Student Case Study #14 Chloe Winkfield
Fashion Society Member, 2020
Think it’s too late to join a society? Chloe shares her experience of joining the Fashion Society in her second term at NTU.
When did you get involved in a society?
Starting out at university is inevitably overwhelming, so adjusting to all the changes and trying to get involved was tough. I paid my membership for Fashion Society at the start of the year but never actually went to any events until January. It was something I knew I wanted to do, I just never got around to it in the first term.
What made you decide to join a society?
In my first year, I ended up living in a studio flat, which meant I had my own bathroom and kitchen, so I didn’t get the usual experience of making friends through sharing living space. At times it was quite lonely and isolating. After the Christmas break, I decided to take the first step and put myself out there, so I went to a social event on my own and it went from there.
Where did you hear about the society?
When I first joined Nottingham Trent, I looked on the NTSU website at the list of societies and Fashion Soc grabbed my attention.
Are you glad you got involved?
1000%. The group of girls I met when I turned up alone that first week are now my best friends. Not only have I made amazing friends, but it’s changed me as a person and given me the confidence I needed.
What is the best thing about being part of a society?
It’s most definitely all the people you meet. It sounds cliché but you really do make friends for life.
What advice would you give to those that think it is too late to join a society?
It is never too late. I didn’t start going to socials until January, yet I won the election to be this year’s social secretary and wellbeing officer three months later! The main bit of advice I would give is to take that first leap and just go for it. Really throw yourself in and chat with anyone and everyone. Put yourself out there and you’ll make your best friends at university, I promise.
What impact has it had on your university experience?
It has honestly made my university experience. In my first term last year I wasn’t sure if I was enjoying university; I was quite down and homesick, but now I literally can’t stay away! I have made so many friends by joining a society; I couldn’t recommend it enough.
