By Patricia Obawole

2nd year BU Student, LLB (Hons) Law

You walk into the ball, long chiffon evening dress swooping the floor creating a regal and sophisticated look. You hear the gasps from the people present at the sheer sight of you. After giving a slight nod at your Law Framework leader, you take the centre stage about to give your welcome speech to the evening and greet your guest. The clock strikes 12 and then you turn into a pumpkin, yes, you read that correct. This is basically the worst case scenario that I seem to have been day-dreaming for the past couples of the days…

So being the President of Bournemouth University Law Society, one of my duties entails planning, organising and executing an annual Christmas Law Bal (so no pressure really…). This is mainly for the students studying law to allow them to practise the formalities of having a formal dinner, but it is open to all.

The evening itself is very lovely and always has an air of elegance, we arrive at the Royal Bath Hotel, a stunning venue over-looking Bournemouth pier and the beautiful ocean. Once you enter you are greeted by the friendly hotel staff who direct you to the main reception decorated with a hint of Christmas. After the reception (which you are given free champagne!) you then walk the short distance to the dining area and have you three course meal and the speeches and charity quiz. And after that PARTY! PARTY! PARTY! We law students (and lecturers) really know how to “get out!”

But law ball aside, this is just one of the many activities that come with becoming a member of a SUBU (Students’ Union Bournemouth University) club or society. So my number one piece of advice is JOIN ONE, it doesn’t have to be the law society (although it is quite awesome) but clubs and societies are a great way to meet people that have the same extra-curricular activities as you and it’s an automatic conversation starter, for example “oh, you’re part of the climbing society, so am I, what type of climbing do you like? Indoor or outdoor?” and hey presto, you have just started a conversation easy as pie.

There is such a diverse range of societies from (over 100) from academic societies such as the Law Society to extreme societies such as Assassins’ Guild, I am 100% sure that you will find something that you can be a part of. So have a look and try something new (stolen from Sainsbury’s!)

So my one piece of advice is be brave and join one!

Good luck