Student clubs and associations: the heartbeat of student life at HEC Paris

At HEC Paris, student life transcends the boundaries of academic excellence. Beyond the classrooms and lecture halls lies a vibrant, interconnected community brought to life by over 120 clubs and associations. These organizations embody the passions, ambitions, and values of HEC Paris students, offering unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. But how do these clubs come to life? What role do they play in the overall HEC Paris experience? And what makes the HEC Paris community so unique? 
 

A highly diverse spectrum of interests and activities

With around 120 active clubs and associations, HEC Paris caters for a staggering range of interests and passions. From long-standing associations like the Communauté Chrétienne, established in 1921, to newer, dynamic groups, these clubs reflect the evolving interests of each student generation. They span categories as wide-ranging as professional, humanitarian, civic, cultural, artistic, international and sustainability.

One of the most notable aspects is the cultural richness within these clubs. International associations, for example, bring the world to HEC Paris through vibrant events. Whether it’s the Holi festival organized by the Indian community or King’s Day celebrations by HEC Benelux, these gatherings are not confined to their respective communities. Instead, they invite the entire campus to explore and share their traditions and culture.

Professional clubs also take center stage by organizing events like networking evenings and conferences featuring renowned and influential guest speakers.  Other clubs, like Grand Cru represent HEC Paris nationally in prestigious wine-tasting competitions, showcasing the diverse talents of our student body.

This incredible variety ensures that every student can find, or create, a space that resonates with their passions.

Bringing a vision to life: the club creation process

Starting a club at HEC Paris is a structured but accessible process, designed to encourage initiative while maintaining high standards. At the core of this process is the HEC Paris Student Union (HPSU), which serves as the administrative backbone for all clubs and works hand in hand with the Clubs Life Office (CLO).

To establish a new association or club, students must provide the CLO with a detailed proposal outlining their mission, goals, and how they align with the values of HEC Paris. Crucially, prospective clubs must demonstrate a clear purpose and potential impact, ensuring that new initiatives add value to the campus community. The CLO carefully evaluates each application. This includes assessing whether the idea overlaps with existing clubs and gauging the commitment of the founders.

Once approved, the HPSU process is initiated. This involves securing insurance, opening a bank account for the club, gathering all the necessary documentation, and asking the club to create a unique logo that adheres to HEC Paris’s branding guidelines. They are now allowed to organize events both on and outside the campus.

The new club gains its place on the “Wall of Fame” in the Student Life building - a testament to HEC Paris’s belief in student empowerment and celebrating their initiatives.

Driving the HEC Paris Experience

The clubs and associations are so much more than extracurricular activities - they form an integral part of the identity of HEC Paris. They breathe life into the campus and serve as a platform for students to translate classroom learning into real-world skills. Major recruitment fairs, like Carrefours HEC, which require expertise in strategy, logistics, and marketing, offer students hands-on experiences that complement their academic education.

Clubs also play a critical role in networking and career development. Through interactions with alumni and industry leaders, students can forge connections that often shape their professional journeys. For instance, the Junior Entreprise club provides consulting services to major companies, enabling members to gain valuable work experience while earning recognition for their expertise.

Equally important is the social aspect. For many students, clubs are the foundation of lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. Whether it’s bonding over culinary creations in the L’Assauce cooking club or performing on stage with Double Jeu, these moments become cherished parts of the HEC Paris experience.

The Clubs Life Office: a pillar of support

The Clubs Life Office, which is part of the Student Life Department, is the invisible force that ensures the seamless functioning of HEC Paris’s dynamic culture of clubs and associations. From allocating funds as fairly as possible to advising on event logistics, the department provides essential and continuous support that allows student initiatives to flourish.

Their responsibilities range from practical tasks - like coordinating room availability and security for events with the departments concerned - to fostering collaboration among clubs. For example, they helped In & Out, the LGBTQ+ association, expand an inclusivity event by involving nine other associations, thereby transforming a small idea into a campus-wide celebration with over 600 attendees.

The department also acts as a bridge between students and the institution. They ensure legal compliance, provide alumni or professional contacts, and facilitate interactions with HEC Paris’s communication and security teams. Their guidance often inspires students to think bigger, push boundaries, and realize their full potential.

What makes the HEC Paris community unique?

The HEC Paris community stands out for its strong sense of belonging and the transformative role of its clubs and associations. The campus itself, one of the largest in Europe, plays a major role. It becomes home for the 2,000 students living there and provides an environment that enables them to thrive together. Having a dedicated Student Life building further cements this close-knit sense of community.

The alumni network also enhances the community’s uniqueness. Clubs regularly engage with alumni, benefiting from mentorship, resources, and career opportunities. This intergenerational support system reinforces the idea of HEC Paris as a lifelong family.

Through their clubs, students build enduring memories - whether it’s through humanitarian missions like Rêve d’Enfance, which organizes holidays for children recovering from cancer, or by contributing to sustainability initiatives like introducing comprehensive recycling on campus. These experiences leave an indelible mark, shaping both personal and professional growth.

A legacy of passion and purpose

At HEC Paris, playing an active role in clubs and associations becomes a cornerstone of the overall student experience. They foster creativity, build a strong sense of community, and prepare students for life beyond the campus gates.

Through a delicate balance of support and autonomy, HEC Paris enables students to dream big, create impactful initiatives, and develop into well-rounded and responsible individuals. The passion and energy of our students, combined with the dedication of the Student Life Department, ensure that HEC Paris remains a beacon of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.

For students at HEC Paris, joining, or founding, a club or association isn’t just an activity. It’s a journey of self-discovery, collaboration, and lasting impact. It’s no wonder that for so many, their time in these clubs and associations becomes a highlight of their HEC Paris story - a chapter they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

*Based on an interview with Aude Pleimling, Association & Events Manager of the Clubs Life Office, HEC Paris Student Life Department.

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