10 Reasons to Join a Sports Club at University

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/sport/content-hub/feed?newsItem=8ac672c5995079ff019951d48e7f02b1

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This next chapter is a big change, so even with all the excitement it can still feel a little overwhelming at times. Counteract any jitters by thinking about what you are looking forward to and how you can build things you already love into your new routine.

Did you know that sports are the perfect way to support this? Participating in sports can keep you grounded when you’re experiencing change, offer friendships, motivate you, and more! Read on to discover our top ten reasons why you should join a sports club at university.

1. Pursue your passion

If a particular sport is already a big part of who you are before university, it’s a no-brainer to sign up for that sports club when you arrive here.

You can continue pursuing your passion and dedicating time to an activity that you love, improving your skills and learning from others who share your enthusiasm.

University is a great opportunity for reinvention, but there’s no reason to stop doing what you already enjoy!

2. Meet new friends

How do you make new friends at university? It’s much easier to make friends when you meet people who share your interests, spend time with you in activities, and could even become your team mates.

When you’re meeting new people through sports, you automatically have easy conversation starters, questions like “how long have you been playing?”, “do you support any teams?”, or “have been to any events?”, plus you can talk about training, matches, and techniques!

Sports clubs also run socials with plenty of icebreaker activities to help you to get to know others and feel welcomed into the club. So, if you’re wondering how to make friends at university, joining a sports club is a great place to start!

3. Build fun into your routine

Your daily life will look pretty different when you get to university, but creating a routine is a great way to feel more settled in. This routine will of course be centred around your academic commitments, but putting aside time to go to practices, socials, and any strength and conditioning sessions with your sports club.

This will help you to take breaks that are not only fun, but also support your fitness and wellbeing. Leading on to the next reason for joining a sports club...

4. Support your fitness

With the reality of freshers’ flu and cold winter months hitting soon, maintaining your health and fitness is vital. Committing to a sports club helps you to prioritise your physical health, so keep up your strength and movement and support your body during cold and flu season to stay fit and energised for university life during the winter.

two people using a barbell with weights in the gym

5. Support your mental health

It’s also so important to realise the benefits that joining a sports club has on your mental health. Going to club sessions helps you to take a break from the worries of daily life, plus doing regular exercise helps you to decrease your stress and increase your endorphin levels, helping you to feel happier.

Your friendships through sports clubs will also help you to build a support network of people who you can relate to and rely on. So, support your body and mind by signing up! Or, learn more about other forms of exercise you can use to support your wellbeing and get inspired to try something new.

person playing squash at the sports and wellness hub

6. Improve your CV

Academics aren’t the only thing at university that can help your CV, your participation in sports clubs can too. How can being part of a sports club be relevant to your CV? If you end up being part of your club’s committee or in a position of leadership, that is the perfect thing to add to your CV.

The skills you develop in these positions aren’t just helpful for a career in sports, they show valuable skills which can complement many different roles, from event planning, budget management, or communications. Why not also use your love for sport to help you get a part-time role whilst at university, for example as a swim teacher or an Activator?

Lastly, committing to a sport (especially at a high level) shows your skill, your character, and your perseverance, which can be highly desirable for employers to see and highlight the unique perspectives you could bring to their company.

7. Find a new skill

A new sports club can also be the perfect way to branch out into a new passion, as lots of sports have crossovers in terms of skills. If you like dance or cheerleading, why not try athletics and trampolining? If you like swimming, why not try water polo?

Being at university puts you in the centre of new opportunities, so push yourself out of your comfort zone and consider a sport you might not have had access to in your hometown or where you grew up. Check out full list of sports clubs on offer here at the University of Warwick to get some inspiration.

8. Travel to new places

Joining a sports club doesn’t just mean you get to enjoy our amazing facilities here at Warwick Sport, it also gives you the opportunity to compete further afield and travel to new places.

From competitions to tours, the best way to get a sense of what you could be signing up for is by looking at what has happened in the previous year or to ask questions at taster events.

two basketball players shaking hands at a game

9. Make amazing memories

University life is a great opportunity for self-discovery, learning, and experiencing new things, so put yourself in the heart of the action to feed your future nostalgia!

If you’re joining a sports club for the thrill of competition, get ready for some incredible experiences with your teammates as you perform at the top of your game. From training together, competing together, to reaching the podium, you’re in for a whirlwind of fun!

Even joining a sports club to participate in fun new activities more casually gives you the opportunity to make amazing memories, as you’re signing up to spend time with your new friends doing a sport you enjoy.

10. Be part of a fantastic community

To be part of a sports club at university is to also have a sense of belonging to the wider sporting community, especially when events like BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) tournaments or social events like the annual Sports Ball bring different sports clubs together for competitions and for fun!

In addition, competing against other universities through BUCS or Varsity gives you the opportunity to meet people outside of your Warwick world, meaning that being part of a sports club can facilitate plenty of opportunities for you to expand your network and meet others who share your passion.

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If you’re soon to be starting at the University of Warwick, check out how to join a sports club before you arrive. Or, get inspired by chatting with the clubs at our Sports and Societies Fairs and trying something new at our Sports Day during Welcome Week!

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