evidence of your current financial commitments, such as bank statements and student loan details, to support your application. More information on the Access Fund can be found on our website and if you would like to apply, you can do so here.
We hope this article has helped your understanding of hidden costs in student groups become clearer. We also hope that whilst making you aware of these costs we have also been able to calm some anxieties you may have regarding these costs, with positive and easily accessible solutions. As always if you have any questions feel free to visit the Helpdesk on the first floor of the SU building or email us studentopportunities@su.rhul.ac.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.