Sport can be a central part of university lifeSteve Selwood

Starting university is an opportunity to engage in every activity, passion and pastime you have ever wanted to try, as well as continuing to pursue past interests. As Michaelmas Term approaches, let Varsity guide you through what's on offer...

Traditional Winter Sports (Rugby, Hockey, Football, Netball and Lacrosse) 

The traditional team sports are very well catered for within college for, from those of no ability to those of 1st team school standard with most colleges offering two or three football teams, two netball teams, a rugby team and a hockey team. College sport offers a good run around on weekends, but often lacks regular training opportunities and so chances of improvement are minimal.

Presumably many higher quality sportspeople will be wondering what you need to do to get involved in university sport? The simplest option is to sign up to trials at the well-advertised freshers' fair on arrival. However, for those who are particularly keen to get involved, turning up to some of the pre-season training might be a great way in, as well as an easier way to adapt to university life early. The university rugby, hockey and football teams all run lengthy pre-season training sessions starting in early September. The netball and ladies' lacrosse teams run shorter sessions for around a week before term starts. If you are interested, then you should go onto the respective club website and email the president of the sports club or first team captain soon.

Traditional Summer Sports (Cricket and Tennis) 

It may seem early to start thinking about your cricket and tennis as we head into windy autumn, but for those interested in getting involved competitively at a university level it is vital that you take initiative early on. The cricket and tennis club trials are in early October with winter nets and tennis training starting immediately. If you have played at county or school 1st team level and are keen to get involved in either of these sports, you should turn up to the trials in October, because the worst thing they can do is say no.

For those wanting a more casual involvement in these sports, college sport is definitely the answer. Tennis and cricket Cuppers run during the summer months offering a great break from revision in exam term. That said, these things shouldn’t be a worry for a long time. 

Minor Sports

The provision at college level for minor sports is not as well catered for as the traditional sports, except for the less serious sports, such as mixed netball and mixed lacrosse, which both offer a fun and social opportunity to keep up your fitness. Many minor sports clubs do tend to run an annual Cuppers competition. However, frequent college opportunities are limited.

University can be a great opportunity to try something newChris McKeon

The minor sports tend to be more accessible at university level than the traditional sports, particularly The Hare & Hounds (the cross country club), the largest sports club in the university. Cambridge offers many opportunities to try something new and the minor sports are very good at catering for any ability in general.

Rowing

Rowing is that classic Oxbridge sport plagued with lycra and ludicrously decorated blazers. This will for many be the first chance to get involved with the sport and for several it will become akin to a religion. The opportunities at college level range from absolute beginner to club 1st boat rowers with ample funding and frequent training. The university boat club offers a highly rigorous training schedule which may restrict other extra-curricular opportunities. It is highly recommendable (unless you are a hugely driven and experienced rower) that you begin competing at college level before trying out for university.

University is fun and the sporting opportunities on offer are ample. Don't fear signing up for too much as you can always drop out, and prepare to enjoy some of the best few years of your life so far.