Rudee Robinson is an elite athlete, in her fourth year of study
We caught up with Rudee to find out how her netball community has shaped her time at UCL
My journey with netball
My name's Rudee, and I'm in my fourth and final year of study (ESPS - European Social and Political Studies). My journey with netball began when I was much younger, at school - I realised it was something I then wanted to take further. As soon as I came to UCL, I became heavily involved with TeamUCL.
Participating in sports at UCL specifically led me to becoming comfortable and confident in London. I did the first two years of my degree in France, then came to London for the final two. Netball has led to me making lifelong friends and has played a major role in my experience at UCL.
Finding my community
UCNC is an all female club - it's women empowering women, which is a whole movement that I love and strive for outside of netball as well. When I first arrived at UCL, the netball team had an absolutely fantastic captain, and I knew I wanted to try and replicate the environment she created for my team.
The community that I've found in netball is incredibly motivating, and it's also incredibly fun. We socialise a lot off of the court, and get involved with TeamUCL activites to encourage cohesion between all the netball teams, and between clubs in general at UCL. When I think about these women that I'm playing with - they're women that I really admire, respect and look up to. We're all really comfortable around each other, we get along really well - these are extremely close friendships, that will be sustained well after our time at UCL.
When I think about these women that I'm playing with - they're women that I really admire, respect and look up to
Getting started at UCL
To new people starting at UCL, my main advice is to simply get involved. Looking at the list of clubs and societies can be daunting - there's so much on offer. But when you go to the fairs and start trying things out, you see the snapshot of just how many things are on offer. It can be overwhelming at first, but I guarantee that you're not the only person trying to make that new leap. Everyone is extremely welcoming - it's essentially a judgement free zone.
It can be overwhelming at first, but I guarantee that you're not the only person trying to make that new leap
Say yes to a lot of things in those first crucial weeks - it's the birthplace of potential friendships, relationships and connections.
The sense of belonging that I've felt thanks to being a part of student life at UCL has made me feel like I'm in the right place. It has helped me create relationships, feel confident as a captain, as a sports representative, as a leader - I feel like I'm doing the right thing at the right time with the right people.
The sense of belonging that I've felt thanks to being a part of student life at UCL has made me feel like I'm in the right place