The Newcastle University Clubs and Societies fair on the 17th and 18th of September provide the perfect occasion for freshers and veteran students alike to explore what sporting opportunities are out there. Whether you are wanting to compete in BUCS competitions or looking for something more social, there is a sport to be found for you. The fair will be filled with dozens of friendly faces, more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
Outside of university, Newcastle is home to a wide range of sports centres and facilities for you to make the most of and work off those Freshers Week pints!
Joining a new gym can be scary. You don’t know the people or the layout or the best times to go. However, sharing a workout can be a great way to socialise with your new flatmates – and make that first time a little less intimidating. For first years just moving into new accommodation, the uni gym is a great option. It is situated next to right next to Park View and Marris House, and it is only a short walk from Newcastle’s main campus. Yet, if you have found yourself in accommodation a little further afield, there may be better options available as trekking a good half an hour in the pouring rain isn’t the greatest motivator for a workout.
If you happen to be living closer to St James’ Park, both The Gym Group and Pure Gym have facilities around in the city centre. With both companies offering generous student deals as well, these two alternatives to the sometimes overcrowded (and overstimulating) uni gym are a great choice.
For older students living in Sandyford, a short walk to the edge of Byker will find you on the doorstep of my personal favourite gym in Newcastle, Smarter Fitness. While not the biggest gym in the world, it has everything you could ask for: it is never too busy, the equipment is brilliant, and the staff are friendly, helpful, and have a genuine passion for fitness.
If the gym isn’t for you and swimming is more your forte, Jesmond Pool provides an affordable 22-metre pool perfect for students determined to better their backstroke. Furthermore, if you are brave enough to venture into Northumbria’s campus, they also have an excellent 25-metre pool available for use throughout the day too.
However, if you find nice public swimming pools a little too warm for your liking, you could hop on the Metro and ride out to Tynemouth. There, you will be met by, not one, but two fantastic beaches in King Edward’s Bay and Longsands. Slightly more sheltered from the elements, King Edward’s Bay is ideal for a little dip in the open water. For those who want to prove their mettle, Longsands is brilliant for open water swimming. Although, if that sounds a little too chilly for you, the beach is also great for long walks up the North East’s pulchritudinous coastlines.
For those who prefer being on top of the water, rather than in it, Longsands is full of surf-shacks you can rent a board and a wetsuit from.
Although having said that, in my experience, I’ve often spent far more time getting battered by waves, as opposed to riding them.
If staying on dry land sounds more appealing, the Valley Climbing Centre in Ouseburn is a hotspot amongst many students. Climbing offers an individual challenge within a very sociable environment. Although I’m warning you now, your arms will hurt the next day.
I have barely scratched the surface of the proliferation of sports that Newcastle (both the city and the university) has to offer, but if there is one thing you take from this article, make sure it is this: just go for it. If you try a new sport and don’t like it, it’s not the end of the world, but if you never try it, you might be missing out on your new favourite hobby.