Welcome to Forge Press, today we are counting down the top 10 things every University of Sheffield student must do before graduating – sport edition.
- Try a new sport at the sports fair or ‘give it a go’
The sports fair runs every freshers’ week and isn’t just for first years! It’s an excellent opportunity to get to know what the university has to offer and even discover a new sport. This year’s event will run from 11am-4pm on Friday 26 September.
- Pub Golf or crawl
This is a classic sporting tradition at the university, and where better to host such an impressive sporting event than West Street? Finish it off with Roar if you’re feeling extra brave (and have a pretty solid tolerance).
- Watch a live sporting event
Sheffield has not one, but two Championship football teams, so get yourself along to Hillsborough or Brammall Lane and take in the action live (especially when it’s time for the Sheffield Derby!). If football isn’t your scene, check out Sheffield Steelers ice hockey at the Utilita Arena, Leeds Rhinos netball at the Canon Medical Arena, or the Sheffield
Sharks and Hatters basketball teams in the same venue. With tram routes across the city, Sheffield is a great sporting city — take advantage while you can!
- Snooker World Championship
The list wouldn’t be complete without snooker! Every year the World Championship is hosted in our very own Crucible theatre and is a rich part of Sheffield’s history. Held between April and May every year, not many graduate without experiencing it at least once!
- The Endcliffe Park Run
Another classic among first-year students since it’s hosted so close to the Endcliffe accommodation, the Endcliffe Park run is a great route for anyone looking to earn ult
imate Saturday morning bragging rights and plenty of Strava Kudos—for free! Grab your trainers and head down for a lovely morning 5k (just maybe skip the Leadmill Friday club night that week).
- Join a campus league team
Competing for your course (or society) in football, netball or touch rugby is a great way to stay active and make new friends. I’ve tried all three and can confidently say playing on Thursdays and Sundays are the best hangover cures. They keep you active and part of a team, plus they are a much cheaper alternative to a bigger sporting society with less of a commitment, so, what’s not to love?
- Running home from the club
This is another classic for Sheffield students (and one of my personal favourites), not to mention a great way to attract even more Strava kudos. This method
is particularly effective if you’ve forgotten your jumper on a night out, or don’t want to pay for an Uber! Put those legs to good use and see how quickly you can get from the Foundry to your accommodation.
- Swim in Crookes Valley Park
If you’re a fresher, this might get ticked off your bucket list quicker than you imagined when the summer social comes around—even though this activity is not endorsed by the University of Sheffield or Forge Press. Please don’t attempt this under the influence of alcohol. If not, you still have time to take the plunge and complete this Sheffield rite of passage. Bonus point if you’re accompanied by a lifeguard that you found in the smokers’ area at Roar.
- A hike in the peaks
“The peaks are on your doorstep” is a classic for a reason, and they are so accessible with public transport. There are so many routes out there and stunning landscapes to explore, from Ox Stones to Win Hill, lace up your hiking boots and grab a meal deal, nature awaits!
- Varsity
It wouldn’t be a Sheffield sporting bucket list without Varsity! Three weeks of high-level sporting competition against our rivals at Hallam University cannot be skipped regardless of whether this is your first or final year. From chants and face paint to merch and t-shirt canons, this is the most awaited sporting event of the year. Whether you’re competing or cheering on from the sidelines, you can’t say you graduated without first getting stuck in with Varsity. So far, we have 11 years of victories behind us; here’s to hoping we make it 12!
There it is! Your ultimate bucket list before graduation. If you’re just starting, you have plenty of time to complete all of this and more, and if you’re entering your final year, the clock is ticking, so book those tickets, register for park run and order some arm bands!
