Follow your passions, share your interests, broaden your horizons, or discover something new – it’s all possible at CCCU, with so many opportunities to get involved.
Whatever your age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, disability or religion, we're looking forward to welcoming you to our inclusive, vibrant and diverse CCCU community.
Beyond your studies, there are so many different ways to make the most of your student life, gain new experiences, meet new people, and build your CV. So why not join a club or society, attend one of the many free events, try volunteering, or earn while you learn?
Getting involved and giving back is what being part of the CCCU community is all about - there are so many opportunities for you to make a positive impact on your own life as well as those around you.
Making friends at CCCU
We know that starting university can feel daunting, especially when it comes to meeting new people and making friends. Actively taking part in the CCCU community can help you settle in, increase your confidence, build mutually supportive networks, and establish friendships for life!
We know it can take time to form new friendships, so don't put too much pressure on yourself, but here are some ways to help you get started:
- Join the closed 'CCCU Students 2024/25' Facebook Group: meet other students, share top tips, gain helpful information and find out about life at CCCU
- Connect with a student peer mentor: what better way to learn about university life than to ask a peer mentor, a current student who can give you the benefit of their first-hand experience and help welcome you into our CCCU community
- Come along to a free events: this is a great way to find out what's happening at CCCU and to meet other students
- Connect with other students on your course: this could be through social media group chats before starting university, or in one of your first induction sessions
- Get involved in some of the many Student Life opportunities highlighted below...
Students' Union Clubs and Societies
As a CCCU student, you automatically become a member of the Students’ Union and the Union is keen to support and represent you. Their Union council includes black and minority ethnic, disabled, international, LGBT, transgender, mature, women, postgraduate and placement officers to ensure a diverse student voice is heard and everyone has their say.
Why not think about joining a Students' Union society? Whether it’s arts and crafts, music, dancing, gaming or Harry Potter, there’s bound to be a society just for you. There’s also a range of academic societies linked to your studies, such as nursing, politics or psychology, to name a few. But if you can’t find something of interest, the Students’ Union will help you set up your very own society.
The Sports Federation also offers over 40 different sports, ranging from traditional activities such as rugby, football, hockey and netball, right through to American football, snowsports and equestrian. This gives you the chance to continue a sport you're already involved in or try something completely new.
You might even get the chance to represent the University competitively - many of our teams regularly compete in the British Universities and Colleges sports leagues (BUCS) and other competitions including Varsity.
Sustainability
We've won national and international awards for sustainability!
So we’re passionate about sustainability and there are lots of ways you can get involved in supporting the University and the Students’ Union to be a better, more energy-efficient, environmentally-conscious, and sustainable place to study.
Whether you become a member of the Student Green Office, join the Student Activist Society, help look after the gardens, take Carbon Literacy Training, or simply recycle, there are plenty of ways to play your part.
Earn while you learn or volunteering
The Careers and Enterprise team can support you in:
- Finding part-time work or work experience through Unitemps - one of the most popular and flexible part-time opportunities is becoming a Student Ambassador
- Planning for your future career and building the skills you may require through the Careers and Enterprise Online Hub
- Connect with others and making a difference through volunteering
Sport and Active Health
Christ Church Sport offers all students an extensive range of sport and fitness opportunities at affordable prices. Whether it’s starting a fitness class, going to the gym, or trying a new activity, there’s something for everyone, both in person and online.
Whether you’re walking to a lecture, taking your bike out for a ride, having a quick swim, or going for a run - you can earn points and win prizes through the Christ Church Moves App.
Expect Respect
At CCCU we expect respect. Canterbury Christ Church University and the Students’ Union believe all staff and students have the right to live, study and work in a safe and supportive environment, free from discrimination, bullying or harassment of any form.
The CCCU Expect Respect Pledge
- To give respect to all
- To take responsibility for helping to create an inclusive and welcoming University
- To take positive action to prevent discrimination by not tolerating, condoning or ignoring harassment of any kind
- To educate myself and others about harassment - what it is, how it makes people feel and challenging harassment when possible
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Contact the i-zone
Making Friends at Uni
Jo shares her top tips on making friends howver daunting it might feel!
Your Student Life
Explore how you can get involved in student life beyond your studies.
