Galenicals is the University of Bristol Medical Students' Society, representing over 1,700 students - that makes us the largest student society in Bristol SU (we're also the most fun)! Having been founded in 1935, we're 87 years old this year and you can be sure to expect a proper celebration to mark the occasion. For 87 years we've provided the extra-curricular space for medics to enjoy themselves. That means that there are thousands of Bristol graduates on the wards today who look back fondly and remember their time as part of Galenicals.

Medicine is a hugely diverse subject and we reflect this, providing over 40 sub-societies to cater to all interests. These include our medics sports teams, academic interest groups, charity and vounteer groups and performing arts groups. There really is something for everyone – and if there’s not, we invite you to set it up! Check them all out on our website, in your Welcome Booklet you'll receive from us via email or by coming along to Galenicals Fair - our first major event of the year where all the sub-societies can have a stall and you get the chance to talk to them (and maybe get some freebies if you're lucky)!

Additonally, as a central society we are here to support you in many ways. We are the main source of academic representation for Bristol medical students, meeting several times per month with the Faculty to voice student concerns and provide feedback to ensure the student experience is as good as it can be. We are also here to support your welfare, with a Welfare sub-committee attended by a number of our committee members. We provide signposting to relevant services, run welfare campaigns to promote systemic change and even have a peer-support Welfare Rep Network, working closely with our vet and dentist colleagues to support students.

Finally, we host many famous social events throughout the year, including back-to-school nights to kick off the year, medic bar crawl to see around the town, Christmas Ball to feel festive and Spring Ball to getting dressed up and have a night with funfair rides and free candyfloss. These are just a few of the events we run and we’re always looking to broaden our ideas – we’re particularly pushing non-alcoholic events this year to stay inclusive to as many members as possible. Membership gets you at least 10% off the cost of all these events and priority access to tickets! Our social events provide the perfect space to make friendships that last a lifetime.

From your first few days as a medical student to the beginning of life as a doctor, Galenicals is with you all the way!

Galenicals Medics Fair October 2022.

• Membership cost for Medics is £15 for the 2022/23 academic year 
• Membership costs for non-Medics is £7.50 for the 2022/23 academic year
• Gateway students (including Dentists and Vets) can join for only £5 and enjoy all the same benefits (NB. Gateway students will need to pay the full yearly membership once they progress to the 5 year MB ChB course)
• Please be aware that to join our Sub-societies you will need to have purchased a Galenicals membership.

All money from membership fees goes into supporting the society for your whole time here. Every event and campaign we mentioned above is subsidised by our membership fees.

Galenicals welcomes all medics throughout their time at the University of Bristol, including those studying on the MB ChB course, Gateway to Medicine course and intercalating medics.  

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Galenicals are committed to having an inclusive and diverse society, where all of our members feel comfortable. We have a zero-tolerance stance against all forms of discrimination, and we expect the same from all of our members. We welcome and include all members equally irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.  

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Galenicals are here to support our students in all areas of student life. Our Welfare Rep Network and also the many extra-curricular and academic sub-societies within Galenicals helps to fulfil this. We have a welcoming and friendly committee, who are always on hand to signpost, give advice and answer questions when needed. Several of our committee roles reflect the diversity of the students we represent and make sure that we are an equal society for all. This includes International Director, Welfare Director and Equalities Director.