By Ava Featon, Sports Sub-Editor
Arriving at university can feel like stepping into an entirely new world. The timetable is yours to shape, the opportunities are endless, and everyone around you is figuring things out for the first time. One of the easiest ways to find your people and fill your days with something more than lectures and library trips is through sport. Whether you’re chasing competitive glory or just looking for a reason to get outside, Bristol’s sports clubs offer the perfect mix of activity, community, and adventure.
The university has over 70 sports societies, covering everything from familiar team games to niche activities you didn’t know existed. The big-name sports all follow a similar structure: multiple BUCS teams competing against other universities, regular training two or three times a week, and space for players who want the training without committing to weekend fixtures. Rugby union’s five BUCS teams and football’s six are some examples; hockey, netball, basketball, lacrosse, and others share that same balance of competitiveness, development, and a strong social side.
If you’d like something more relaxed but still structured, intramural sport is one of Bristol’s best options. It’s simple: you gather a group of mates, dream up a team name that will make people smile, and play weekly fixtures in football, basketball, rugby, netball, badminton, tennis, volleyball or cricket in the summer. The atmosphere is friendly, the rules are light-touch, and the focus is on fun over silverware. It’s also a great way to play with people from your course or accommodation without the commitment of intense training schedules.
Then there’s the treasure trove of sports you might never have considered before but could end up being the highlight of your week. Quadball is a fast-paced mix of tackling, chasing, and sheer chaos, adapted from quidditch for life on the ground. Ultimate frisbee turns a casual park pastime into a sprinting, diving spectacle of skill. Kitesurfing offers the thrill of harnessing the wind and skimming across the water, with the occasional wipeout for good measure. Korfball blends the tactics of basketball with the inclusivity of men and women competing together on the same team. Even the pool and snooker club has its own quiet drama, built around precision, patience, and the satisfaction of sinking that final ball.
One of the best entry points into these clubs is the free ‘Give it a Go’ sessions that run in the first few weeks of term. They’re low-pressure, welcoming introductions where you can try something new, meet the team, and decide if it’s a good fit. Even if you only attend once, you’ve stepped into a new environment, met fresh faces, and learned a little more about what’s on offer.
The benefits go far beyond the sport itself. Training sessions provide a rhythm to your week, giving you a break from lectures and deadlines. Playing in BUCS matches takes you to other cities and campuses, while home fixtures bring the buzz of competition right to your doorstep. The post-match socials are where much of the bonding happens; themed nights, pub trips, and club traditions that you’ll remember long after the season ends. Sport has a way of turning teammates into close friends, the kind who will be there for you off the pitch as much as on it.
You also don’t need to feel tied to one sport. First year is the perfect time to experiment. Play basketball in autumn, join a volleyball intramural team in spring, and try kitesurfing when the weather warms up. You might fall in love with a sport you’ve never tried before, or you might simply enjoy the variety and the memories along the way. Some students even juggle two or three clubs at once, finding that each brings its own group of friends and experiences.
So, when Freshers’ Fair arrives, don’t just wander past the sports stalls: stop, chat, and sign up for a few tasters. Your university experience will be richer for it. Whether you end up chasing a frisbee, mastering a rugby scrum, or perfecting your snooker break, you’ll gain friends, stories, and a place to belong. University is about trying things you’ve never done before, and sport might just be the best place to start.
Featured Image: Instagram @universityofbristoltennis
