New and unique sports to try at university

After pursing a sport at a young age, I would easily argue that university is the next best place to take up or perfect a new sport. During the Freshers’ Fair, you will no doubt be overwhelmed with the choice of sports clubs and societies, each catering to a variety of performance levels, and here you will be able to sign up for taster sessions that will run in the few weeks of term, before deciding whether or not you wish to commit.

There are so many different things to try, ranging from pole fitness to polo, hiking to cycling. The range of sports offered at university is unique and participating is a great way to meet new people.

A unique sport I would look out for is rowing, and specifically coxing. In short, coxes are the crew members on board who coach the team and steer the boat (no rowing involved). True, it involves little to no exercise – unless you’re keen to attend training sessions with your team of rowers – but as a cox, you are integral to the perseverance and function of a crew, all whilst being highly committed  to weekly training sessions and weekend mornings on the water. You make the calls, and, with invested encouragement, keep the team’s morale high during those aching races.

It’s a well-known fact that rowers tend to be rather tall, strong and toned – but coxing is something for people of the opposite stature. I took up coxing in my second year at uni, after realising that my short height and assertive, committed attitude helped me to be the perfect candidate. It’s imperative to build up a relationship with your crew, and as a cox you are certainly just as devoted to wins and fulfilling goals. So if you’re looking for something different and social, and a sport that will enhance your commitment and discipline, get in touch with your uni boat club.

Coxes make the calls and keep teams of rowers’ morale high during training and racing

If water sports don’t float your boat, why not try something more sky inclined? Both UWE and UoB offer unique sports such as clay shooting, gliding and skydiving, alongside popular field sports like lacrosse, football, rugby, hockey and even Quidditch.

Most sports compete in the annual British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) championships, meaning that if you play competitively, you will not be short of fixtures and tournaments.

If competitive sport isn’t for you, clubs offer weekly social sessions to play in a more relaxed environment. This is a good place to start if you’re new to a sport and wish to learn the ropes before training for the uni team.

University sport clubs aren’t scarce, and you’re guaranteed to find something you enjoy. Not only will you expand social circles, you will learn new disciples and skills whilst getting fit. So grab a stick, a ball, bat or broomstick and practice until you’re pro.