Whether it’s Pilates, volleyball, pickleball, or lightsaber combat—Humboldt University of Berlin’s university sports program offers more than 700 courses catering to a variety of interests and fitness levels. The program is open not only to students and staff but also to alumni and members of the general public. In this interview, Rieke Bruns, deputy director of University Sports, discusses which sports are particularly popular, how beginners can find the right class, and what makes University Sports so special.
What sets Humboldt University of Berlin’s university sports program apart, especially
when compared to gyms or sports clubs?
University Sports offers a wide variety of programs for students and staff,
as well as for alumni and members of the general public. This allows us to bring together different
target groups who can try out or further develop their skills in various sports with us for one semester
at an affordable price. This flexibility is what makes us unique.
Our programs take place at over 100 different locations: primarily in
Mitte, but also in Adlershof and Schmöckwitz (Water Sports Center).
The scope of University Sports extends far beyond the regular
sports program. For example, we support student elite athletes at the
HU, coordinate part of the university’s competitive sports program, offer
exciting events, and focus on promoting the health of students and
staff.
Which activities are especially popular right now, and which unusual
sport should you definitely try?
During the winter semester, winter sports excursions are particularly popular (downhill skiing,
snowboarding, cross-country skiing)—we’re offering nine of them in our current program.
Sports such as tennis, volleyball, Pilates,
and pole dancing are especially popular and “evergreen favorites.” Among our new highlights are lightsaber combat, Hyrox, pinball,
acrobatics, and dance theater.
During the winter semester, we’re also hosting the German
College Chess Championships for the third time—the largest student chess tournament
in Germany. The championship will take place on November 7–8 in the Mensa Nord—we’re
looking forward to welcoming more participants and interested spectators.
How do you find the right sport, especially if you’re a beginner or
haven’t exercised in a long time?
Generally speaking, we focus on recreational sports, which means that all sports are (also) offered for
beginners and those returning to sports. If you’re undecided, you can, for example, click through our “Uni-Sport-O-Mat” to get several course suggestions: https://hu-berlin.unisportomat.de/
Of course, you can also simply scroll through the A–Z overview or search for specific criteria under “Course Search” (location, time, outdoor, etc.)—you’re sure to find some sports that pique your interest. https://zeh2.zeh.hu-berlin.de/angebote/aktueller_zeitraum/
Why is sports at the university more than just a leisure activity, and what vision are you pursuing with
university sports?
University sports embody the motto “Move, Connect, Inspire.” We offer
fitness and health programs for all target groups, providing opportunities for relaxation, networking, and fun. In doing so, we promote factors that support students in their everyday university life. The various areas of activity and cross-cutting themes of university sports—such as sustainability, family, and (instructor) training—serve as important bridges within the university.
What can you tell us about university sports that hardly anyone knows?
Fun fact: About 450 kg of lost and found items are left behind in our sports facilities each year—mostly
water bottles and pants. That would amount to more than 33 metric tons of lost and found items by now, since university sports at Humboldt University of Berlin have actually been around for over 75 years. In 1951, the foundation for university sports was laid with the establishment of a department for student physical education: https://www.hochschulsport.hu-berlin.de/de/veranstaltungen/70-jahre-hochschulsport
When and how do you register, and what’s your tip for securing a spot in a
popular class?
Registration for the winter semester sports program opens on October 1 at 10 a.m. and is available only through
our website: Stay Active Through the Winter Semester — Humboldt University of Berlin’s Central University Sports Department
My tip: Pick out the course you want now, make sure you have a
stable internet connection just before 10 a.m. on October 1, and then be quick on the draw. Otherwise,
it’s always worth putting yourself on the waitlist if a course is already full. As soon as a spot opens up, you’ll automatically receive an email.
If you’ve never booked a course through University Sports before, you can
create an account in advance—that way, you won’t have to enter your personal information again and can book even faster. Otherwise, save the dates: Registration opens for the semester and the semester breaks every year on February 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.
If someone were to try just one class after this interview:
Which one would it be?
With over 700 different classes, it’s really hard to narrow it down. But my
top three would be: Aerial Silk/Yoga, Pickleball, and K-Pop. Basically, I can guarantee there’s something for everyone!