Joining a club is about more than making new friends—it’s a chance to connect with like-minded people, have fun, and even enhance your CV.  

At Queen’s, we’re proud to have over 200 clubs and societies, each with its own unique community and opportunities. In our Spotlight series, we’re delving into the stories behind these societies and meeting the passionate students who turn shared interests into something extraordinary. Whether you’re new to campus or simply looking to explore, this series promises inspiration, connection, and maybe even a little motivation to get involved.  

This time we’re chatting with Cal, the current president of the Writers’ Society, to discover more about the society and why you should consider joining. 

Hi I’m Cal. I’m in my second year of English with Creative Writing, and I’m president of the Writers' Society this year. I joined Writers' Soc in first year because I was keen to find a group where I could meet other writers and be part of the writing community here at Queen’s, and it’s been an incredible experience so far.  

What are the main goals of your society?

Our society’s main goal is to foster a vibrant and inclusive community of writers of all levels and backgrounds.  

Whether someone has been writing for years or is just starting to write, we aim to provide a welcoming space where they can feel inspired and supported. We do this by hosting events like open mic nights, where members can share their work with a friendly audience, and by running workshops where they can share work and give and receive feedback.  

We also publish ‘The Apiary’, our student-led magazine, which gives writers the opportunity to see their work in print.  

Why do you think a society like this is important for students at Queen’s?

Writing can be such a personal and sometimes solitary activity, so having a supportive community to share ideas and work with can be transformative.  

It’s also important that Writers' Soc is open to anyone, regardless of what degree you’re studying, so it provides a creative outlet. It’s a space where anyone can come to express themselves, work on their writing and meet like-minded people in a really welcoming environment. 

What kind of events or activities does your society organise? Do you have any traditions?

We host a variety of events throughout the year. We run open mics, where anyone can sign up to read, or you can just come to listen and hang out with other writers. We run workshop groups for poetry, prose, film/script and translations.  

The groups meet every two weeks to share work and to give and receive feedback. Each year we also bring out two issues of our literary magazine ‘The Apiary.’  

How does the society stay connected outside of events? Are there online groups, newsletters, group chats?

To keep up to date with our events you can join our mailing list, just email us at writers-soc@qub.ac.uk  and let us know you’d like to be added! We’re also active on Instagram and Facebook @qub_writers. 

What’s one of your favourite memories with the society? 

Last year I was on the editorial team of ‘The Apiary.’ Getting to see the issues coming together, and then celebrating at the launch events and getting to hear the writers read their work was definitely a highlight. 

How has being a member in this society shaped your time at Queen’s?  

Being in the society has given me the chance to meet so many wonderful people. Moving to Belfast last year and not knowing anyone, it was really nice to be welcomed into such a great community.

 

I love having the open mics to look forward to each month and being around so many incredible writers is also a constant source of inspiration and motivation for my own writing.   

Who is the society open to? Are there any requirements to join? 

Writers' Soc is open to everyone! Our motto is simple: whether you write poems in your bedroom, or you’re working on your tenth novel, you’re more than welcome here. There is a £3 membership fee to join, which helps us to run as a society, and in return you get discounted tickets to all our events throughout the year.  

What advice would you give to someone considering joining your society? 

If you’re even a little curious about joining, go for it! Our events are open to everyone, and we love welcoming new people, whether it’s at the start of the semester or later in the year.  

What’s the best way for students interested in the society to get involved or find out more?

The easiest way to get involved is to come along to one of our events and say hi. If you’re feeling unsure about attending on your own, just reach out to us via email or drop us a message on Instagram. We’re always happy to answer any questions and help you feel more comfortable.  

Find out more

QUB Writers' Society

Clubs and Societies at Queen's

Zoe Brankin Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I'm Zoe, and I'm proud to be part of the Queen's Global team.     Over the past six years, I've held roles that let me create content for a variety of audiences, from start-ups to larger organisations. At Queen's, I'm always exploring new and creative ways to bring fresh content ideas to our main website.   Outside of work, I love reading (I even run a local book club), spending time with my dogs, and never missing an opportunity for a coffee or brunch outing.