Sport and Clubs at University

Joining a club is one of the easiest ways to stay active and make friends in your first weeks. You do not need to be good at a sport to start, and there is usually something for every level, from competitive teams to relaxed weekly sessions.

How university sport works (UK example)

• Most UK universities have a sports union or Students' Union that runs student clubs, and many universities have more than 40 student sports clubs (Complete University Guide).
• Clubs are usually run by students, sometimes with support from professional staff.
• BUCS, British Universities and Colleges Sport, is the UK's national governing body for higher education sport, with over 165 member institutions and more than 50 sports.
• Representative teams usually play other universities on Wednesday afternoons and train at least once a week.
• Intramural leagues are teams within the same university, usually playing one match a week in term time, for people who want regular sport without serious training.

Choosing what suits you

• Decide what you want most: competition, fitness, friends, or learning something new.
• Clubs are a good way to try a new sport; the Complete University Guide notes some students go from beginner to international level during a degree.
• Non-team options count too: climbing, hiking, dance, martial arts, swimming and running clubs.
• If your timetable is heavy, start with an intramural team or a drop-in session rather than a high-commitment squad.
• If you prefer women-only or men-only sessions, ask the club; some universities offer them.

Joining without awkwardness

• Visit the clubs fair in freshers' or orientation week and collect details from three or four clubs.
• Go to a taster session in the first weeks of term, when most beginners join.
• A simple message works: "Hi, I'm a first-year and I've never played before. Is Thursday's session OK for beginners?"
• Ask about costs before committing: membership, kit, travel to matches and socials can add up (see the Money Basics module).
• If you are a strong athlete, ask about sports scholarships, which can include sports centre membership, physiotherapy and specialist coaching (Complete University Guide).

Keeping it right for you

• Club socials are optional; you can join the sport and pick the events you attend, and many clubs run alcohol-free socials.
• If you pray at set times or fast in Ramadan, mention it to the captain early; a short, matter-of-fact explanation is usually enough.
• If a club's culture feels pressuring or unkind, you can leave and try another; the Friendships module covers peer pressure.
• Choose one or two clubs that fit your week rather than signing up to everything at the fair.

Outside university

• The NHS suggests walking groups for motivation and friendship; in the UK the Ramblers organise group walks for health, leisure and getting around.
• Local leisure centres, parks and community clubs run classes and leagues; check details directly with each provider.
• Sport is not only exercise: the NHS links regular activity with better mood, self-esteem and reduced stress, which helps with settling in.