University life can feel intense sometimes. Between lectures, deadlines, part-time jobs, societies, and trying to maintain some sort of social life, it’s easy to forget one important thing: your wellbeing matters.
That’s why I decided to attend one of the Give It A Go Social Squash sessions, and honestly, I’m so glad I did.
Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone
I wouldn’t call myself a squash pro. In fact, it was my first time ever playing squash. But that’s exactly what Give It a Go is about, trying something new in a relaxed, no-pressure environment.
Walking into the sports centre, I expected it to feel intimidating. Instead, it felt welcoming. Everyone was there for the same reason: to move, laugh, meet new people and just enjoy the game.
There’s something incredibly freeing about doing sport just for fun. No competition. No expectations. Just rallying, missing shots, laughing about it, and trying again.
The Mental Health Boost I Didn’t Know I Needed
We often talk about exercise being “good for you”, but experiencing it is different.
Within minutes of playing, I could feel the stress from my day slowly fading. Squash forces you to be present. You can’t overthink when you’re trying to reach the ball before it hits the wall. Your focus shifts completely to the moment.
Physically, it gets your heart rate up. Mentally, it clears your head.
After the session, I felt:
- More energised
- Less anxious
- More connected to others
- Proud of myself for trying something new
It reminded me that wellbeing isn’t just about rest. Sometimes it’s about movement and connection too.
The Social Side Matters More Than You Think
One of the most underrated parts of university sport is the community aspect.
Social Squash wasn’t just about playing. It was about chatting between games, encouraging each other, and meeting people outside of my course bubble. As students, we can sometimes get stuck in our own routines. Trying something like this expands your circle in the most natural way.
Especially during busy academic periods, these small social interactions can make a huge difference to how supported and connected you feel.
Why You Should Give It a Go
If you’ve been feeling:
- Overwhelmed
- Stuck in your routine
- Low on motivation
- Or just curious to try something new
This is your sign.
You don’t need to be athletic. You don’t need any experience. You just need to show up.
Newcastle University’s Give It a Go sessions are designed to be inclusive, beginner-friendly, and genuinely enjoyable.
Social Squash is just one example, but it perfectly shows how movement + community = better wellbeing.
Final Thoughts
University isn’t just about academic achievement. It’s also about building habits that support your mental health, confidence, and happiness.
For me, Social Squash was more than a game. It was an hour where I wasn’t thinking about deadlines, emails, or responsibilities. I was just present.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. 💛
Interested in trying something new? Visit the Give It A Go wepage.
