Thousands of students gathered in Sheffield for sporting spectacle

The BUCS Nationals was a three day event consisting of eight different sports, including athletics, swimming, badminton, fencing and rifle shooting.

Universities played against each other at five venues across the city from February 14 to 16, and although winning was a goal, it was not the ultimate aim for many.

Nottingham university students, Jess Sheppard and James Aleixo, were both competing at the weekend and believed that getting involved had more than just physical benefits.

They told how it provided a ‘good rest from uni’ particularly during exam season - it was a place where they could relieve stress and pressure, and also acted as a social outlet.

20-year-old Jess said: “Supporting each other is nice.”

James, 21, added: “Last year, everyone became closer together and made a lot of friends.”

They believe it is important ‘to do the best you can’ at the BUCS Nationals but equally important to ‘just have fun’.

BUCS - or British Universities and Colleges Sport - was formed in 2008, and claims to ‘create the best university sport experience in the world’.

Vince Mayne, CEO of BUCS, believes that the yearly event contributes positively to student well-being, physically, mentally and spiritually.

He said: “Those that do sport are happier. They have increased aspirations and mental resilience.

“Sport creates a sense of belonging, a community feel. It plays a huge role in student well-being.”

Student well-being is also a key priority for Student Roost, an accommodation provider for Sheffield students and one of the BUCS Nationals sponsors.

Sarah Canning, marketing director at Student Roost said: “Our residents well-being is of key importance to us.”

She told how student accommodation has changed over recent years and that students are becoming more aware of their well-being.

Living quarters now have spaces for yoga and meditation, and activities such as origami and cooking demonstrations are offered.

Sarah added: “We want to help students out by creating a home away from home.”