This is an incomplete list of the clubs and societies active among the JCR at Merton.
Want to know when a society is holding its next event? Head to the Termcard page to see a calendar of events.
Looking for societies beyond Merton? The SU maintains a searchable catalogue of University-wide societies.
Bodley Club
Contact: Eleanor Hamilton Clark
The Bodley Club is Merton’s speaker society, hosting talks from a wide range of figures from many different sectors.
Book Club
Contact: Lyndon Webb (Assistant Chaplain)
What better way to end the week than relaxed conversation, a nice cup of tea, and an endless supply of cake! We read one book per term, meeting every Friday in weeks 1-7 to discuss the latest developments and plot twists. In recent years we have read Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake, How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, Babel by R. F. Kuang, and Victory City by Salman Rushdie. All are welcome, and Lyndon is always looking for recommendations for future reads, especially by authors from countries and demographic groups we have yet to explore.
Meeting Time: Friday 3pm, Hawkins Room (Fellows 3)
Christian Union
Contact: Annabel Philp
Online: @muniv_christi_cu on Instagram, oiccu.org
The Muniv Christi Christian Union is the Christian Union for three colleges: Merton, Univ and Corpus Christi. It is a community of students that support each other with faith at university, read the Bible together and pray for each other and their colleges. It is there for people of all faiths and none who might be interested in exploring Christianity, the Bible or the life of Jesus.
This christian union is part of a larger group called the OICCU (Oxford Intercollegiate Christian Union).
Film Society
Contact: Eleanor Hamilton Clark
Film enthusiast? Aspiring filmmaker? Or just loves a good movie night? Merton Film society is the place for you! Founded in 2022, we organise regular cinema nights in the TS Eliot Theatre during term time, bringing together students from all subjects to watch a good movie together.
Film Soc’s president Eleanor is excited to introduce a variety of films that everyone can enjoy; ranging from indie gems to blockbusters. The theme for Michaelmas term 2024 is ‘Heroism’, and is looking forward to collaborating with other groups at Merton to bring these movies nights to you!
Gardening Club
Contact: Lyndon Webb (Assistant Chaplain)
Drawing on his experience as a farmer and gardener prior to life at Merton, Lyndon leads a small group each week as we transform the back gardens of Manor Place into a no-dig organic allotment, mixing annual veg with perennial fruit trees and bushes to make the most of our space. Whether you are already an experienced gardener, or just green-curious, all are welcome!
Meeting Time: Sunday 11am, Merton Veg Patch (Manor Place 3)
Music Society
Contact: Cecilia Loughney
Online: @mertoncollegemusicsociety on Instagram
Merton College Music Society is Merton’s student led music society which organises concerts and recitals throughout the academic year. The society runs the Kodaly Choir, a relaxed, non-auditioned choir open to anyone at Merton, as well as the Fidelio Ensemble, a joint orchestra with University College. The Fidelio orchestra meets once a week every Monday, and usually holds two concerts throughout the year. Anyone is welcome to give a recital, and the society regularly holds showcase concerts to give musicians a chance to perform.
Neave Society
Contact: Dylan Tuner & Delaney Lim
Neave Society is a discussion society that meets every other week in the JCR to discuss political issues and current events. It was founded in memory of Airey Neave who was a graduate of Merton College, a brave soldier and member of Parliament. Discussions are always accompanied by biscuits and drinks, and the society often hosts guests from a variety of political backgrounds.
Poetry Society
Contact: Freddy Chelsom, Eryn Greenaway, Ishbel Hallam
Online: @mertoncollegepoetrysoc on Instagram
The Merton College Poetry Society is a friendly group for poetry lovers and writers. It meets weekly on a Monday evening, with each session focusing on a different theme. It publishes a termly pamphlet, Pekes and Pollicles, containing poetry written by its members. Poetry Soc is a welcoming space, whether you’re a published poet or a free verse fledgeling. Expect lots of talking, writing, a few snacks and many giggles. We hope to see you there!
Meeting Time: Monday, 8pm, Americas Room
1980 Society
Contact: Verity Fleetwood-Law
Online: @mertoncollege1980society on Instagram
The 1980 Society (named after the year in which women were admitted to Merton for the first time) is a society promoting gender equality and celebrating the women* of the JCR. It meets fortnightly during term for ‘wine and whine’ discussion groups as well as holding panels and speaker events.
Meeting Time: Alternate Wednesdays, JCR
Subject Societies
Every undergraduate is also member of one of Merton’s Subject Societies (or more than one for joint honours students). These societies organise events such as talks, dinners and garden parties and offer a place to get to know others doing your subject and receive help and advice from those in higher years. The Academic Affairs Representative coordinates the work of the Subject Society Presidents and is available to answer questions about these societies.