Reddit Roundup: May 2025

Written by April Baniqued. Published 30 May 2025.

Here are this month’s questions:

• Would you recommend joining university societies?
• What is some practical advice for international students in the UK?
• Is the SQE2 computer-based or paper format?

Would you recommend joining university societies?

Societies are a great way to connect, grow and have fun outside your lecturers. Below are a few reasons why joining one is worth it.

Make friends

University is more than just hitting the books. It’s also about making friends and creating great memories. However, it can be daunting to make the first move. Joining a society makes socialising a lot easier as it’s a space built for students to mingle. With so many societies to choose from, be sure to pick one you’re most interested in so you’ll meet like-minded students who’ll have the same enthusiasm. Remember, making friends is an important aspect of the university experience. They’ll be there to join you in exploring the city after your lecturers, to help motivate you if studying gets tough and as a support throughout your time together.

Develop experience

Employers love seeing students who are passionate about their chosen field. Joining a society helps showcase this. It displays your dedication as you spend time outside the curriculum to immerse yourself in it. You can join subject-based societies, such as business or law, or clubs that focus on developing skills like debating and mooting, which help you practice beyond your lectures and seminars. No matter what you choose, you’re likely to learn transferable skills such as public speaking, leadership and teamwork, all of which can strengthen your CV.

Boost wellbeing

Physical

It’s not all academic; there are a variety of sports clubs which can improve your physical wellbeing. You don’t have to be a pro basketball player or a table tennis fanatic to join. Societies are for total novices as well as expert players. You can find someone at the same level or even higher to help motivate you to continue exercising. Getting into a new routine can be difficult, but it’s a lot easier when you have people to do it with.

Mental

Socialising is good for your mental health. Joining a society means regular interaction which can help reduce stress, anxiety and loneliness. Some societies even focus specifically on mental health and wellbeing, so you’ll find a community that understands and supports you.

Want to know what societies are on each of our campuses? Have a quick browse on the Student Union website.

What is some practical advice for international students in the UK?

Moving to a new country can feel like the start of an exciting adventure, especially if it’s your first time living away from home. That being said, it’s also normal to feel a bit overwhelmed since it’s a different life to adjust to. If you’re an international student heading to the UK, you can find all the information you need in our pre-departure guide and our arrivals guide on our International Student hub.

We’ve also curated some other tips for things you might not have thought about to help you settle into your new home.

Public transportation

Public transport in the UK is varied and relatively easy to use. In England, you have access to public buses, coaches, overground trains, the underground tube in London and the Metrolink tram in cities such as Manchester and Birmingham. Familiarise yourself with the options available in your city and make use of any deals and discounts, such as cheaper off-peak travel and up to a third off fares with a Student Oyster Card and Railcard.

Make travelling easier by planning your routes ahead of time. Phone apps like Trainline and Citymapper are popular free choices, letting you view timetables, book tickets and real time service status to help monitor any delays.

It’s also worth checking which payment methods are accepted; for instance, cash cannot be used at the underground barriers.

Local culture

One of the best parts of moving to a new country is discovering its culture so try and immerse yourself in local music, food and activities. Keep yourself informed of the events nearby by following social media accounts dedicated to exploring the best and newest places to visit. One example is Secret London, which is committed to uncovering the city’s hidden. Be sure to follow us on Instagram too, where we share student recommendations for their favourite spots around campus.

International student support at the University

We are committed to supporting all of our students throughout their time with us. We have specialist areas of support including academic coaching, disability and inclusion, and mental health and wellbeing. Visit our dedicated page to find out how we could assist you.

There is also the option of joining one of our many international societies, where you can meet other international students sharing your experience.

Is the SQE2 computer-based or paper format?

Entering an exam can be intimidating but knowing how the day will go can help you feel more confident and prepared.

The SQE2 consists of 16 exams in total: 12 written assessments and four oral assessments.

The written exams are all computer-based, with each candidate having one screen. You don’t need to worry about bringing anything. You will be given all the necessary materials: an online calculator, an erasable whiteboard notepad and a marker pen.

The oral assessments are face-to-face and are spoken exams. It consists of a client interview and advocacy tasks. There is no computer or paper involved, it is just you, the assessor and the task. There are centres in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Cardiff.

You can visit the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) website for a full breakdown of the SQE exams. If you are already studying for the SQE2 and need some additional support to get you ready for the exams, check out our online SQE2 Exam Preparation Course.