Playing Sport at University College
How it works
There are lots of opportunities to play sport at college, on both a casual and competitive level. It’s also a great chance to have a go at something new. Throughout the year there are rosters for many collegiate sports including: rowing, tennis, netball, basketball, hockey, soccer, cricket, football, badminton and a swimming carnival.
In intercollegiate sports, the University of Melbourne colleges play against each other and sometimes there are trials within college to determine the teams. We have quite a relaxed approach here at University College (UC) and prioritise inclusion of all students in our teams.
Sports are a great way to meet new friends within the college. However, if you desire something a little more competitive there are lots of opportunities to apply for sports teams at student’s respective universities. Fortunately, students are allowed to play on both an intercollegiate and university level!
Written by Amy Florance, University College Resident 2022-23
How it works
Highlights
One of the most anticipated days of the year is Rowing Day. Leading up to the day, the teams train on Melbourne’s famous Yarra River with the crews who use the University of Melbourne rowing shed and equipment. On the day of the event, the whole college gets up early and takes the tram down to the river to support UC’s competing teams. Everybody has their University College colours on and is excited about the day ahead, as there is a ‘tern,’ or party, back at college afterwards.
Football is perhaps one of the most popular sports at college, with big numbers in both men’s and women’s teams. The groups have training sessions at Princes Park which is just across the road and lots of students from the college come to watch and cheer on the team during games.
Highlights
Alternatives to sport
If sport isn’t your forte, we have plenty of alternatives. Throughout the year we have intercollegiate debating, a ball committee, a musical and battle of the bands. Within our college, we also have our own musical production which everyone can participate in, whether or not they have had performance experience. Not to mention all the backstage positions required to put on our fantastic productions; think set design, lighting, choreography, etc.
If none of these appeal to you, there are also plenty of clubs and societies that universities will offer up. And things change from year to year as our college cohort changes. In the past we have had book clubs, craft groups, film club, chess club and trivia nights.