Debating has been a part of campus culture at UQ since its foundation in 1909, with the UQDS tracing our origins back to the early 1920s.
We meet every Tuesday evening at 6:00 for training, dinner and our weekly internal competition. All levels of experience are welcome, and if you come at the beginning of the semester then we’ll pair you up with an experienced debater who will be able to give you feedback and show you the ropes.
We also run various weekend competitions for new members, and host tournaments at UQ where we compete with debaters from interstate. If you find yourself enjoying these opportunities, then you can put your hand up to represent the University at competitions all around the country and the world.
We also run regular social events, host public debates and forums on campus, and run schools competitions to encourage debating.
If you’re interested, the est way to get involved is to join our members’ group at FB.com/groups/UQDSMembers, and buy your membership at uqds.org/join to get email updates for us. If you have any questions, feel free to send them to our Facebook page or [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon!
Absolutely not! Many of our members join having never debated before, some straight out of high school and some even a few years into their degrees. The style of Uni debating differs a lot from school, so it’s a similar learning curve for everyone. We also run lots of programs to help you gain confidence and experience. Many of the best debaters UQDS has produced didn’t debate before joining.
Not at all – fewer than a third of our members have a background in Arts. The UQDS is a great way to meet a diverse range of people from a variety of degrees. Common areas of study beyond Arts include Science, Law, Engineering, IT, Psychology and Medicine, but nearly every degree is represented!
Generally, no. All the debates are short preparation, so there’s no need to research or write speeches in advance. While some people practice intensely, this is usually just to prepare for major tournaments, and most people just casually attend our weekly internals competition.
Support
A independent, free, short term support service for students, assisting with matters including academic, welfare, job prep, Visa, and legal. Booking an appointment online is easy!
Tips & tricks on how to look after yourself, from managing stress to eating well.
Need exam support? We’ve got your back! Get advice and assistance to ace your exams with less stress.
Food Co-Op, Morning Marmalade & Kampus Kitchen
Located in the Union Complex, Food Co-op stocks free and low-cost grocery items for students, while Morning Marmalade & Kampus Kitchen serve up free breakfasts and dinners.
Connect
Find your crowd among 220+ Clubs & Societies, with 35,000+ students learning new skills with like-minded people.
Join our volunteer team powering our services and events. Every bit of help, big or small, makes a difference in supporting more students like you!
UQU Collectives support minority, special interest, and community groups on campus, providing a safe, supportive environment and networking opportunities.
Access a range of contacts for assessment proofreading tailored to your needs, faculty and budget!
Eat
Indulge in a range of tempting food, refreshing beverages and great retail to keep you energised and ready to conquer your classes!
Maximise your uni experience! Grab a FREE Mates Rates membership for a 10% discount at applicable UQU outlets and exclusive offers just for you!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean porttitor porttitor ipsum ut lobortis.
Gift your study buddy a voucher for our UQU outlets, so they can unwind and treat themselves.