Picture this: you’ve just moved to Sheffield, you know nobody, and you’re eager to make friends. Joining a sport is one of the most beneficial things you can do as a fresher starting your university experience: there are hundreds of societies on offer, with a wide variety of sports and different ways to get involved, there really is something for everyone.
Here at The University of Sheffield, there are varying levels of sporting activity students can get involved in, catering to all abilities. From competing against other universities in top level BUCS fixtures, to a more casual and social campus league consisting of subject societies or self-entered teams playing against each other. We even have Give It A Go sessions, where you can try something new as a total beginner.
BUCS teams usually hold trials during the first week of lectures, so make sure to keep up to date with details on each club’s social media or browse the clubs on offer via the Student Union website. They typically have a few teams of mixed abilities, offering regular training and competitive fixtures. There are also team socials on a Wednesday, often ending at ROAR in Foundry, as well as various sober socials throughout the year.
Polly, who plays for the women’s football team, said: “University sport has been a great way of making friends and staying fit.
“I have also enjoyed the competitive side of playing again after not playing much since school.”
If you’re looking to get involved with a campus league team, consult your course society and see if they have a team. This is a more relaxed environment, with games against other societies/development teams in various sports like netball, basketball and football. Give It A Go sessions are one-off chances to try out a completely new activity as a beginner, with an impressive range of sports to choose from, such as Ultimate Frisbee and Hockey.
It is well known that sport is great for your mental health, and during such a big change, this couldn’t be more important. Joining a sport will encourage you to make friends with other students on different courses, as well as potentially your own.
Ava, who plays for Economic’s Netball team said: “Joining a sport at Sheffield really helped build my confidence, especially at the start of the year by not only allowing me to make friends with other freshers but also older age groups.”
Whether you want to compete against other universities at a high level, or just want to be social, the benefits of joining a sports society are undeniable.
With Sheffield ranked as one of the top universities in the country when it comes to student satisfaction, the Student’s Union’s excellent range of societies and sports will certainly improve your university experience.
