The university environment will be great fun but also challenging, especially for those who have to balance academic commitments with sports.

So, whether you've just arrived at university or college as a fresher or are well into this life, there's no escaping it: the environment can be FULL ON!

For some, this is precisely what you signed up for, while for others, the pace of life, distractions, intensity and pressure may be a bit much... 

Social Life

Striking a healthy balance between sport, education, and socialising can be one of the toughest challenges, especially if you're experiencing independence for the first time.

Freshers’ week will invariably be pretty wild… that goes without saying… but the seemingly limitless socialising opportunities throughout university life can make balancing sport and studies difficult. But, getting this balance right will be essential because, without fun, the wheels will fall off... You’re only young once.

This time should be FUN. 

It’s 100% okay to do the things that are perhaps frowned upon in elite sports, like going out for fast food, staying up late, partying, and having the odd alcoholic drink… yes really! However, understanding how these impact your performance can allow you to decide how often you do them.

Downtime

Getting caught up in the go-go mode is easy in a sport-centred university or college surrounded by other highly motivated athletes. However, maintaining a healthy balance and including relaxation, a social life, and non-athletic activities will be essential if you want to avoid injury and enjoy your time.

Giving 100% with little meaningful time off is not sustainable. Frustrations and resentment can set in, enjoyment can suffer, and the likelihood of athlete burnout will increase. Ultimately, performance will suffer. 

Being committed to sport success while surrounded by others already smashing it, plus the pressure of expectation and social comparison can become toxic, which is why it's so important your sport doesn’t become your be-all and end-all.

Athletes who have experienced this type of environment emphasise the importance of friends outside of sport. If training isn't going to plan, you've missed a selection, or you have an injury, socialising with them allows you to completely switch off. They can also offer a refreshingly different take on life! 

Founder Joe and many of his high-achieving friends wished they enjoyed their time as students more...

The ‘Bubble’ environment

These environments can be intense, and it can seem everyone knows everyone else’s business, i.e. If someone gets injured or is struggling, everyone will instantly know! It can also feel like there’s nowhere to hide when good results/improvements aren’t happening. It can feel that sports performance is the sole priority, risking an all-or-nothing approach. 

Time Away

Sometimes, the intensity can become too much. It's essential to look out for the warning signs that you're struggling and act upon them. In these situations, allocating time away from 'the bubble' can be highly beneficial.

Trips home can provide a change of scenery and a break from the pressure while allowing you to catch up with old-school friends. You'll always return feeling rested and excited to get back into training.

Note: Training schedules should never be a reason not to have trips home to see friends and family if you're struggling. Every athlete (and their performances) will always benefit from an occasional change of scenery, so this should always be viewed as a positive.

Reconsidering Your Sport

Whilst your dream may have always been to succeed in your sport, it is always possible that this new independence and change in environment might result in you reconsidering your ambitions, and that's OK.

Remember, this choice should be yours and yours alone...

Take Home Points

• The college/university environment offers high-level competition (BUCS/NCAA) featuring the best athletes in the country.
  
  
• High-performance centres provide a highly motivational sporting environment. For some, this can be inspiring, but for others, the pressure can become problematic.
  
  
• Prioritise 'time out' and ensure your sport remains fun... without both, the wheels will fall off...
  
  
• You won't get this chance again, so enjoy these years and leave with no regrets. 
  
  
• Training schedules should never be a reason for not having trips home to see friends and family.