A record number of students signed up to DSU’s societies, sports clubs and student groups at last week’s Activities Fair at #FreshFest16.
*UPDATE: Watch what happened when we sent two roving reporters out to Activities Fair here...*
A record number of students signed up to De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU)’s societies, sports clubs and student groups at last week’s Activities Fair at #FreshFest16.
The event, which was held in De Montfort University (DMU)’s Hawthorn and Magazine Squares for the first time last Thursday, saw almost all of DSU’s 140-plus student groups showcasing themselves in front of thousands of students, both new and old.
A staggering 1,899 memberships were sold over the freshers season in total, split between 1,500 society memberships, 350 sports club memberships and 49 Demon Media sign-ups.
Ahtesham Mahmood, VP Student Activities, said: “I absolutely loved Activities Fair as it was a massive showcase of all the student groups that we have on campus.
“One thing I am very happy about is the record number of memberships. I am over the moon with the numbers, and also the work that the Activities department put in to making sure that everything was done right and allowed student groups to do what they do best.”
BREAKTHROUGH: This year's Activities Fair broke all previous records for sign-ups to DSU's 140-plus student groups.
The Activities Fair also saw a new format for 2016, with the groups arranged in alphabetical order across a larger space than ever before.
“Not only did the A to Z system make it easier than ever for first-year students to find the group they were looking for, we also brought together student groups who may not have even spoken to one another before,” Ahtesham continued. “Seeing them brought together and talking to one is something I really loved.”
Groups also had the opportunity to perform on a stage run by DSU’s resident student media group Demon Media, and saw live performances from Demon Theatre and Pole Fitness to name just two alongside question and answer sessions with a whole host of sports clubs.
Ahtesham added: “I think the Steppers nearly broke the stage! I absolutely love that a lot of these groups have the confidence to go up on stage and really sell themselves as it brought the Activities Fair alive.
“It made it feel like some kind of festival. I’d like to say a massive shout out to all of the sports clubs, societies and other groups who were there as they brought such a great energy to the day and showcased what they are all about. I absolutely love them for that.”
Activities Fair was streamed live on DSU's Facebook page. Watch the replay to see us speak to plenty of student groups, live stage performances...and you might even spot yourself!
You can find out more about DSU’s societies, sports clubs and other student groups including Demon Media and volunteering opportunities by using the Activities tab at the top of this page.