Sport Solent provides a wide range of facilities for the students to use and various sports teams that first-year students are encouraged to join. Among the facilities available are three Soulutions fitness suites, two sports halls, squash courts, a climbing wall, football pitches, a cricket pitch, tennis courts and netball courts.

Located on the Warsash Campus, at the mouth of the River Hamble, is the Watersports Centre. The Centre is RYA and BCU recognised and is well stocked to teach beginners or provide the necessary utilities for those at a more advanced level. Through Sport Solent students are also eligible for discounted swims at The Quays Swimming and Diving Complex, equestrian lessons at Gleneagles Riding School and much more.

Freshers are advised to attend the Sports Fair on Thursday 23 September if they are interested in signing up for any particular sports clubs or seeking out something new to try. It is held in the sports hall at the main campus on East Park Terrace.

At the University of Southampton they have a Sport and Recreation service (SportRec) which provide all the top-class facilities required for a wide ranging programme of sports. From amateurs to elite athletes all is provided for.

The Jubilee Sports Centre underwent an £8.5 million refurbishment so that the complex could cater state-of-the-art services. Among the resources you’ll find a six-lane 25-metre swimming pool, a split-level gym with 140 fitness stations – one of the largest facilities of any UK university, and an amazing eight-court sports hall used for badminton, netball, volleyball and basketball (little fact: it is the only hall in the region that is suitable for international basketball matches).

More sports facilities can be found on the Highfield Campus and include four squash courts, a martial arts studio, dance studios and activity room, and a second sports hall which is used for five-a-side football, cricket, handball, Frisbee and roller hockey.

And for those who prefer to watch sport rather than partake there’s always St. Mary’s Stadium, home to the mighty Saints...