My name is Oliver, and I am a first-year History student at John Snow College. This is my first year at Durham University, and I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far.
When coming to university, alongside focusing on my studies, I wanted to improve my fitness, for both my physical and mental health. As someone who is neurodivergent, I’m aware that fitness can be beneficial in improving my mental health and managing some of the challenges I face.
Joining my college gym
I wanted to join the college gym at Mount Oswald Hub, which is an amazing facility shared with South College and is, in my opinion, the best college gym. Since I am in receipt of the Durham grant, the university’s emphasis on widening participation meant that the John Snow College Access and Participation Fund were able to fund my JCR Gym Membership, which is worth £75. Before coming to university, I had never been to a gym before, but the induction by the gym manager, and support from other students, helped me to feel confident on my first visit.
College sports
The collegiate system at Durham University has also given me the opportunity to be involved in college sports. I am a member of the John Snow Football Club D Team, and this would not have been possible without the number of teams available.
As you can tell, I’m nowhere near good enough for university-level football. However, I am still able to get involved, and college sport provides opportunities for people of all abilities. As a result of the weekly training sessions, I’ve already seen an improvement in both my physical and mental health.
Social fun
However, this is not the only benefit, as the training sessions are very sociable, and I have already met new people. Playing my first game for the D Team at the weekend was a great opportunity. John Snow FC also organised a college bar crawl as an induction event, which was a good night out. I’m already looking forward to our next social event on Thursday, which is a club curry night with unlimited curry at a local restaurant. Hopefully, I will meet even more new people and enjoy a curry somewhere I have not yet visited.
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