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In this blog, Hazel describes her experience joining an on-campus sports society, La Bafe, or the women's basketball team. There are many benefits to getting involved in a super-curricular activity!
We are spoiled for choice at UCL, with over 300 possible clubs and societies to join on campus. For me, participating in just one, women’s basketball, was enough to keep me physically active and socially fulfilled. When I moved abroad, I was worried that I would miss out on the benefits from representing my team in London. However, by joining the women’s basketball club in Paris, I have developed a strong relationship with the Sciences Po campus, and it has quickly become one of my favourite parts of my exchange year.
Researching Clubs & Societies
Before arriving at Sciences Po, I knew I wanted to join the Bafe. At first, I was a bit apprehensive because I wasn’t sure of the level of commitment or how competitive university sports were organized in France.
Before the semester started, I found out more details about the club through their Instagram account; on the Sciences Po’s online directory for student associations and societies; and by stopping by the stall at the Welcome Fair. Doing this research beforehand allowed me to understand exactly what I was signing up for and establish my expectations before I decided to get involved.
My Experience at La Bafe
Despite the 2 years of experience I had at UCL playing competitive basketball, my time with the Bafe has been completely different.
Firstly, the organization of trainings (at 8am!?) seemed bizarre but I quickly got used to it, and actually prefer starting my day with a form of social exercise. In Paris, we have significantly more training time than at UCL, which means that I am with my teammates all the time! This has helped us to develop strong relationships both on and off the court.
Secondly, there are more opportunities to play organized games and tournaments in France than what I was used to in the UK. This means I have been able to travel to different parts of the country, like Nancy in the east, and have played against teams from across the nation.
What I'll be Taking Back to UCL
With an important tournament coming up– the JISPO– where teams from all Sciences Po campuses come to compete for sporting glory, I am looking forward to continuing to represent the Paris campus. From my time playing on this new team, I will take away the strong friendships I have made, the importance of a healthy schoolwork-society balance, and a few more post-moves to add to my next pick-up game!
Hopefully these tips have demonstrated the benefits of joining a society while studying abroad, and the importance of getting involved with campus activities outside of the classroom. See you in my next blog– à bientôt!