My introduction to AUB was through comparing 2D animation courses online from the likes of Falmouth and UAL. I didn’t know anyone in Bournemouth, and the urge to join a different uni where I had a friend already attending was tempting.
But the AUB BA (Hons) Animation Production course’s focus on drawing and animation fundamentals, as well as regular life drawing classes, stood out to me – I was seeking a course that saw the value in providing a strong foundation of skills for their students. After visiting AUB for an Open Day, it was clear that this course ticked the most boxes for me, meaning I was off to Bournemouth!
The summer before I left for AUB, my lovely manager at work gave me some advice during a conversation about my departure. She said, "Just say yes to everything" with an additional "Within reason of course!" And so, when the Climbing Society at university piqued my interest, I decided to take her advice and join.
I didn’t know the first thing about climbing. Going along to the climbing gym in Poole where I didn't really know anyone was hard at first. For a while I got to know only two or three faces who wouldn’t always be there, but I kept going. One day, a message in the group chat was posted promoting an outdoor climbing trip. Once again, I remembered what my manager said. So, despite the fear and uncertainties about what the trip would be, and letting go of any limiting notions about whether I was the type of person to do something like this, I stopped overthinking for once and just said yes.
Going on that trip led me to getting more involved with the club and its wonderful members. Further down the line more ‘yeses’ led to me becoming a treasurer for the club, and now one of its presidents!
We are lucky to have some great crags not too far from us in Portland and Swanage, but we also venture to Spain and Wales for trips each year. Through this society, I have had the opportunity to travel and go off the beaten path, seeing beautiful places and priceless views that I would never have got to see otherwise.
A great aspect about climbing outdoors, aside from the great routes and views, is that it’s such a nice way to really get to know people. I have found we all will go majority of the day at the crag without picking our phones up, which means joking and chatting becomes the main way to entertain ourselves. And when you are on the wall, you can be sure that there will be someone rooting for you from down below. The club has a huge atmosphere of support and encouragement, and I have learnt so much about the sport and progressed in ways I never thought possible, all thanks to friends from the society. It’s surprising what you can achieve when you have someone shouting at you that ‘you can do it!’
The club is special in that it is a joint society with Bournemouth University and AUB. I have had the privilege of meeting and learning from people doing all sorts of courses with minds that work in all sorts of different ways, and I feel so lucky to be a part of a place where we can all come together. When I go to the climbing gym, there's a very high chance that no matter what time I go, there will be someone I know climbing there, and the friendly staff will very often stop for a chat. It’s a third space, which is very rare to have nowadays, and for that I am so grateful. I know that myself and many others have found a place of belonging, connection, and support within this community. This welcoming club is beloved by many who have come and gone over the years and has forged plenty of lifelong friendships.
For anyone starting out at uni for the first time reading this, societies are a really good place to start if you’re looking for connections. But if that’s not your thing, then no matter what sort of life you want for yourself here, there is plenty waiting for you. You may just have to step out of your comfort zone a little to reach for it. Most of all, don't be discouraged if it doesn't work out at first. Early on, I had some café hangouts bailed on, and nights out with people I never saw again. It can be a little disheartening, but I kept putting myself out there, and now I have some of the best friends in the world to grab coffee with, go for nights out with, and importantly, climb big rocks with!
Interested in joining Climbing Society? You can find out more on their Instagram page.
