Finding My Place: My Experience with the Computer Science Society at Herts

When I first started uni, I didn’t expect to find a second home in a society. I thought societies were just for the outgoing people who try to be at every event. But I’m so glad I proved myself wrong because joining the Computer Science Society has been one of the best decisions I’ve made at Herts. 

Not only did it help me feel more connected to my course and classmates, but it also gave me the chance to grow in confidence, take on new responsibilities, and give back to the community that welcomed me in. 

How it all started 

I joined the Computer Science Society early on, just out of curiosity. I was looking for something to help me feel more involved outside of lectures and labs. What I found was a group of people who were genuinely passionate about tech, coding, problem-solving—and more importantly, building a supportive and inclusive community. 

Over time, I started attending more events: coding challenges, guest speaker talks, game nights, and even casual meetups. The society became a space where I could learn, connect, and just be myself around like-minded people. 

Becoming the inclusion officer 

In my second year, I decided to take a bigger step and ran for Inclusion Officer—and I’m so glad I did. 

My main goal in this role was to make sure everyone felt welcome, represented, and heard—regardless of background, gender, or experience level. Tech can sometimes feel like an intimidating space, but I wanted to help create an environment where students felt like they belonged, even if they were just starting out. 

Some of the things I worked on included:

• Collaborating on inclusive events and workshops
• Encouraging new members from diverse backgrounds to join and get involved
• Working closely with the rest of the committee to make sure events were accessible and welcoming to everyone.

It wasn’t just about organising things; it was about listening, learning, and constantly improving the space for others.

What I learned 

Wow, where do I even start? Being part of the society (and on the committee) taught me so much: 

• Teamwork – Every event, every meeting, every decision involved working together. I learned how to coordinate, communicate, and compromise with a group of passionate people.
• Leadership – As Inclusion Officer, I had to step up and take initiative. Whether it was suggesting event ideas or raising concerns about representation, I learned how to use my voice for good.
• Event planning – Turns out, there’s a lot that goes into running even a small meetup! I gained skills in organisation, time management, and even a bit of marketing and social media work.
• Empathy & awareness – This role made me more aware of the barriers people face in different spaces—and how small changes can make a big difference in helping people feel safe and included.

Why you should get involved 

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not the type to join a society,” I hear you—but I’d encourage you to give it a go. Whether you attend one event or run for a committee role, there’s so much to gain. 

Societies aren’t just about socials (though those are fun too!)—they’re about community. They’re about finding people who geek out over the same things you do, supporting each other through coursework, sharing opportunities, and growing together. 

And if you want to make a difference, taking on a role like Inclusion Officer is a great place to start. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room—you just have to care. 

Final thoughts 

Being part of the Computer Science Society helped shape my university journey in the best way. It gave me a sense of purpose, helped me build real friendships, and showed me the kind of leader I could be. If you’re even slightly curious about getting involved in a society, go for it. You might just surprise yourself, like I did. 💻 

Hi, I’m Nuzhat Tasnim Rifa, a final-year Computer Science student at the University of Hertfordshire. I’m passionate about technology, learning new skills, and helping others navigate university life. Alongside my studies, I’ve taken a part-time role at the university as a Student Ambassador, which has helped me grow in confidence, communication, and leadership. I enjoy balancing academics with real-life experiences and love sharing what I’ve learned to support others on a similar path. This blog site is a space where I share tips, reflections, and insights to help students make the most of their time at university and beyond.