Coming to university isn't only about academics; it's also an opportunity to try new things or continue with old ones. The Students’ Union at BNU offers a variety of groups and clubs to join, and it is an important part of the university experience.

A few months ago, myself and three other friends who all have two passions: Japan and Anime, decided to band together to form the Anime and Cosplay Society. From watching anime to playing games and cosplaying, we do it all! Recently some of our members headed to CosExpo and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

To introduce the Anime and Cosplay Society, I have asked the committee some Q&As so you can get to know them better.

Club Chair - Chase (he/him)

When did you start watching anime? 6 years ago

Why did you want to start the society? I wanted to create a community where everyone has something in common.

How would you describe the society? Quite simply, a good laugh.

Think back, do you remember the first anime you watched? Attack on Titan

What would you say to new students who might like to join? Be a weeb and be proud!

Club Secretary - Tiffany (she/they/them)

When did you start watching anime? 7 years ago

Why did you want to start the society? I think finding others that like anime is hard, especially in society nowadays, so I wanted to give others a sense of community.

How would you describe the society? We’re friendly and everyone is welcome and not judged.

Think back, do you remember the first anime you watched? Chibi Vampire

What would you say to new students who might like to join? Don’t be scared, just be who you are, you will ultimately find others who like something you like.

Club Treasurer - Ateeb (He/him/they/them)

When did you start watching anime? I started in year 8, which was 8 years ago

Why did you want to start the society? I thought it would be cool to gather all of the other anime lovers together to talk about things we love, to get more recommendations for things to watch, and also it was an excuse to cosplay.

How would you describe the society? It’s fun, rather chaotic, many people think weebs are very mild and quiet people but when we're around each other we’re the most random people ever.

Think back, do you remember the first anime you watched? I remember it was Tokyo Ghoul and that just spiralled into an anime addiction.

What would you say to new students who might like to join? Come and join us, keep the weeb culture going.

Health and Welfare Officer – Tori (me!) (she/her)

When did you start watching anime? I was 15 and my best friends forced me to watch it. At first I didn’t like it, but when my other friend gave me something else to watch and I instantly fell in love. It's now been almost 10 years.

Why did you want to start the society? I had a letter pushed under my door asking me if I would like to help build the society as Chase lives next door to me and saw funko pops in my window.

How would you describe the society? Our society is random but always in a good way, we all understand each other and all have similar tastes. Also, we can fight over which character is better and still have a laugh.

Do you remember the first anime you watched? It was Hetalia but after watching for a couple of years I saw that a cartoon I used to watch as a kid was anime so my very first anime, was Tokyo Mew Mew.

What would you say to new students who might like to join? Never be afraid to be who you are, we are all the same when it comes to the things we like whether it is watching anime, cosplaying or reading manga.

We look forward to meeting you!