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Some of the world's most influential figures, including Theodore Roosevelt and former British Prime Minister David Cameron, were members of these elite college societies. These groups, often based at prestigious universities, engage in activities ranging from intellectual discussions and literary pursuits to charitable endeavors, gourmet dining, and adventurous exploits. A defining feature of these societies is their strict secrecy, making it nearly impossible to uncover the details of their inner workings. Here’s a glimpse into nine of the most exclusive college secret societies globally.
1. The Seven Society at the University of Virginia
The Seven Society at the University of Virginia is shrouded in mystery, with minimal information available about its origins, activities, or members. Legend has it that the group formed around 1905 when eight students planned a bridge game, but only seven arrived. The society is believed to have roots in Masonic traditions and maintains its presence by marking its emblem on university structures.
Over the years, the society has made numerous generous contributions, often unveiled in dramatic ways. For instance, during the 1947 commencement ceremony, a minor explosion startled attendees, followed by a check for $177,777.77 floating down from above. This sum was allocated to establish a fund aimed at assisting faculty members or students facing financial hardships. The identities of Seven Society members remain concealed until their passing, where a wreath of black magnolias shaped like a seven traditionally adorns their graves.
2. The Bullingdon Club at Oxford University
The Bullingdon Club, established around 1780 at Oxford University, is one of the most infamous and exclusive secret societies in the UK. Its membership is drawn from aristocratic circles and influential families in banking, business, and politics. Many of its former members have ascended to positions of significant power, forming a powerful network.
Despite its prestigious alumni, the Bullingdon Club is less about intellectual pursuits and more renowned for its extravagant dining events. The club frequently gathers for lavish dinners, which have reportedly resulted in restaurant damages, chaotic behavior, and police involvement. A well-known photograph from 1987 features former British Prime Minister David Cameron, former Chancellor George Osborne, and current Prime Minister Boris Johnson in their Bullingdon Club attire, highlighting their membership.
3. Skull and Bones at Yale
The Skull and Bones clubhouse, or "The Tomb," at Yale | m01229, Flickr // CC BY 2.0Skull and Bones at Yale is one of the most renowned and controversial secret societies in the United States. Notable alumni include George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, and John Kerry. Founded in 1832, this highly secretive group limits its membership to 15 seniors who convene twice weekly in their windowless meeting space, referred to as "The Tomb." Annually, 15 new members are inducted, with rumors suggesting they receive $15,000 and a grandfather clock. The society is often dominated by influential families, and its members frequently achieve significant success in politics and business, underscoring its exclusivity and prestige. Numerous myths surround the group, including the infamous claim that in 1918, members—possibly including Prescott Bush, father of George H. W. Bush—exhumed the skull
4. The Order of Gimghoul at the University of North Carolina
Gimghoul Castle in Chapel Hill, North Carolina | THE evil fluffyface, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0The Order of Gimghoul, founded in 1889 at the University of North Carolina, is one of the eeriest college secret societies. Initially named the Order of Droomgole after Peter Droomgole, who mysteriously disappeared in 1833 following a duel with a romantic rival, the group later adopted the more ominous name Gimghoul. This all-male society, headquartered in a Gothic-style castle on campus, draws inspiration from Arthurian ideals of chivalry and honor. However, its eerie castle, fascination with dark symbolism, and secretive nature evoke more fear than admiration for noble knights.
5. The Flat Hat Club at William and Mary
The Flat Hat Club, or F.H.C., believed to stand for “fraternitas, humanitas et cognito” (brotherhood, humanity, and knowledge), was founded in the 1750s and is considered the first secret college society in America. Thomas Jefferson, a notable member in the 1760s, reportedly criticized the group for lacking a meaningful purpose. The society’s activities ceased during the Revolutionary War but were revived twice, first in 1916 and again in 1972.
6. The Corps Hannovera Gottingen at Georg August University, Germany
Kresspahl, Wikimedia // CC BY-SA 3.0Founded in 1809, the Corps Hannovera Göttingen initially brought together students from Hanover, Germany, and has since expanded into a network of groups centered on the tradition of academic fencing (mensur). Unlike sport fencing, mensur is regarded as a mental and moral exercise aimed at building character. Participants, protected only around their eyes, bodies, and necks, target unprotected facial areas, with facial scars considered marks of honor and concentration. These all-male groups, composed of the elite, maintain a high level of secrecy, similar to American secret societies. Among its notable members was Prussian statesman Otto von Bismarck.
7. The Porcellian Club at Harvard
The bookplate of the Porcellian Club at Harvard | Houghton Modern, Flickr // CC BY-NC-SA 2.0Founded in the 1790s, this elite finals club derives its name from the Latin word for “pig,” inspired by a hog roast at its inaugural meeting. Membership is reserved for individuals from privileged backgrounds. Notable alumni include President Theodore Roosevelt, Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., yachtsman Harold Stirling Vanderbilt, polo player Thomas Hitchcock Jr., and the Winklevoss twins. Members often sport neckties featuring a pig’s head, and their clubhouse is affectionately called the “Old Barn.” The Porcellian Club made headlines in April 2016 for its refusal to admit female members, citing concerns over “the potential for sexual misconduct.”
8. The Apostles at Cambridge University
The Apostles, a secret society focused on intellectual discussions about ethics, morality, and religion, was founded around 1820 by George Tomlinson, later Bishop of Gibraltar. The group initially consisted of 12 members, hence its name. Over the years, it has attracted some of the brightest minds, primarily from King’s, Trinity, and St John’s Colleges at Cambridge. The society played a pivotal role in the formation of the Bloomsbury Group, which influenced early 20th-century intellectual thought, with members like Leonard Woolf, John Maynard Keynes, and Lytton Strachey.
The Apostles gained infamy during the Cold War when it was revealed that three members of the notorious "Cambridge Five"—Guy Burgess, Anthony Blunt, and John Cairncross—were part of the society. Prospective members must be nominated by an existing Apostle and unanimously approved. Initiates swear a secret oath and sign a leather-bound book containing the signatures of all past members, a cherished artifact of the club.
9. The Cadaver Society at Washington and Lee University
Shrouded in mystery, the Cadaver Society at Washington and Lee University remains largely enigmatic, but its intriguing rumors make it worthy of inclusion. It is believed that members, often top-performing pre-med students, roam the campus at night clad in black attire and skull masks, leaving the society’s emblem—a skull paired with the letter C—as their mark.
While their graffiti is the most visible evidence of their existence, the society is also known for its charitable acts. In 1988, the Cadavers reportedly donated $150,000 to renovate the university’s fraternity houses. Among the most captivating rumors is their alleged use of hidden tunnels to navigate the campus, with some even suggesting a connection to the Illuminati, the ultimate secret society.
This list was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2019.
