Whether you are a seasoned athlete, never tried a sport in your life or simply fancy learning a new skill (hello, ice-skating!) – UEA Sport has something for you. From roller discos and paddleboarding to UV Zumba, there’s a whole world of activities beyond joining a traditional sports club.

• Adventure afternoons: For just £5, you can swap the library for something considerably more exciting. Try your hand at high ropes, canoeing, roller disco and more through UEA Sport’s Adventure Afternoons.

• Attend a UEA Sport Club Showcase: Whether it’s MMA’s annual fight night, UEA Dance’s winter/summer shows or UEA Cheerleading’s ‘So you Think you Can Cheer Dance?’ get yourself to a UEA Sports Club Showcase/event – you can be guaranteed that UEA’s sports team put their absolute all into organising such fantastic displays of their talent. Not something to miss!

• Experience Derby Day: the competitive varsity day against Essex is an absolute must. Whether you’re representing UEA on the pitch or cheering from the sidelines, make sure you experience the atmosphere during the fantastically jam-packed day at least once.

• Navigate Norfolk Day Trips: A brilliant way to get to know our beautiful county, you could explore the coast, like Cromer, Sheringham or Horsey, or even travel to a historical estate like Blicking Estate! All travel is arranged by UEA Sport and include in your £5 ticket.

• All in on the tasters: as a fresher, it is very important that you sign up to as many sports club taster sessions as possible – even if you don’t join the club, how cool is it to try climbing, rugby, horse-riding, Taekwondo and so much more? You might discover your new favourite sport – or spend two hours spectacularly failing, but it’s all worth it.

• Make the most of subsided sport: You will never find a cheaper alternate to attending sports training and classes than at university, so make the most of your 3 years by learning a new sporting skill or taking a class you’ve always wanted to try, be it ballet or trampolining.

• Leagues and Tournaments: Once trying a sport, you can even represent the club and UEA in BUCS national tournaments! Even if you don’t consider yourself a seasoned pro, one of the best decisions I made was competing in BUCS Taekwondo despite having never tried it before.

• Attend at least one Ziggurat Challenge: Represent your school of study in free sporting competitions at the Sportspark, from frisbee to Kwik Cricket.

• Attend a UEA Colour Run / UEA Santa Run: Put your trainers on and get involved in a UEA Colour Run or Santa Run. Whether you’re sprinting, jogging or questioning every life decision halfway around the course, these events are a brilliant way to get active with your friends.

• Explore Norfolk: Grab your friends, pick a walking or cycling trail, pack a picnic and spend an afternoon discovering the countryside beyond campus.

• Enjoy the sunset whilst paddleboarding on the Whittingham Broad in the summer.

Image credit: Dhara Ranavaya