Image of Students playing rugby

Sports

We're well known for sports and our College teams have a strong record in a huge range of sports. But there are opportunities for everyone, regardless of skill level and whether or not you want to compete.

Our facilities are excellent - large playing fields surrounding the College, tennis and squash courts on site, and our boathouse is just a few hundred metres away.

We field men's, women's, and mixed teams for many sports including:

  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Rugby
  • Cricket
  • Rowing
  • Athletics
  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Cross country running
  • Netball
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Ultimate frisbee
  • Volleyball
  • Water polo
  • Bridge
  • Chess. 

Of course, you can play many of these sports and others - such as croquet, darts, snooker, and table tennis - outside organised leagues. There are also many University clubs and societies dedicated to more unusual sports. Anyone for korfball?

Cricket, rugby, football

We have cricket, rugby, and football pitches in College, just outside Chapel Court, Second Court and North Court. The Cricket Pavilion serves as the changing room for both home and visiting teams.

If you'd like to play you can book pitches by emailing pitchbookings@jesus.cam.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1223 339465.

Tennis and squash courts

We have three hard and two grass tennis courts, and one court is marked out for basketball and netball. Our squash courts are located at the end of the hockey pitch, next to the Forum. You can book courts through the College intranet JNet.

Gyms

We have a gym equipped with a range of cardiovascular and individual resistance equipment, and a weight training gym in the same building as the squash courts. Both are open to all College members once you've had a gym induction.

Rowing

Our College boathouse is just 400 yards away from the main site, across Midsummer Common. The Jesus College Boat Club (JCBC) organises the Fairbairn Races, the main rowing event of the Michaelmas term.

Rowing requires no previous experience and many students give it a try while they're studying at Cambridge. The boat club is currently our largest sports club. 

Hear from our students

  • Postgraduate at Jesus College

    Dolly

    Postgraduate

    I chose Jesus College because of the great mixture of undergraduates and postgraduates, and when I first visited I thought it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen! The sense of community in Jesus has had an enormous impact on my experience here. Whether you need help, advice, cheering up or even just a chat there is always someone there to put a smile on your face. From the MCR committee to the Porters, the canteen staff to the gardeners, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Jesus also...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Alison

    Postgraduate

    What first attracted me to Jesus College was its reputation and history, central location without being touristy, and the postgraduate housing options. When I arrived at Jesus I was so pleased to find the partner accommodation was spacious, affordable, and situated very close to the college, allowing us to really take advantage of the facilities. We especially enjoyed The Roost, the nicest of all the college bars, doubling as a café during the day - ideal for studying or meeting up with groups - and a lively pub in the...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Postgraduate at Jesus College

    Tom

    Postgraduate

    There are many reasons why I’m so happy to be a part of Jesus College. The three biggest reasons for me are the opportunities to be involved in College sport, the support the College provides for me with for my research and the help in making sure that we have comfortable, affordable accommodation when we have needed it. Jesus College is so friendly and so it is incredibly easy to get involved in the sport and social side of the College. The MCR does a great job in welcoming new...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Jesus College Postgraduate Student

    Imogen

    Postgraduate

    I chose Cambridge for my PGCE as it’s the leading UK institution for teacher training and Education, with an exciting, research-dominated, cutting edge course. The staff are welcoming and approachable, and make studying here an absolute joy. I’ve already completed one of my three primary school placements, in a reception class in a school just outside Cambridge, and am due to start the next one soon. I chose Jesus because of its reputation as a sporty College, but the proximity to the city centre is a big bonus. Jesus also...

    Read more
    Postgraduate
  • Photograph of a postgraduate student

    Jake

    Postgraduate

    When applying to Cambridge colleges it can feel a bit overwhelming as there are so many to choose from. I applied to Jesus College because it has a large MCR which was important for me because I wanted to feel part of a community. Now that I’m doing my PhD here, I’m very glad I did choose a college with a large postgraduate community. Throughout the year there are lots of postgraduate events, including formal dinners, special formals at Christmas and Easter, bops in the bar and film nights in...

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    Postgraduate