Starting a vegetarian group at university or college

Does your college or university have its own vegetarian society? If not, you could get one going yourself - it's not as difficult as it might sound.

(Please note - this advice applies to the UK only, procedures in universities based in other countries may be different)

Why start a student vegetarian group?

• To support new students – for many people arriving at college or university, it will be the first time they have to fend for themselves mealwise. Some may have decided to try a veggie diet for the first time now because their families were not in favour of it at home. Others may have been vegetarians for some time, but are experiencing the need to find ingredients and cook for themselves for the first time! A vegetarian group can help with information and advice, you can share ideas and pool your recipes and cooking skills.

• To provide accurate information about vegetarianism and all the issues it encompasses, such as animal welfare, the environment, healthy eating, world food resources. The social atmosphere at university encourages debate and discussion, and it’s a period in your life when you often take on new ideas and refine and develop your own beliefs and values.

•To encourage the caterers and shops at your university, or the town where your university is based, to provide more and better vegetarian choices.

•To get the vegetarian viewpoint known to the people on campus and in the area where your university is based.

•To provide an opportunity for socialisation with likeminded people.

Feeling inspired? Read on - here's how to do it