June 9, 2023, by UoN School of English

The benefits of joining a sports team at university

Arriving at university can seem like a daunting experience. For most people, it is the first time you’ve lived away from home, maybe moving to a new part of the country, or perhaps even a different country altogether, and chances are you don’t know many (or any) other students here too. And so whilst it can seem intimidating at first, it’s important to remember that there is so much to look forward to!

The opportunities for meeting new people and trying new things are endless, and one of the best ways to make the most of your university experience is to join a society, as not only is it a great way to help you settle in and meet people, but it’s a great way to be a part of something bigger – last year Nottingham was ranked Number 1 for Team Sports in BUCS!

Joining a sports team at university was one of the best decisions I made; it’s been something that has encouraged me to keep up my fitness, introduced me to some of my best friends, but most of all, something that I have enjoyed.

I have been part of the UoN Swimming Club since my first year. Swimming has been a sport that I have competed in for many years, and joining university I knew I wanted to continue training. Swimming has introduced me to so many different people studying different degrees, in various different years, living in different places, and also offers so many wider social opportunities outside of training hours. The majority of sports societies will host or organise a social each week, which are great events to attend to get to know your teammates and other students in a relaxed, social environment outside of your sporting hours.

But joining sports teams and societies aren’t just limited to your first year; you are welcome to join or take up a new sport at any stage. At the beginning of my third year, I decided to take up waterpolo for the first time. After going along to one of the taster sessions, I decided I’d give it a go, and I am so glad I did. Learning a new sport this year has been challenging, and a little nerve-wracking, but it’s also been such good fun, and playing on a team for the first time has been a fantastic experience.

Whether playing sports is your passion, or something you have never really tried before, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved and enjoy themselves. Sports teams are great ways to really make the most out of university, as well as being active, healthy and enjoyable ways to socialise and make friends.

– Alice Leng

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