Join University Clubs in Australia: A Guide for International Students

Joining university clubs in Australia is one of the best ways to make friends, build skills, and fully enjoy your student life in Melbourne. If you’re an international student staying at Journal Student Living, you’re already in the perfect spot – close to campus, connected to the community, and ready to explore.

Whether you’re into photography, debating, dance or even dumplings, there’s a club waiting for you!

Image source: RMIT Clubs & Societies Resources

🔍 What Are University Clubs?

University clubs (also known as student societies or uni groups) are student-run organisations that bring people together based on shared interests. Most unis in Australia have hundreds of active clubs covering:

🎨 Creative hobbies (e.g. photography, music, painting)

🌏 Culture & language (e.g. Chinese, Indonesian, Latin American societies)

🧠 Academic & career (e.g. Engineering Society, Women in Business)

🏐 Sports & wellness (e.g. volleyball, hiking, yoga)

💚 Volunteering & causes (e.g. sustainability, mental health)

These clubs are supported by your university’s student union, and they’re open to all students.

Image source: RMIT Clubs & Societies Resources

💡 Why Join a University Club in Australia?

Here’s why it’s worth getting involved:

• Make friends beyond your course
• Ease homesickness and boost wellbeing
• Develop leadership and teamwork skills
• Gain experience for your resume
• Explore your hobbies or try something totally new

If you’re living at Journal Campus House, you’ll find that many students in the building are already involved in clubs – making it even easier to connect and join together.

🔎 How to Find a Club That Suits You

Not sure which club is right for you? Here’s how to find one that fits:

• Follow your interests – Think about what excites you. K-pop? Coding? Cooking?
• Go exploring – Attend O-Week expos or welcome events.
• Check social media – Most university clubs in Australia have active Instagram or Facebook pages.
• Ask around – Chat with your RA, Journal ambassador, or flatmates.
• Try before you commit – Many clubs offer free trial events early in the semester.

🧠 Journal Tip: Don’t stress about finding the “perfect” club. Just try one or two and see what feels right!

📝 How to Join University Clubs in Australia – Step-by-Step

• Attend O-Week – Most clubs will be at your university’s Orientation Week.
• Visit your uni’s student union website – You’ll find a full list of registered university clubs there.
• Sign up – Usually you just fill out a form and pay a small membership fee.
• Join an event – This could be a picnic, movie night, workshop or sports trial.
• Stay in touch – Follow the club on social media or join their Discord or WhatsApp group.

Image source: University of Melbourne Orientation Week

📍 Best University Clubs Near Journal Campus House

If you’re living at Journal, you’re in the best location to enjoy everything uni life in Melbourne has to offer. Journal Campus House is located just across the road from the University of Melbourne and only a short walk to RMIT, placing you at the heart of two of the city’s biggest and most vibrant student communities.

🚌 And if you study at Monash University, it’s still easy to get there – many students choose to live at Journal for the inner-city lifestyle, great food spots, and easy tram and train access to other campuses.

Explore hundreds of clubs at your uni here:

🏫 University of Melbourne Clubs & Societies

🏫 RMIT Clubs & Societies

🏫 Monash University Clubs & Societies

 

Whether you’re into dance, debating, sustainability, or gaming, these clubs are open to all students — including internationals. Living at Journal Campus House means you’re right in the middle of it all: walk to campus events, host study sessions with fellow club members, or simply meet new friends with shared passions.

Image source: University of Melbourne Orientation Week

🙋 What If You Don’t Click with a Club?

No worries – that’s common. You can always:

Try another club
Attend events without becoming a full member
Or start your own! (Yes, really – unis often support new clubs if there’s interest)

🏁 Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Student Life in Melbourne

Joining a university club is one of the best things you can do as an international student in Australia. It’s more than just a way to socialise — it’s how you build connections, grow your confidence, and make your time in Melbourne truly unforgettable.

At Journal Student Living, we go beyond just providing student accommodation in Melbourne. Our community is designed to support and enrich your student life from day one. With a vibrant student life program offering 5–6 events every week — from welcome dinners and game nights to cultural celebrations and career workshops — there’s always something happening right outside your door.

And with our unbeatable location — just across from the road from the University of Melbourne and minutes from RMIT — you’re perfectly placed to enjoy the best of uni clubs, campus events and city life.

Whether you’re here to study, explore, or connect, Journal is where your next student life story in Melbourne begins.

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