Undergraduate students at a computer desk talking in the Product Design Studio

Deep dive into computer science societies

Societies to support your learning, define your career and make new friends

As a student on a computer science course, you can join HackSoc and CompSoc, which are computer science-based societies run by the Students’ Union. 

Committee members explaining the Computer Science societies, HackSoc and CompSoc

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These societies are supported by the School of Computer Science, so students have access to specialist spaces and equipment, which comes in handy during HackNotts.

HackNotts is a 24-hour hackathon run by HackSoc, which brings around 300 people from all over the UK together to learn about tech and bring cool, new ideas to life. During this event, you’ll be immersed in the computer science community with a chance to network with people outside your course.  

HackSoc is the biggest tech-based society at the University of Nottingham, open to anyone and everyone that’s interested in tech. The society is dedicated to building, learning and sharing new ideas whether you’re new to tech or a seasoned developer. 

On top of the hackathon, HackSoc regularly holds events like student-run workshops and talks where guest speakers from the tech world share their expertise. This is a great way to try new things and learn from leaders in the industry, ultimately giving you valuable insights and skills that you can take into life after graduation.

CompSoc, on the other hand, is more focused on the social aspect of being a computer science student. They host socials like club nights and pizza nights to give you the chance to get to know people on your course in your free time. At these socials, you’ll be able to chat with students from all years in the School of Computer Science, not just your immediate peers. 

As well as socials, CompSoc hosts careers events to help you decide what areas you want to specialise in and how that will guide your career in the long term. 

If you have passions and interests outside of computer science and tech, our Students’ Union runs over 200 societies and more than 70 sports clubs for all students to get involved in. 

Sports and societies


Find the full list of sports and societies offered by the University of Nottingham Students’ Union.