1. Karting
Are you a bit of a roadhog? Then eat your heart out at S.K.V. A la Kart, the only student karting association in the Netherlands – you’ll race 390cc karts at speeds up to 100 km/h on the outdoor track in Oldenzaal. Whether you're there for the thrill of racing or to get your hands dirty in the garage, A la Kart has something for you. Members maintain the karts themselves and learn all about the technical side along the way. No experience? No worries – a clear system helps you safely work your way up. Best of all: as a member, you can hit the track up to five days a week for only €145 per year!
2. Quidditch
If you think a game of Quidditch requires you to book a single ticket to Hogwarts first, you're wrong! Harry Potter fan or not, everyone is welcome at the Twentse Thestrals: Dutch champion quadball - the non-magical version of Quidditch. The game combines elements of rugby, dodgeball and handball, plus players walk around with a PVC tube between their legs at all times. Unfortunately, magical powers are not included, so you won’t be getting a bird's-eye view of campus, but fortunately, some imagination goes a long way!
3. Alpinism
Have you always dreamt of climbing Mount Everest or K2? Then start small, at UT's climbing and mountaineering club! Besides mountain, ice and glacier climbing, you can also wall climb, boulder and tour ski - a form of skiing where you walk yourself to the summit. The climbers can be found in the Alps regularly, but you can also decide to stay closer to home: for example, try one of the tallest outdoor walls in the Netherlands, which quite coincidentally is located on campus!
4. Diving
Do you prefer to go into the depths? Then discover the wonderful underwater world of the diving tower in Enschede - at least, that's where you'll start! Because after completing this diving course at swimming association Piranha, you'll have your worldwide SSI Open Water Diver certification and the real work can begin. Join diving trips throughout the Netherlands: you can spot seahorses as early as 219 km from Enschede, in Zeeland! Or, if you're looking for more adventure, explore a flooded quarry in Germany or discover life below sea level in Spain or Egypt. Happy diving!
5. Grassroots sports
Can't decide, even after reading this article? You're not alone! At the Stretchers you'll have a great time: they practice two different sports every week during training. On offer are popular sports such as football, dodgeball and badminton, as well as unconventional, Stretcher-own sports such as Ninabal and Mertebagbal – also known as 'throw-a-rugbyball-against-a-basket-ball'. So, if you want to try something new, you're definitely at the right place with Stretchers!
Are you still not persuaded to get off your sofa/bed/chair for a game of Quidditch, Mertebagbal, a diving lesson or a round of karting? Luckily, there are lots of other sports to discover at the University of Twente, from team sports to group lessons and courses. So eat your heart out - or don't.
