It's a very good idea to become a member of the professional societies that are relevant to your field. Their publications and newsletters will expose you to aspects of the profession of being a scientist, as well as informing you about cool new science. The membership fees are low for students. Other benefits for students (both undergrad and grad) are lower registration rates for conferences (and the opportunity to apply for funding to attend them!) and access to career support and job listings.

American Physical Society 

Students get their first year of membership free, after that the student rate is $28. There are student funding opportunities for student members. Members receive the monthly Physics Today and APS News publications.

American Astronomical Society  

The Junior Member fees are ~$45. Opportunities exist for student funding to AAS conferences. Members can receive the following publications for free: AAS Job Register, Status of Women in Astronomy Newsletter, and Status of Minorities in Astronomy Newsletter.

American Geophysical Union 

Student membership is ~$7. Members receive the weekly Eos newsletter.

Association for Women in Science 

Student membership is ~$25. Members receive the bimonthly AWIS Washington Wire email newsletter, which includes news and also funding and job opportunities and also the quarterly print publication.

American Association for the Advancement of Science 

Student membership is ~$75. This is relatively expensive, but includes a subscription to Science.

American Association of University Women

Student membership is ~$17. If you plan to apply for their American Fellowship for grad school funding, do NOT become a member; members are ineligible.

National Society of Black Physicists

Student membership is ~$10. Members receive their email bulletin and mentoring and career services.

National Society of Hispanic Physicists

Student membership is ~$10. Check out the deal for dual SPS/NSHP membership.

Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science

Student membership is ~$25, but new Tribal College students can have this waived.

Disclaimer: The material on this website is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under the AAPF program. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the fellows and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.