… by Emma / from NJ, USA / BSc Mathematics and Statistics / 4th Year (UG)
If you are a keen sportsman or sportswoman, simply enjoy a casual game of sport or have never played a sport before but are interested in trying, the Sports Union at Edinburgh University will most likely have something for you. I have had quite a positive experience playing sports here at Edinburgh, and I hope to share some benefits and insights of some of the sporting opportunities I have taken part in.
Not only is there a vast range of different sports at Edinburgh, many of which I had not even heard of before, there is also a variety of levels. Intramural sport, for example, is quite a relaxed environment and does not take up loads of time. There are nine intramural sports with many different teams for each of those sports. In fact, MathSoc has previously had teams for football, netball, basketball, and hockey. In my first and second years, I played on MathSoc’s mixed hockey team which was not only a cracking time on a Friday night but also allowed me to meet other mathematicians in my year as well students in older years whom I could question about maths courses and their experiences. For me, it was incredibly refreshing meeting people on the same course as me outside of the lecture theatres and workshops, so I would certainly recommend taking advantage of IM sports, particularly the ones that MathSoc may have teams for.
There are also an incredible number of club sports on offer. Even within clubs, there are a range of intensity with regards to trainings and competitions and matches, so oftentimes you will find a team that matches your interest. Many times, you will also be able to travel the country on day trips to play against different universities which also offers a new experience. For instance, I joined the Women’s Lacrosse club in my second year having never played lacrosse before. Yet, there was a beginner’s team I could join to learn how to play the sport, and in my third and fourth years I progressed onto more competitive teams, even joining the club’s committee as treasurer. Not only are club sports a wonderful way to participate in playing a sport but, in addition to being a player, you can also become a committee member involved in the overall running and management of the club. As treasurer, I oversaw the club’s finances and could therefore be involved in lots of different areas of the club such as socials and kit. I would certainly recommend committee positions for those interested in playing club sports as you truly get to hone your organisational and planning skills whilst working with different people.
Ultimately, there is a magnitude of opportunities with respect to sport at the university with the ability to meet individuals on the same degree as you as well as people studying in different years studying very different things to you. Participating in sport also offers a wonderful outlet outside of class and assignments and readings as you not only get to play the sport but there’s also opportunities for socials and different events. I have personally found playing sport and partaking on a sports club committee tremendously rewarding in terms of the people I have met and all the experiences I’ve been able to have.