"The sense of community is so fulfilling"
Newcastle University boasts a dynamic student life, greatly enriched by the various student societies available on campus.
The university has a large population of Desi international and British Asian students who have roots in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Societies can provide Desi students with a sense of community, a platform for cultural expression, opportunities for social engagement, and a home away from home.
Student societies can also be great ways to make friends and connect with like-minded people.
Therefore, societies can be particularly helpful for international and British Asian students not from the city.
The following societies are open to all students, making them inclusive for individuals interested in Desi culture and wanting to understand it better.
Inclusive societies help eliminate stereotypes and discrimination against South Asian communities.
People can be educated about culture through engagement with Desi student societies.
Societies can also be an excellent way for students to expand their horizons and broaden their understanding of the world. This can help improve their ability to interact and communicate with people from diverse backgrounds.
DESIblitz highlights five Desi student societies you should check out at Newcastle University.
South Asian Society
The Newcastle South Asian Society (NSAS) is a hub for students from South Asian backgrounds.
The NSAS has been around for over eight years and is an integral part of Newcastle University’s culture.
NSAS organises a range of events throughout the academic year. Popular events include Holi celebrations, sports nights, dance workshops, and Diwali balls.
For the first time at the university, the NSAS hosted a Diwali mela in the student union in 2024.
The mela featured various cultural activities for all students to participate in.
These activities included henna art, sari and turban wrapping, rangoli and lantern making, chai and cultural food.
Nandini Hirani, a member of the society, said:
“The sense of community is so fulfilling as you can connect with like-minded people that help you explore your culture and even alleviate homesickness.”
The NSAS focuses on uniting students, is reflected in their statement on the student website:
“The committee works to unite people together and celebrate cultural holidays in Newcastle, especially if friends and family are miles away.”
The NSAS’ emphasis on creating a sense of community and celebrating culture is invaluable to students.
The Hindu and Sikh Society
The Hindu and Sikh Society (HASS) is an award-winning society that fosters an inclusive and vibrant community.
Although the society’s name seems strictly religious, it welcomes students from all walks of life to engage in social, cultural, and religious events.
Insightful workshops, like ‘Sikhi Talk’, are also hosted. In Sikhi Talk, an external speaker breaks down the basic foundations of Sikhism.
The society hosts various events, such as Diwali celebrations and Vaisakhi.
In collaboration with the South Asian Society, a yearly Diwali ball is held at the end of November. The event includes a three-course meal, live music, dancing, and entertainment provided by other Desi societies.
Anyone can buy tickets to this ball, making it very inclusive, especially for people who want to explore South Asian culture.
HASS has also previously won many awards.
In 2020, the society won the ‘Best Society Campaign’ for ‘This HAS to happen’. A campaign that included free events to celebrate Hindu, Sikh, and brown minority cultures and beliefs.
Moreover, the society won ‘Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Cultural Awareness’ for the Pride of Newcastle University Awards 2020.
Tamil and Malayali society
The Tamil and Malayali Society (TaMsoc) is primarily for students from South India in the Tamil and Malayalam regions.
However, people of all ethnicities and cultures are welcome as part of their motto, ‘unity in diversity’.
Tejas, a member of the society, said:
“Imagine a big family with just your favourite people; that is TaMsoc for you.”
TaMsoc can give students an essential sense of belonging and family.
The society holds several events throughout the year.
Events include nights out with Tamil and Malayali music, game nights, food stalls, bi-weekly chai and chat sessions, dance workshops, and the annual ‘Aasai Ball’.
The society previously achieved the ‘Bronze Inclusivity Award’ in the academic year of 2022-2023.
TaMsoc gained a bronze-level inclusive award due to pledges to improve well-being and ensure that it is accessible to all students.
Pakistan Society
The Pakistan Society (PakSoc) plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging for Pakistani students at Newcastle University.
It was formed in 2015. It is a popular component of the university and an invaluable space where Desi students feel at home.
This society promotes Pakistani culture while supporting and guiding new students settling in.
The committee is dedicated to building a vibrant community that celebrates shared heritage while embracing differences.
The Pakistan Society also mentions that it is open to all students regardless of background. The intention is to foster a sense of belonging amongst all.
Indeed, this is reflected in the statement the society has on the university’s student union website:
“Together, let us embark on a journey of unity, growth and excellence, making a positive impact within our university and beyond.”
Noor*, a member of the Pakistan Society, highlighted the important role that the Society played for her:
“PakSoc was important to me when coming to university as I am from a very multicultural place, so moving up north was quite daunting.
“I thought I wouldn’t find anyone with the same culture, but PakSoc made me feel really comfortable.”
Bollywood Dance Society
The Bollywood Dance Society hosts regular Bollywood dance classes and workshops that students can access through a membership.
The society caters to people of all abilities, from seasoned dancers to people who want to try something new.
For those passionate about Bollywood dance, there’s an opportunity to join a team and perform at events like the HASS Diwali Ball and Holi celebrations.
The Bollywood Society at Newcastle University also participates in ‘JustBollywood’, the UK’s most prestigious inter-university Bollywood dance competition.
Additionally, the society offers Give It A Go (GIAG) workshops. These workshops allow students to sample a class at the student union free of charge without committing to a membership.
Tia Channon, a third-year media student, tried out one of the ‘GIAG’ Bollywood workshops and said:
“Bollywood dance is something I had never tried before, but I had a really fun experience, and everyone was so welcoming.
“It was an interesting afternoon learning about a culture different to my own.”
Moreover, Nandini Hirani, a member of the Bollywood society, asserted:
“I love the Bollywood dance society and would highly recommend it for a bit of fun.”
Desi student societies can be a great way to try something new or do something you love.
Joining a Desi student society at Newcastle University is a fantastic way to connect with fellow students. It also allows you to celebrate cultural heritage and make lasting friendships.
Participating in societies can go beyond socialising. It can look good on a CV and LinkedIn, showcasing extracurricular activities.
Societies can also be great for professional networking. Through them, you can meet people who may open doors to career opportunities.
Whether you’re looking to embrace traditions or simply eager to learn more about South Asian cultures, these societies offer a welcoming and enriching environment.
Engaging with these societies enhances your university experience and allows you to contribute to Newcastle’s vibrant tapestry of cultures and sense of community.
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