It is not too late to join ACS!

Hey everyone! I’m Lola, and as a second-year student at Bath, I can honestly say that joining the African and Caribbean Society (ACS) was one of the best decisions I made during my first year. If you’re a new student wondering how to make the most of your time in Bath, let me tell you—ACS is where you should be. Whether you want to make friends, connect with your culture, or just have a great time, ACS has got you covered.

 Introducing ACS

The African and Caribbean Society is all about bringing together students of Caribbean and African descent, connecting the Black diaspora and all student from a mixed heritage background. As Secretary in the 24/25 ACS Committee, I know that there are great plans for the year ahead. As a society we’re focused on supporting each other through studies, having fun and getting ahead into careers to promote black excellence.

To give you a flavour of what it is like to attend our events and feel at home within ACS, I will also be sharing some insights about an ACS Tour of Bath and Dinner event from my friends Nadine and Chizoba - two great people I connected with through ACS.

 

My first year with ACS:

Back when I was still trying to figure out room numbers in Chancellor's Building, I remember being found by an upper year ACS member, who helped me find the room and settle in. The event I attended was a great chance to meet other students, connect with the committee, and learn about the upcoming year. It was nice to finally put faces to the names I'd seen popping up in the WhatsApp freshers' group chat. Afterwards, I exchanged socials with a bunch of people and started building friendships that have stuck with me throughout the year. 

Attending club nights with ACS was also great - I recall heading over to the club with a group of other freshers; going as a group made it a relaxed, fun night out. It was nice to enjoy tunes we all knew, from Afro beats to Amapiano, and Hip Hop. At the end of night, we headed back as a group, talking, laughing and debriefing about the night.

 

Nadine, a second year studying international management and French, said:

"I thoroughly enjoyed my first event with ACS and it was a brilliant way to meet new people, some of whom are my good friends as of now. We sat with the committee to eat and talk together; I loved this aspect of the event, as it helped me to come out of my comfort zone whilst also strengthening bonds I had made that day."

 

Chizoba, a second year studying computer science, shared his experience at an event:

"It let me meet and talk with more freshers, since I was late to the meet n greet and didn't get much of a chance. The food at the end was nice."

As your ACS Secretary, I've really enjoyed meeting lots of new students and helping to run the society. Joining ACS isn't only about attending events; it's also about building a strong, supportive network that will be there throughout your time at university. 

For any Black students, ACS is a fantastic way to connect with your cultural community and make lasting friendships. Chizoba said and I agree: "Attending ACS events is a great way to get to know people and set yourself up for the future".

So, if you’re looking to connect with a diverse community and make the most of your university experience, ACS is where you need to be. Check out our Instagram @bath_acs for the latest updates and events!