Sports and Socs – The Orbital

6Feb

By Louisa WicksNo Comments

Sports & Socs

Spring Term Preview

Whilst 2017 was an exciting year for RHUL’s sports clubs and societies, 2018 could prove to be even more thrilling. As the spring term usually ends with elections and final events, the next three months will be the busiest time for many clubs. Also, the new year brings new opportunities, as students start trying out new sports. The ‘Give It a Go’ sessions took place at the start of term, ranging from swimming sessions to feminist society meetings. Also taking place in January was the 11th annual Alumni Sports Day, which involved ex-students coming back to compete against current students in a huge variety of sports. As well as the massive range of GIAG sessions at the start of term, many taster sessions will be taking place throughout February and March. For example, Chess are hosting t...

5 Benefits of Martial Arts for Health and Wellbeing

26Jan

By Jess PorrittNo Comments

Sports & Socs

5 Benefits of Martial Arts for Health and Wellbeing

Martial arts tend to be grouped together as tough, even manly sports however, this is not the case. There are so many diverse styles and they will all teach you to defend yourself. Whilst this may seem daunting, in reality, all clubs will be friendly and willing to teach a complete beginner. One of the secrets of martial arts is that no one cares how good you are, you will always be welcome at any club so long as you want to learn. Not only are they great physical exercise but they also benefit your mental health and wellbeing: Increased Mobility & Co-ordination Physically, through a combination of slow, controlled movements and fast reaction based sparring you can increase mobility and bodily co-ordination. Both traditional and modern martial arts require stretching in class, ...

8Dec

By Louisa WicksNo Comments

Sports & Socs

The Twelve Days of Dancemas

Dance Society held their Christmas Showcase on Sunday 3 December, and it celebrated everything they’ve achieved this term with a festive twist. All of the society’s classes had the opportunity to perform at the showcase – ranging from ballet to tap to lyrical, there were plenty of Christmas-themed routines to get the audience into the festive spirit. One particularly exciting number was the 1st year dance, which was a mix of different dances with a Christmas soundtrack (and a wonderful Mean Girls reference!). The huge variety of classes with different levels of difficulty meant that even complete beginners were able to join in. I was lucky enough to take part this year, despite having not done dance for nearly 15 years. Whether you were a seasoned dancer or had never danced before, there w...

3Dec

By Louisa WicksNo Comments

Sports & Socs

Mental Health and Sport

One way to help improve your mental health is to get involved with a sports club or society. By getting involved with new things, such as a sport that you’ve never tried before, you will be able to meet new people and make unforgettable memories. Also, if deadlines, homesickness or just university life in general is taking a toll on your mental health, then doing exercise or doing society activities is a good way to put those worries at the back of your mind. Whether you’re at a training session or just at the gym on your own, sport can improve your self-esteem, reduce your stress levels and lower your risk of depression and anxiety – especially if you’re doing a sport that you enjoy. Royal Holloway’s sports clubs have done several events and campaigns in the past surrounding mental hea...

24Nov

By Bryony LockNo Comments

Sports & Socs

Delving into Diwali

The Hindu society celebrated one of the biggest festivals of the year on Thursday 19th October. Diwali is the Hindu festival of light- the festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. It is a time typically celebrated with friends and family which of course isn’t always simple when you’re miles away from home at university. The Hindu society hosted a huge celebration at Medicine to bring everyone who wanted to rejoice together. When I asked one girl if she missed her family during such a festive occasion she replied, ‘this is my second family,’ which was really humbling to hear. There was clearly a great sense of belonging for everyone in the room and a huge sense of welcoming to anyone who didn’t typically practice the religion. T...

2Jun

By No Comments

Sports & Socs

More than books

Starting university, as we’ve all come to know, can be overwhelming – but choosing a society to join is as exciting as it is daunting. Sadly, for a uni that boasts over 50 societies, it was sadly lacking in a society for English Literature. No more! Regardless of your area of study, English Literature is a bridge, or a door, or an interdimensional portal (metaphor) to many a time, place, society or fantasy (fact). It has brilliant opportunities for those who join; whether you enjoy writing, performing or simply reading, our goal is to organise socials and events that will introduce you to the wealth of literary culture that the world has to offer. Our committee is made of colourful characters from the Vice-President “The Hand” Daniel Trigg, who plots to overthrow the President “Genio...

18Nov

By No Comments

Sports & Socs

Andy Murray: The Next Step

‘If I were his coach, I would definitely take a break – he needs a break”. This was the view of John McEnroe after Andy’s catastrophic loss at the hands of Roger Federer. In the final tournament before the ATP tennis curtain draws its blinds, Andy Murray needed to win in two sets to advance into the knockout phase. Instead, the 17-time Grand Slam Champion from Switzerland taught the Brit a lesson, handing the man from Dunblane a 6-0 6-1 thrashing. Murray was made to pack his bags and trudge out of a shocked 02 Arena crowd and into the cold London night. This match represented an inordinately spaced gap between a man who has won this tournament twice, also being ranked two in the world; and a man that had to win three titles, in as many weeks, just to qualify. Murray look beleaguered, Fe...

29Oct

By No Comments

Sports & Socs

Women’s Football – Cancer, we’re coming to get you!

Wednesday 8th October was set to be an eventful day with Women’s Football hosting the return of their annual Charity Tournament in aid of Cancer Research UK; yet no one could have anticipated quite the turnout. With such excitement having built rapidly across the likes of Facebook and Twitter, the club were overwhelmed when met with 90 girls eager to make the most of the weather and test out the new facilities. Holloway’s five teams were joined on the 3G by the likes of Queen Mary’s, RUMS, and Reading Universities, as well as members of Royal Holloway’s Women’s Rugby, who were keen to support such a great cause. The day kicked off with fast paced action across the three seven-a-side pitches, including a hat-trick for Holloway striker Effy Hameed, and some impressive saves from Women’s R...