A range of ways to exercise
Even after my first year at the University of Bath, I am still amazed at how many different ways students can stay fit in Bath, be it through sports, working out, or even just exploring the city.
What makes it even better is just how the Sports Training Village and the location of campus make it even easier to try out new activities.
When I first came to Bath, I was amazed by just how many different sports I could join, from kickboxing to dodgeball to mountaineering and volleyball. Where I grew up, there weren’t that many sports to choose from, but here at Bath I was really spoilt for choice.
All the sports I had seen specifically mentioned that no experience was required and that they would teach us everything. I remember one taster session for canoeing where I was taught how to paddle and got on a canoe for the first time, as did 20 others. Some people flipped over, including me, but we all had a fun time!
Eventually, after going to a lot of different taster sessions, I chose to try out both archery and fencing, both of which I had no experience in. Above all, I was amazed by how easy it was to pick up a new sport.
Learning a new sport
I was really astonished at how easy the other students made it for us to learn. I never felt excluded or out of place for being a complete beginner.
After joining fencing, the other beginners and I attended beginner sessions, where the committee members taught me everything, from safety precautions to technique, to moves and positions. They also taught me about the different types of fencing, and gave me the opportunity to focus on which types I liked best, or to continue learning everything.
I went through the exact same process after joining archery. The first priority was learning the safety rules, and after that the student teachers guided me through all of the steps, as well as the different styles of shooting. After teaching me how to use everything, I got to decide what style I preferred the most, and they gave me pointers on how to further improve.
What really surprised me is that although some of the students who competed did learn the sport before university, a lot of the first year students competing were actually complete beginners. However, there is no pressure to train hard to get better. I personally didn’t choose to compete.
Access to equipment and facilities
While learning these cool sports, I also realised how lucky I was to have access to all of the equipment and facilities.
I had always thought of fencing as an expensive sport, but they helped me with the equipment I needed and I got to use top-notch training facilities that Olympians use. I was even allowed to attend Bath Sword Club training sessions, which are the largest in the South West.
Similarly, the archery club had bows and equipment for me to choose from, and I was taught everything from scratch. I continued to get advice from the more experienced archers on how to improve too. If you want to buy equipment, the committee members will help guide you on the best places to buy things and what to get.
I also feel amazed that I get to book a slot to swim in this huge 50 metre pool for free as a student. The first time I dove in, I knew that this was one of the best swimming pools I had ever been in.
A wonderful place to explore nature
One of my favourite aspects of Bath is how scenic it is. I get to see the most gorgeous sunsets around Bathwick Meadows and walk around the woods at night gazing at the stars.
In fact, my favourite memory in Bath to this day is the first time I saw the stars at night. Back home, there was always light pollution, so I never got to see more than a few stars. Here in Bath though, on a clear night in the woods, I get to see entire constellations.
I personally didn’t even know there were trails around campus until I stumbled upon a path one day, but now I feel it is one of the most relaxing things I can do. I can literally go from working on a computer in the library to strolling through the woods in five minutes.
Finding ways to stay fit
Overall, I love how easy it is for students to stay healthy and fit at Bath. I feel like there are so many different opportunities to exercise that anyone can explore without any prior knowledge or kit.
I feel lucky to be able to study in such a wonderful place with access to state-of-the-art training facilities.