When I started university, I wanted to join a society that would help me stay active alongside my studies and give me the opportunity to meet new people. Having enjoyed gymnastics previously, joining the Gymnastics Society felt like the perfect way to do both.
One of the best things about being part of the society has been the friendships I have made. Through attending weekly training sessions, I met one of my closest friends at uni. We discovered we were both studying the same course which helped us to bond quickly and support each other both inside and outside of gymnastics. Being part of a society introduced me to people I may never have met and helped me to feel more connected to university life. I also enjoyed attending society nights out, which gave me the chance to get to know other members outside of training and further strengthened those friendships.
What I enjoy most about the society is the welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Whether someone is completely new to gymnastics or has previous experience, everyone is encouraged to challenge themselves and have fun. The sessions provide a great break from academic work and give me something to look forward to each week especially the Saturday sessions which is less intense training. I also had the opportunity to attend a gymnastics competition and support members of the society. Seeing everyone come together to cheer each other on highlighted how welcoming and encouraging the club is. It was great to be part of an environment where everyone celebrated each other’s progress and achievements.
As a beginner, I was initially nervous about joining, but there was never any pressure to be at a certain level. There was always something I could work towards, and the coaches and committee made me feel comfortable, supported, and welcome from the start. When I first joined, there were skills and exercises that seemed intimidating, but with regular practice and encouragement from others in the society, I gradually became more confident. It has been rewarding to look back and see how much I have improved since my first session.
Being part of the Gymnastics Society has had a positive impact on my university experience. It has helped me build confidence, make lasting friendships, and maintain a healthy balance between studying and socialising. University can sometimes feel overwhelming, so having a space where I can stay active and spend time with like-minded people has been incredibly valuable.
I would definitely encourage other students to join a society., they are a great way to meet people outside of your course, develop new skills, and make the most of your time at university. They can also help ease the transition into university life by creating a sense of community and belonging .If you feel like one society isn’t right for you then you always choose another. Even if you are nervous about joining, it can lead to friendships, experiences, and opportunities that become some of the most memorable parts of university life.
