Written by Tess Ezzy
So you’ve got an idea. A brilliant, quirky, niche or wildly fun idea.
Maybe it’s a Taylor Swift appreciation club (we see you, Swifties 
), a hiking group for caffeine lovers, or a space for slam poetry under fairy lights. But you’ve searched the club listings and—gasp—your dream club doesn’t exist.
What now?
You start your own, of course.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to building something special at Charles Sturt—and having an absolute blast doing it.
Step 1: Dream it up
Your club can be about anything (well, almost anything… sorry, skydiving-on-campus enthusiasts).
Some popular themes?
Hobbies like Knitting or Animal Crossing or Board Games
Causes like sustainability or mental health
Performance like open mic or drama
Pure vibes like a Dog Appreciation Society (imagine the merch)
Tip: Make it something you’d show up to. If it excites you, it’ll excite someone else too.
Step 2: Talk to your Student Connection Officer
Before you go printing out flyers or planning a launch party, pop in for a chat with your Student Connection Officer.
They’ll walk you through the official stuff (like affiliation forms, insurance, and those mysterious “delegated officers”), and help you unlock sweet perks like club funding 
for snacks, events and even merch.
Bonus: they’re super friendly and love helping students make magic happen.
Step 3: Get leadership-ready
If you’re taking on a club role—President, Secretary, Treasurer—you’ll need to complete some very useful leadership training.
Don’t worry: it’s all online, super doable, and teaches you things like:
How to run meetings How to manage club money How to avoid club drama (yes please)
You even get a certificate for your CV. A trained leader and a social butterfly? We love to see it.
Step 4: Build those soft skills
Running a club = unlocking your inner boss. You’ll build skills like:
Organisation
Communication Budgeting
Conflict resolution (hello group chat disagreements)
These are the kinds of things employers actually ask about—and they look even better when you’ve practiced them in real life.
Step 5: Have the time of your life
Once your club is up and running, it’s your world. Host meetups, film nights, trivia battles, nature walks, costume parties, craft nights—whatever brings your crew joy.
Plus, you’ll meet people you wouldn’t have met otherwise. Future best friends, study buddies, maybe even future business partners or co-parents to a rescue dog.
At Charles Sturt, we believe uni is more than just classes. It’s also about creating your own community. And starting a club? That’s one of the most fun, meaningful ways to do it.
Ready to start your club adventure?
Email clubs@csu.edu.au and chat to your Student Connection Officer
Check the Clubs Affiliation Info And let the good times roll
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
