3. User groups
The UK is filled with developer and IT user groups which drastically vary in scale, topic and geographical reach. For example Dundee is covered by at least 2 groups in the software field that I am aware of; Scottish Developers and Abertay Linux User Group. So now I hear the questions rattling around in your heads…
What is a User Group?
To quote user-groups.net:
If you use a computer, no matter how much or how little you know about it, a user group can help you get more out of your computing experience. It’s a great way to learn more about your computer, and its software, and become an active participant of a larger community. “No person left behind” is our motto.
User groups can be found in many locations around the country. They can be any organization from an informal group of 10 individuals meeting over a laptop; to a
nonprofit corporation with a board of directors, and a telephone directory-sized newsletter and a membership the size of Rhode Island.
User groups serve computer users in communities, educational institutions, corporations, professions, and associations. Whatever their size or form, user groups share a common commitment to provide a venue for sharing experience, insight, and knowledge about computing, for the personal and professional enrichment of their members.
Many groups have regular meetings and schedule speakers and events to keep you up-to-date on the latest technology. Getting involved in a user group is a great way to learn how to make the most of computing technologies.
User groups are one of the best resources available to any computer user, as they put the computer community in touch with itself and unite the people that have passion for their chosen platform.
Why should I attend a User Group?
The question I have to ask you after reading the above is why shouldn’t you? There are so many reasons to attend one (or more), you can meet new like-minded people, you could learn something new about a subject you are interested in, you could be introduced to an entirely new subject, depending on the group you could end up in a pub (we usually do), you might even find a prospective employer.
I know it means you have to take time out of your busy student night life and it may not be the “coolest” thing to tell your friends you are doing, but it could help give you a little extra direction in your career if you don’t know what you want to do or even just help you find people interested into similar things as you.
How can I find a local User Group?
I would say the easiest way I have found to do this is google, “UK developer user groups” is a good one which for me returned http://www.ukusergroups.co.uk/UserGroupListings.html as part of the results. I am going to assume that you are at least a proficient googler and as such don’t need me to hold your hand to find a local group 
Another good way to find local events in your area is to look up sites like EventBrite or DeveloperFusion which are kept up to date with the latest goings on.
