Explore campus fitness options with the UoW Sport app, discover Team Warwick memberships and find volunteering roles such as Community Chit Chat, youth mapping sessions, Phab nights, Lillington Community Pantry, Letterbox and Chatterbox
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The University of Warwick provides multiple structured and flexible ways for students and staff to stay active and to support local communities. Options range from gym memberships and organised team activities to short-term volunteer roles. These programmes accommodate varied schedules and motivations and are available across the campus.
First steps are simple. Download the UoW Sport app to reserve classes, courts and spaces, and to access the campus rewards platform. The app enables fast bookings, records activity for campus schemes and unlocks partner discounts. Users who prefer not to use a mobile device may reserve activities through the online booking portal.
Using campus sport resources
Users who prefer not to use a mobile device may reserve activities through the online booking portal. The campus hub is designed to welcome participants of all abilities.
The centre offers a modern gym with a dedicated strength training area, multiple fitness class studios and a 25m swimming pool.
It also houses a Climbing Centre, squash courts, a tennis centre and outdoor football pitches.
On-site support includes physiotherapy and sports massage to assist recovery and prevent injury. Many students access these services through student-only membership packages provided by Team Warwick, which also connect members to clubs and social events.
How the UoW Sport app helps you move
The app complements in-person services by centralising bookings, class schedules and membership information. It reduces friction for users who switch between online and on-site arrangements.
Accessibility features ensure the system accommodates varied needs, while notifications and calendar links help users plan regular sessions. Integration with membership packages simplifies access to support services and club events.
For students balancing study and sport, the combined offer of facilities, on-site care and digital scheduling aims to make consistent activity more achievable and sustainable.
The UoW Sport app serves as the central booking and rewards tool for campus activities. After downloading, users can search and reserve sessions, manage memberships and track participation to earn points on the rewards platform. The app also highlights exclusive discounts from international brands for active members. For users without a smartphone, the online booking portal remains available so no one is prevented from joining activities.
Practical tips for app use
Sign in using your university credentials and enable notifications to receive alerts about new classes. Check the rewards area regularly for time-limited offers. Use the membership dashboard to compare access levels and charges before committing. If you need help, campus sport staff can demonstrate booking steps and outline membership options that match your fitness goals.
Volunteering: make an impact and develop skills
Volunteering offers practical experience and transferable skills for study and work. Roles include activity assistant, event steward and peer coach. Volunteers gain leadership, communication and time-management experience while supporting inclusive provision.
Sign-up details are available through the campus hub and the booking system. Training is provided for most roles and hours can be scheduled around study commitments. Participation often counts toward certificates, employability records and portfolio evidence for future applications.
For students balancing study and sport, combining regular activity with volunteering can enhance wellbeing and employability. Campus sport staff can advise on suitable roles and expected time commitments.
Volunteering opportunities: local support to international projects
Campus sport staff can advise on suitable roles and expected time commitments. Volunteering connected to the university spans local community support and international mapping projects. Roles vary in time commitment and required skills. Opportunities offer practical experience in communication, digital literacy and teamwork.
Community chit chat and befriending roles
Community Chit Chat pairs volunteers with older residents to reduce loneliness. Volunteers host tea, cake and themed crafts at Canley Community Centre. Sessions run on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. One upcoming session is scheduled for Tuesday, 3rd March. Volunteers are expected to facilitate conversation, assist with activities and provide friendly, reliable companionship.
These roles require no specialist qualifications and suit students seeking regular, low‑intensity commitments. Volunteers gain interpersonal experience and insight into community care delivery. The university provides orientation and safeguarding guidance before placements begin.
Community befriending options for students
The university provides orientation and safeguarding guidance before placements begin. Two volunteer programmes offer remote and written options for students seeking flexible roles.
Letterbox is a free pen‑pal service that matches volunteers with socially isolated adults across the UK. As an befriender, volunteers commit to sending at least one letter per month through the organisation’s central exchange. The role requires confidentiality, consistency and empathy. Volunteers must supply two references and two forms of identification. The service can provide prepaid stationery when needed.
Telephone befriending and remote support
Chatterbox runs an award‑winning telephone befriending programme. Volunteers make weekly, 30‑minute calls for an initial 26‑week period. The scheme supports people coping with bereavement, poor health or caring responsibilities. Training, safeguarding resources and ongoing coordinator support are provided. A DBS check is required for this role. Volunteers report improved well‑being, development of practical communication skills and the opportunity to make a sustained contribution from home.
Both programmes suit students seeking low‑commitment, meaningful volunteering that can be done remotely. University coordinators can advise on balancing these roles with academic responsibilities and on next steps to apply.
Practical and skills-based volunteering roles
University coordinators can advise on balancing these roles with academic responsibilities and on next steps to apply.
Some volunteering opportunities focus on practical tasks and the sharing of digital skills. Campus mapping groups contribute to open-source maps used in disaster response. For example, Warwick youthmappers run tracing sessions where volunteers annotate satellite imagery to support flood response planning. One session is scheduled for Wednesday 25th February, 3:00–4:30pm in FAB1.05; volunteers should bring a laptop.
Digital Knowhow Volunteers provide one-to-one support for users developing basic workplace software skills. They create user guides and deliver short coaching sessions on Microsoft Teams, Word and Excel at venues across Coventry, Warwick and Rugby. Tasks typically include guided tutorials, troubleshooting and creating accessible learning materials.
Both roles offer flexible, skills-based experience relevant to academic studies and future employment. Coordinators can confirm role requirements, training, and safeguarding procedures before placements begin.
Coordinators can confirm role requirements, training, and safeguarding procedures before placements begin. Practical community roles then provide regular, campus-linked options for students.
Other community roles include regular shifts at local food initiatives. Lillington Community Pantry needs volunteers to stock shelves and serve visitors. Typical sessions run Friday, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., and Thursday, 11:15 a.m.–4:00 p.m. An on-campus meet-up and taxi transport are provided where needed.
Phab organises inclusive social evenings for disabled and non-disabled adults. Recent examples include a music night at Kenilworth Sports and Social Club on Wednesday 4 March. Transport for volunteers is arranged by the group.
Why volunteer matters
Volunteering builds practical skills such as communication, time management, and teamwork. It also offers direct community impact through food security and social inclusion projects.
Short, regular shifts suit students balancing study and placements. Campus coordination and provided transport reduce logistical barriers to participation.
University coordinators can help match students with roles that reinforce academic goals and career plans. They can also advise on required checks and any available training before you start.
Get involved: volunteering and sport
Coordinators can confirm role requirements, training, and safeguarding procedures before placements begin. Volunteering develops practical and interpersonal skills. Communication, ethical awareness, problem solving and teamwork are common outcomes.
Many roles include formal training and reimbursements for reasonable expenses. Whether you seek to complement your fitness routine through Team Warwick or to support local residents, the campus offers clear routes to meaningful participation and personal growth.
How to start
Explore the volunteer listings for current opportunities. Download the UoW Sport app to manage physical activity and view sport-linked roles. Contact the relevant coordinators for role details and application deadlines.
Combining sport with community engagement supports physical health, broadens networks and delivers tangible benefits to people near campus and beyond. Responsible engagement begins with understanding requirements, completing any required checks, and agreeing training timelines.
For role-specific guidance, speak to the coordinator named on the listing. They will outline next steps, training dates and any continuing commitments expected of volunteers.
