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Unit 2: Student Clubs & Politics

Friends, skills, free pizza – and maybe some campus drama.

🗳️ ÖH & the Fraktionen – what’s the deal?​

You’ll hear people talk about “AG”, “VSSTÖ”, “GRAS” and wonder if it’s a secret society. Relax.

Here’s the short version:

  • ÖH = Österreichische Hochschüler_innenschaft = the official student union.
    They fight for your rights, organize events, and regularly send emails.

  • Fraktionen = political groups inside the ÖH:

    • AG (Aktionsgemeinschaft): Biggest one at WU, pragmatic.
    • VSSTÖ: Left-wing, very social-justice focused.
    • GRAS: Green and progressive.
    • JUNOS: Liberal, business-oriented vibes.

🎯 TL;DR: You don’t have to pick a side, but know they’re behind most ÖH initiatives.

🤝 Student Clubs – where the real action happens​

Clubs at WU are where you build your CV and your social life at the same time.

There’s something for everyone:

  • START Vienna – future founders & startup lovers
  • AIESEC – international exchange and leadership programs
  • Green Finance Society – sustainable finance enthusiasts
  • ICONS – strategy, consulting & innovation
  • …plus dozens more covering business, culture, debating, you name it.

Joining a club means more than just adding a line to your CV. You’ll pick up skills no lecture can teach, meet people who think like you, and (let’s be real) enjoy plenty of free snacks and drinks at events.

Once per semester, the ÖH WU hosts the Clubmesse.
It’s your chance to see all the clubs in one place, talk to their members, and sign up for trial events.

Think of it like speed dating for student life, except with tote bags and way better snacks.

For a first overview, check out the student clubs page on ÖH’s website (in German):
👉 ÖH Career Hub - Student Clubs
(It’s not a full list, but gives you a solid idea of some active associations.)

🤔 Should you join?​

Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Still yes – but don’t overdo it.

📌 One club is great to get involved, two max if you have insane time management.
Any more and you’ll end up like Nils: overwhelmed, burned out, and ghosting his group chats.

🧪 Micro-Challenge: Find your fit​

✅ Check out WU’s club list → pick 2 that sound interesting.
✅ Follow them on Instagram.
✅ DM one and ask when their next info event is.