How being part of the ‘Believers’ Loveworld Brighton’ Society has improved my uni experience

Are you looking to find a community for yourself whilst at university and away from home? At the University of Brighton there are over 150 societies/sports teams run by the Brighton Students’ Union (BSU) and this list is the perfect place to find one! 
 
There is a society for everyone! Whether you are looking to explore something you are unfamiliar with to gain adventurous thrills or you prefer to join a society more familiar to you, which you believe you will thrive in; the choice is entirely yours to make. The latter was my preference after trying out one I was unfamiliar with and not feeling comfortable enough to continue. 

I joined the Believers’ Loveworld Society (BLW Society) which is one of the Christian faith and spirituality societies on campus. It felt familiar as I was raised as a Christian and shared similar interests and experiences with those in the society. I found it seamless to join in and get acquainted with the programme. 
 
Read on to find out how joining the BLW society impacted my student life! 

What The Believers’ Loveworld society is all about

The Believers’ Loveworld Brighton Society is a Christian faith and spirituality society. A society for all interested to learn and become a faith believing Christian. We meet in person and online multiple times per week for an hour or more, be it for a midweek or weekend service, bible study, connect group or other extracurricular activities. 

BLW Society starts the year with a mix and mingle to welcome new members and homecoming services for returning members, we are just literally a world of love in our society (Yes, I know, I did it…)  

Throughout the year our extracurricular activities include academic study sessions or events, exciting celebratory outings, fun movie nights, games, holiday themed events, specific outfit days and regional events with other BLW societies from universities across the UK. 

A typical day in The Believers’ Loveworld society

A typical Sunday service meeting for the BLW Society starts with prayers, worship & praise, the word, celebratory testimonies segments, special announcements and. closing prayers. We then finish with a members’ catch-up session to check in on how our fellow members’ week has fared, some refreshments and then home time. When I attend, I like to partake in prayer, ROR word, worship, testimonies and other segments of the service meeting, it is always a great time of fellowship!

The best parts of being a member

The best part of being a member of the BLW society is the feeling of being part of a like-minded community. Being around positive people who are genuinely interested in not just your spiritual growth but your growth all-round. The members are always happy to show love, pray, praise and support you; celebrating each of your wins every step of the way. I especially enjoy attending meetings and regional events with members from BLW societies at other universities in the UK. 

My top two highlights from my time in BLW are when I was surprised by members of the society with my favourite type of cake on my birthday and the “Student with a difference” event, which gave me a boost at a time I was going through some academic challenges. The inspiring words from that event left me invigorated and I felt capable of accomplishing anything, it changed my mind set during that difficult time so I could conquer that academic challenge I had been so worried about. 

What I’ve learned and how I’ve grown

I have grown so much since joining the BLW Society and my confidence has been greatly improved from all the opportunities to speak on the pulpit. I have acquired an ‘endless capabilities’ mindset, supportive friendship and a genuine community. I have learned how to be more supportive and to understand how valuable I am as a person to God, so I do not take my wellbeing for granted. I have also learned to love more, be generally positive minded and focused. Oh, and how can I forget my improved art skills because of all the art-related activities we have had? I feel like I can give Picasso a run for his money or become the new Picasso #PicassoII

Advice for students considering joining

If you feel the BLW society is a society you would like to join, do come along to one of our meet ups listed above or contact us and we will be available to welcome you with open arms, it is free to join. 

My advice to new willing members is to always try to make as much time as you can to be available for some, if not all the meet ups, as there is always something to gain. You end up leaving lighter than you came after a gathering with such positive individuals, be it for a study session or a fun event.

Conclusion: why you should join the BLW society

Join the BLW society today; gain a community, support system and family outside of home to make your university life experience all the more exciting!  

Check out our instagram page for event updates!

Author: Stephanie Odili – Psychology BSc (Hons), School of Humanities and Social Science