h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I am aware that the whole premise of this website is based on a work of science fiction, however I shall risk the wrath of many researchers when I forewarn all prospective students to avoid the clutches of the sci-fi societies at their respective educational establishments.

Beware the geeky, pimpled youth with the rubber Klingon forehead, or the 'buxom' honours student in that all-too-revealing Princess Leia bikini. For all is not as it seems. Science fiction loses its place as an acceptable medium when the cafeteria is invaded by 'Daleks' constructed from old boxes and binliners, threatening to exterminate you if you do not join the 'Federation', 'Rebel Alliance' or any other illegitimate organisation. Get away from them - run up a flight of stairs and then, like the sci-fi geeks they are, they will refuse to follow to complete their perfect rendition of Doctor Who's nemesis.

So if, on your first day, you are assailed by cruel imitations of Starfleet operatives, do not under any circumstances let them 'take you to the brig'. Set your record bag to stun and sock them in the wormhole.

Live long and prosper.

While I have to agree that many members of my uni's Sci-fi club were a little odd, I wouldn't advise steering clear altogether. I went along to the first meeting in Fresher's week and four years on, I'm getting married to the one normal guy that I did meet there. If you can sift through all the wannabe Klingons and Psi Cops, it is just possible to have a great time and make some good friends along the way.

Agreed. I rose to the heady heights of President, and I too married a co-member. We discovered that the trick was to run two events at the same time, one of which was a 'nerd decoy' like a Dr Who vidoe. Then those of us who weren't personality donors would go off and paaarty!

Can't say I entierly agree I was in two science fiction societies at university (the DrWho society and the Babylon5 society (link to their home page on my links page http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A574058) in which I ascended to the heady hights of president) and found the people there to be perfectly decent.

But as with all clubs attend one of their meetings before paying to join in case you don't like them.

Z

I'm with Data on this. If you do go to the sci-fi society, you might end up an honourary life member like me and you don't want that.

I'm sorry, I have to point out a glaring mistake on the part of this conversation. The daleks can go upstairs, they hover, very unconvincingly I know, but they do. And as far as societies go, you'll find that the science fiction societies have a habit of keeping to themselves and not inflicting themselves on the unsuspecting masses, unlike the Athletics Union and other such testosterone sodden 'societies'. Before you think I am a raging lesbian sci-fi freak, I'm not. I know a lot of people that like sport, and the closest I get to sci-fi is watching star wars every now and again with my boyfriend (a true geek, Dr Who rules according to him *shakes head in sorrow*). I just think that you ought to leave the poor blighters alone. At least you don't get beaten up if you laugh at someone dressed as a dalek *grin*

Certainly the Daleks have an in-built mechanism for ascending stairs, but if you get to the top before a student in unconvincing costume you can at least kick them back down, safe in the knowledge that their damaged costume is more important than any lost pride.

As a further point to my original message, definitely do not go to a sci-fi club if you are a goth - society will disown you forever. Given, certain goths look very much like Darth Vader, but the Force will win through in the end.

I come under the classification of a goth, and I wouldn't want to belong to a society that shunned me because of a predilection for the mroe surreal side of life. I thought one of the most important parts of being a goth was the need to state your individuality and to have others recognise you as such?

Lots of goths in our SF&F and they were very much at home...

Woo hoo!!! An ally *grin* Have some I'm more of a fuzzy goth, I love goth-esque music, wearing black and being generally odd, but then again I possess a stripy tank top and wear it with pride. And I like sci fi. And justa bout ove my individuality and respect other peoples. Hmmmm, well, welcome

Woo hoo!!! An ally, have some
Welcome as well, we will prove that there is nothing wrong with sci-fi soc