There are some people who choose their university depending on what the sport there is like. There are others who put it at the bottom of their list when looking around. Most prospective students, though, will at some point hear the words, “you should really look at getting into a sports club when you go to university.”
But what does that really mean? What exactly are you letting yourself in for? Here’s what to expect after you sign up:
Sport, and plenty of it
It may seem obvious, but elite university teams are elite because they work hard. BUCS (British University and College Sport) leagues are highly competitive, so if you want to be at the peak of the game, be prepared to train more, and train harder, than you ever have before.
A warm welcome for beginners
Having said the above, if you’ve never really been the sporting kind, do not fear! University is the best time in your life to start something new- and university sports clubs are generally really welcoming to newbies. There will probably be sports you’ve never heard of at uni (Ultimate Frisbee, anyone?), so if something catches your eye, then don’t be afraid, and join up! It’s a fab way to stay fit while you’re away from home, and you’ll make some brilliant friends in the process. Which brings me to…
Socials
Ever wondered what the most raucous nights out are at university? It’s the sports socials, typically held on Wednesday nights across the land after the big BUCS matches. It is important that I point out that socials are not compulsory if you want to join the sports club – you can play as much sport as you like without ever having to attend. For those who go, however, socials are a real experience. Typically huge nights out, often involving fancy dress and copious amounts of alcohol (again, if you want to go but don’t want to drink, no one can force you; it is both illegal and very wrong), socials are the nights out that are talked about for weeks, even years, afterwards.
Many sports clubs allow you to just be a social member as well – perhaps you don’t have the time or dedication to play and train as much as the sport demands, but still want the social side? Or perhaps, like me, you are injured but don’t want to lose out? Then be a social member.
Passion for the sport
Thought nobody else cared about your sport as much as you did? Think again. University sports clubs are a place where you will find so much passion, and so much drive to win. Through the team environment, everyone motivates each other to improve, working on their skills and fitness, all because you care so much about what you do. It’s great to really get your teeth into something like a sports club, and as you progress, there will be opportunities to take on responsibilities like captaining teams or training.
The best friends you will ever make
There is something about going through the blood, sweat and tears (literally) of training and playing that ties people together. The team environment is really strong at university, and you’ll find yourself part of a really strong group that you’ll never forget. These are people who you’ll spend many hours with in the gym, on the field or the court, and in the bar, celebrating your victories or drowning your sorrows. Everyone knows they can always rely on their team.
In summary, university sports clubs are a place where everyone is welcome, whatever your ability or experience. It’s exciting, and fun, and exhausting all at the same time. Can you tell that I’m trying to convince you to join?
Have you joined university sports clubs? What are your experiences of them? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo: Gunilla G / Flickr
English Literature at Exeter. Online Features Editor, Exeposé. Enjoys a decent mojito, and plays netball, badly.
Also a little obsessed with Virginia Woolf.
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