Here’s a collection of the most frequently asked questions about rowing and University life:

TRAINING:

How is the University rowing different from Junior rowing?

The calendar for Junior and University rowing events is very similar, but with Nat Schools, the Scullery and other Junior events being replaced by BUCS events. As a University student you’ll have more independence, but will have all the support you need from the club and University.

I hear you only scull, is that right?

Yes, we only scull. No sweep.

Why do you only scull?

In 2015 we realised we were having very strong results at sculling but only spending half the time doing it. We wanted to excel at sculling so decided to focus all our efforts, equipment and coaching on making Reading the best sculling University in the country.

What’s the program like?

Our training program is specifically designed to fit around your life as a student while ensuring that you’re in the best place to achieve the results you want.

How many sessions a week?

A typical week would have 11 training sessions, and divides into 5 water, 3 ergo & 3 weights. Approximately 12 hours a week.

What days do you train?

We train everyday apart from Sunday, which is your day off.

What times are the sessions?

Monday & Friday are early starts 6:30am, Wednesday is 2pm and Saturday 8am. Most other session times are flexible through the day to fit with your lectures.

Why do you train early in the morning on some days?

We have two early water sessions a week and these sessions tend to mean that everyone is available for crew work and the water is normally at it’s best. If you miss out on sleep there’s usually a chance to catch up on some around your studies.

Do you have specific 2k times or ergo cut offs for the squad?

No. We don’t expect you to have achieved a certain ergo time to get into our squads. Our aim is to help you improve
If you have national team (GB) ambitions then there are ergo standards you’ll need to achieve, we can advise and help you with these.

Do you need specific erg scores for certain boats?

No.

Do people get dropped from the squad?

Sometimes. Everyone is expected to follow the club training programme which is written to fit around your student life, if people choose not to follow the programme they may be dropped, it would be down to commitment rather than ability.

COACHING:

Do you have coaches?

Yes, 3 of them. We’re extremely lucky to have 3 amazing coaches. The quality and availability of coaching is one of our strongest points at RUBC. Will, Chris and Simon are all here to help you succeed.

Are the coaches experienced?

Yes, between them the coaches have a combined experience of over 35 years rowing coaching.

RIVER:

What’s your river like?

We row on a 6km stretch of the River Thames that is well protected from the wind.

Is the river busy?

No for most of the time, on Saturday mornings it can get busy, otherwise it’s very quiet.

Does your river flood?

If there is a lot of rain in the winter then our river can get too fast to safely row on rather than flooding. If it remains too fast for too long, then we can go to Dorney Lake to get on the water.

CAMPUS:

What’s good about the campus?

Reading has a beautiful 320 acre parkland campus, the town centre is only a short walk away, and London is just half an hour by train.
Being a campus (rather than a city) University, everything like accomodation, lecture theatres, night clubs, bars, shops and cafes are grouped together on one site.
We're a tight, bustling community where our students can make a big impact. We have high expectations of everyone, and help them reach their full potential.

What’s the Students Union?

The Students’ Union has a 2000 capacity nightclub (3sixty), a lively bar and a relaxing Cafe. The venues hold a range of activities from flirt!, local bands, quiz and karaoke, comedy nights and regular society parties. The Students Union is also where you can go for advice and support you might need with student life.

BOATHOUSE:

How far is the boathouse from Campus?

We’re really lucky that our boathouse is only a 10 minute bike ride from campus making water sessions easy to get to.

How do people get to the boathouse?

Most people cycle, a few drive, and some walk.

What’s at the boathouse?

There are 16 ergos, 4 Wattbikes, weights, a social seating area and a kitchen.

If I have my own single can I bring it to University?

Yes. We’d recommend if you do have your own boat that you bring it with you. We have secure inside racking for your boat and there are no fees for racking.

EVENTS:

How many races do you go to?

Typically it tends to be 3 or 4 races a term.

What’s BUCS?

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) is the governing body for university sport and it’s in these events we get to race against all the other Universities.

What are your main races?

BUCS events are big for us. There is the singles event in November, the head in February and the regatta in May.
Henley Royal Regatta is also a major focus and all the regatta’s around that (Met, Reading, Marlow & Henley Women’s Regatta’s).
GB trials is important, but not everyone will be involved with that.
EUSA (The European version of BUCS) is a really exciting event where we get to race Universities across Europe.

LIGHTWEIGHTS:

Do you have a lightweight programme?

Yes, and it’s very strong. Lightweights will train with everyone else and be eligible for all the boats. They will only race as lightweight at specific lightweight events predominantly at BUCS. It’s very common that our top crews include at least one lightweight.

PRESEASON & CAMPS:

What’s preseason?

Preseason is the week at the start of the academic year when we get all experienced rowers (senior and Fresher) to Reading to enjoy training, get to know each other and to help the freshers’ ease into University life. It’s designed to help people get back to rowing after a summer where they may not have been in a boat.

When does preseason start?

In a normal year preseason starts the week before freshers’ week (typically late September) however 2020-21 preseason is likely to be different due to Covid19.

Do you have training camps?

Yes. We have camps in Spain, Dorney Lake and also on our own stretch at Reading. Our stretch of water is fantastic, so camps in Reading work really well during the vacations. Dorney is great for getting multi lane practice and is only 20 minutes away by car. Spain at Easter is an amazing trip, but sadly we can only take 20 people on this.

CREW SELECTION:

How are crews decided?

For crew selection for races the coaches take the whole picture of you as an athlete, so fitness (ergo) technique (water) compatibility and more.

Do you seat race?

Yes. There will be key weeks in the year where we look to use seat racing to get a ranking of people on the water. We will either do this at Reading, Dorney Lake or on camp in Spain.

Will I only row with people the same age as me?

No, you’ll be mixed up with everyone at the club. So first years may be rowing with third years and you’ll be rowing with people from different courses too.

STUDY:

What’s good to study at Reading University?

We offer over 200 flexible courses, teaching of the highest calibre, and a multitude of opportunities, from studying abroad to learning languages to undertaking work placements. Some of the notable departments are Agriculture, Food Science, Education, Land & Property Management, Law and Marketing. You can find a full list of courses here.

My course has a lot of hours, will I be able to row?

Our rowing program is set up to ensure that you are able to do all your studies no matter what course you are on.

Do you know if the admissions accept DiSE (L3 Btec) as an A level equivalent?

Yes, the University of Reading does accept the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence for admission. The Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellence at grade Pass can be considered in place of one A level qualification at Grade A.

Does the rowing influence the entry requirements to the University?

We don't have any influence on the entry requirements, but if you select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS, the university will guarantee you a place even if you achieve one grade lower than the published offer*

You can see the details here - https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/what-offer-will-i-get

SOCIAL LIFE:

Do you have socials?

Yes. We have organised socials about once a month. These might be Union nights, quizzes, film nights, formal dinners and more.

How do Freshers’ cope with Freshers’ week and rowing?

It’s really important Freshers’ settle into University. Going out, meeting people and making friends happens a lot when you start University, so we adjust the Freshers’ rowing program to allow you to have time and energy for socialising. Freshers’ would build their program up over the first term.

ACCOMODATION:

What are the best halls for a rower?

All the halls are suitable for rowers, and it doesn’t really matter which hall you end up living in.

Is it better to be in catered or self catered halls?

The catering packages at Reading are very flexible, so you won’t miss a meal due to rowing. You can pick up food from various locations with your campus card. So it’s your choice if you want to be catered or cook for yourself.

Where do people live after the first year?

After the first year lots of people live in local student houses with their friends from halls, course or rowing. It’s quite common that rowers end up living together. Some people do stay in halls.

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

What’s the biggest change from Junior to University rowing?

Having to look after yourself is a big change at University. You’re responsible for washing your own clothes, cooking your own food and getting to places yourself. It can all take more time and effort than you think.

Reading sounds perfect for me, what should I do next?

Fantastic, just make contact with us and we’ll keep you updated on everything you need to know.

I’m not sure Reading is right for me?

That’s not a problem. You should carry on with your research about which University is going to be right for you, it’s really important you choose the right one to make the most of the experience. Good luck and do get in contact if we can be of any more help.

CONTACT:

Who do I contact if I want to join RUBC?

To join RUBC or ask a question about joining you can:
- drop us an email - rowing@reading.ac.uk
- send us a message via instagram