Vincent Wagener, 23 years old, in his 7th semester of a law degree

I had heard about the university sports program before I even started at university. When the courses resumed after the COVID-19 pandemic, I started playing volleyball and roundnet. The offer is really appealing – you can try out many different activities without having to make a long-term commitment. I might not have discovered roundnet without the program.

The variety of courses on offer is great. It’s also really affordable. The atmosphere is relaxed and there is no pressure to participate in competitions. You can meet new people and are not the only newbie in the class, which makes it easier to become part of the university community.

I definitely recommend university sports. New students should register in good time on the day registrations open. Do set your alarm clock to 7:00 a.m. sharp! The popular courses are quickly booked up. Even if you do go all by yourself, you will meet interesting people and can try out new things. It is important that you are open to new experiences and not afraid of new things. The atmosphere is relaxed and the main thing is to get moving and have fun.

Iria Sorge-Röder, 36 years old, administrative employee

I have been familiar with university sports programs since my own student days at a different university, and naturally, I take advantage of the range of activities on offer here as well. I have already taken several swimming classes. The last one was a freestyle course in the studio pool on campus.

I think university sports are great because you can try out lots of things at low cost and without having to sign up for the long-term. The courses I chose often took place at lunchtime, which I find a convenient way to unwind and then continue work with renewed energy. Another great thing about university sports is that the courses bring together students, administrative staff, researchers, and members of the public. You meet people from different walks of life, which makes for a nice change.

I recommend university sports because it allows you to try out many different sports without any long-term commitments. Not only is it very affordable, but it also offers many activities that you often won’t find in a regular gym.

Hannah Bruns, 22, in her 5th semester of Media and Communication Studies

I am taking a yoga class with Pilates elements during the semester break. I already attended a normal Pilates course last winter semester. How did I get into university sports? A friend from my first semester told me about it and I decided to try it. What I like most about university sports is the holistic approach. The instructors always emphasize that it is important to listen to your own body and not to overexert yourself. This makes the courses very accessible and you can feel comfortable with different levels of fitness and abilities. It is less about performance and more about feeling good. I would definitely recommend taking advantage of the program to first-year students. The courses are inexpensive, you can try out new things, and it is a great opportunity to make new friends and step out of your comfort zone. There is no need to be afraid to go alone, because many participants come on their own. And, depending on the instructor, some courses are even offered in English, which can be useful for non-German speakers. Ultimately, university sports offer a relaxed way to get active and gain new experiences.

Further information

You can register for the 24/25 winter semester courses as of September 30, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. using the following link: https://www.buchsys.de/bremen/angebote/aktueller_zeitraum/index.html

By the way, the FISU World University Games – known as “the olympics of university sports” – will take place in July 2025 in Germany. And you can be part of it. Register as a volunteer by October 30, 2024. For more information visit: https://rhineruhr2025.com/volunteer