COMING TO
CAMBRIDGE?
You know your course,
you know your College...now choose your Club!
To those of you for whom A-Level results confirmed your place at Cambridge – congratulations! You’ve got your subject, your College and your Faculty sorted. Now comes another vital choice: how do you want your life outside lectures to unfold?
Whether you want to get active, make music or tread the boards, joining University sport, music or theatre isn’t just a fun extra – it’s a wellbeing boost, a confidence-builder, a community, and a memorable part of your Cambridge experience.
Why it matters
Feel better, do better. One weekly activity – be it a football practice, band rehearsal or drama workshop – can lift your mood, reduce the stress of academic deadlines, and help you feel part of something bigger. For many, this may be your first time away from home and your extracurricular life will be a crucial part of your wellbeing toolkit.
It’s where you can find your people. Whatever your interest – jazz, judo, hip hop or cheerleading – there’s a community waiting for you. It’s where you meet lifelong friends, make memories, forge skills, build confidence, and find your place.
Balance builds brilliance. Research shows that students who participate in extracurriculars like sport often perform better academically. Plus, leadership roles in clubs, ensembles or productions shine on your CV and help you stand out to future employers.
Scroll down to explore sport, theatre and music, or use the menu bar at the top to jump straight to your area of interest.
Sport at Cambridge
Whatever your level,
there’s a place for you
Whether you’re a total beginner, casual player or seasoned athlete, you can get involved in a way that fits your interests, schedule and skill level.
Cambridge has over 70 University Sports Clubs, covering everything from football, rowing and netball to ultimate frisbee, korfball, modern pentathlon and more. Many clubs run beginner sessions, and nearly half explicitly welcome students with no prior experience. So if you’ve never tried fencing, squash or dance before, Cambridge is the perfect place to start.
You don’t need to represent the University to take part. Each College has its own sports teams, and intercollegiate matches are a huge part of the Cambridge student experience. You can get involved in football, hockey, rowing, rugby and more at College level. No trials, no pressure, and a brilliant way to meet people.
If you’re not sure where to start or want to try something in a relaxed environment, the 'Give it a Go' programme is designed for you. It offers a series of free, low-commitment, turn-up-and-play recreational sessions, covering everything from tennis and yoga to dodgeball and padel. You don’t need to sign up in advance, and all equipment is provided – just bring yourself and a bit of curiosity.
"Give it a Go gave me the confidence to try a sport I never imagined doing. I wasn’t great at it, but I didn’t have to be – it was just fun.”
To help you get started, the annual Sports Fair on Monday 6 October is your one-stop shop for information. You’ll be able to meet club reps, ask questions, and even sign up for trial sessions on the day.
Key takeaways
- Over 70 University Sports Clubs – many welcome total beginners
- 'Give it a Go' sessions – casual, inclusive, and free or low-cost
- College sport – no experience required, open to all
- Sports Fair – Monday 6 October
Start by visiting the University Sports Service website and attending the Sports Fair to explore what you could get involved in.
Music at Cambridge
It's for everyone, whether you’re an aspiring professional performer, a complete beginner, or anywhere in between.
You can get involved in everything from classical ensembles and choirs, to jazz bands, DJ societies and songwriting groups – and there’s support to help you find your level and your niche.
The University is home to world-class groups like the Cambridge University Orchestra and the renowned College chapel choirs, but also offers opportunities through the Centre for Music Performance (CMP) for a far wider range of students.
If you’re new to music, you can learn an instrument from scratch, attend introductory classes on music production, DJing, songwriting and sound technology, or join an ensemble that welcomes beginners.
For more advanced musicians, there are structured talent development pathways, including:
- Instrumental Awards for Chamber Music Scheme
- Advanced Popular Performance Scheme
- Take it to the Bridge: University of Cambridge's premier popular music competition
- Choral and Organ Scholarships
- Lieder Scheme
- Conducting Scholarships
Most colleges have thriving music societies - it’s worth checking out what opportunities are on offer through yours.
Whatever your level, you’ll find fantastic facilities, including:
- Over 100 pianos
- Multiple organs, harpsichords, and chamber instruments
- A fully equipped Concert Hall, College music rooms and student-run bar venues
- Cutting-edge production software at the Faculty of Music
- The East of England’s largest set of orchestral percussion instruments
- Equipment for popular music – drum kits, amps, PA systems, keyboards
- A Javanese Gamelan and traditional Indian classical instruments
There’s also a strong focus on accessibility. Many groups actively encourage beginners, and the CMP works to remove financial and logistical barriers to participation. There’s Come and Play week from Monday 13 October, where you can sample varying genres of music.
“I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to continue with my music at university, but that’s not a problem at all in Cambridge. Go to the CMP website and you’ll find each and every opportunity – and if not, you can create one!”
Students like Alex Bird (English, Corpus Christi), who took part in both popular music and steel pans, describe music at Cambridge as a collaborative experience that helps you “meet and make connections” – a key part of the student journey.
Key takeaways:
- Opportunities from beginner to advanced level
- Join the CMP Hub, a student intranet connecting musicians to ensembles, activities and more.
- 100+ pianos, cutting-edge production tools, and performance spaces
- Encompasses classical, jazz, pop, hip hop, DJing and more
- Join as a player, producer, singer, writer – or just explore!
Start by visiting the Centre for Music Performance at the Fresher’s Fair on 7-8 October, or visit their website and discover how to make music part of your Cambridge life.
Theatre at Cambridge
One of the most exciting
places in the UK to get
involved in student theatre
Whether you're an aspiring actor, writer, director, technician, producer – or just curious about trying something creative – there’s space for you. No experience required.
At the heart of the drama scene is the ADC Theatre, the oldest University playhouse in the country, where plays have been performed on the site since the mid 1800s.
While the building is managed by the University, all productions are entirely student-run. Each term sees around 40 different shows, ranging from large-scale week-long productions, to smaller studio shows, to one night only performances and rehearsed readings, and including everything from Shakespeare and musicals to new writing and comedy.
All productions at the ADC are open and accessible – you don’t need to study drama or have a portfolio. New students are encouraged to get involved through:
- Auditions – open to all, advertised on a rolling basis on Camdram and social media
- Tech workshops and shadowing – learn lighting, sound, set design, stage management, costume, hair and makeup and more
- Production roles – directing, producing, marketing
- Writing opportunities – submit scripts for student productions
- Freshers' Plays – created by and starring new students only in Week 6 of Michaelmas term, overseen by the CUADC and CUMTS.
Student societies based at the ADC include:
- CUADC (Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club)
- Cambridge Footlights (comedy and sketch)
- CUMTS (Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society)
- Bread Theatre and Film Company (cross-boundary theatre and art-forms that establish alternative narratives)
- Fletcher Players (resident society of our fringe venue, the Corpus Playroom - all theatre but primarily new writing)
- The Marlowe Society (classical and literary theatre)
You don’t need to join straight away – opportunities run all year. By taking part in CUADC’s annual Get Involved campaign in Michaelmas, you’ll stay informed about auditions, crew calls, writing opportunities and social events.
If you want to get involved in future terms, sign up to CUADC’s mailing lists and follow the ADC Theatre and CUADC on social media. There are also regular mixers and training sessions, helping you meet like-minded students and learn new skills.
Key takeaways:
- 40+ productions per term across multiple venues
- No experience required – training and shadowing available and encouraged
- Acting, writing, directing, tech, producing, design and more
- Multiple societies with beginner-friendly roles
- Regular socials, workshops and Freshers’ shows
To get started, visit the ADC Theatre’s ‘Get Involved’ page and sign up for the relevant mailing lists.
Small steps,
big difference
Just one weekly activity can transform your wellbeing, build your confidence, and connect you to your community.
Whether you pick up a racket, step into band rehearsal or walk out on stage, your time at Cambridge isn’t just about academics – it’s about finding your place.
Congratulations on securing your place with us. We can’t wait to welcome you to all that Cambridge has to offer.
Men's football (credit: Izzy Poles)
Men's football (credit: Izzy Poles)
Credit: Cambridge Chronicles
Credit: Cambridge Chronicles
Pride & Prejudice (credit: Paul Ashley)
Pride & Prejudice (credit: Paul Ashley)
The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Story and design by: Jessica Keating
Date: 21 August 2025
