Thinking of Joining a Uni Rowing Club

Rowing at University: What It’s Like in the UK, USA & Australia

Whether you’re an experienced rower or just curious about giving it a go, rowing at university can be a life-changing experience. It combines sport, teamwork, tradition, and a fair bit of early mornings - but the rewards are huge. Here’s everything you need to know about university rowing across the UK, USA, and Australia.

Who Is Rowing Suitable For?

Rowing is open to all fitness levels, especially at the beginner or "novice" level. Most universities have development squads for people who’ve never rowed before.

It suits people who:

• Enjoy working as part of a team
  
  

• Have good cardiovascular fitness (or want to build it)
  
  

• Are disciplined and mentally tough
  
  

• Like structure, challenges, and pushing limits
  
  

You don’t need to be an elite athlete to join. Many top university rowers started as total beginners in their first year.

What Do You Need to Start?

At a basic level:

• A decent level of fitness helps, but it’s not a requirement.
  
  

• Commitment – you’ll need to turn up consistently (and early!).
  
  

• Time management – training can be intense, especially at higher levels.
  
  

• Team spirit – rowing is about synchronicity and trust.
  
  

Most unis provide equipment, coaching, and often gym access. All you need are some trainers, gym gear, and lots of water.

How Much Does It Cost?

Costs vary depending on the country, the university, and how competitive the club is:

UK

• Many unis subsidise rowing through their student union or sports department.
  
  

• Expect to pay £100–£300 per year for club membership.
  
  

• Top-tier clubs may require extra for training camps or race kits.
  
  

USA

• Scholarship opportunities are big here — especially for women.
  
  

• At NCAA (varsity) level, athletes may receive partial or full scholarships.
  
  

• Club rowing (non-varsity) can cost $200–$500 per year, depending on the uni.
  
  

Australia

• Club fees are generally in the AUD $200–$500 range per year.
  
  

• Some top programs may offer financial support or subsidies
  
  

What Do You Get Out of It?

University rowing offers a lot more than fitness:

• Community – Rowers often form some of the closest uni friendships.
  
  

• Time management – Balancing training and study forces you to get organised.
  
  

• Fitness & Mental Strength – You'll be pushed in the best way.
  
  

• Opportunities – Compete in national and international races, or even go pro.
  
  

• Scholarships – Particularly in the USA, rowing can help fund your education.
  
  

• Networking – Alumni connections are strong, especially in traditional clubs.
  
  

Rowing also looks amazing on a CV. Employers love the grit, teamwork, and leadership it represents.

Best Universities for Rowing

United Kingdom

• Oxford & Cambridge – Legendary Boat Race rivalry, elite programs.
  
  

• Durham – Regular BUCS champions, very competitive.
  
  

• University of London Boat Club (ULBC) – High performance and GB pathway.
  
  

• Imperial College London – Known for strong coaching and Henley success.
  
  

• Newcastle & Reading – Strong rowing culture with great facilities.
  
  

United States

• Harvard, Yale, Princeton – Ivy League icons with Olympic-level programs.
  
  

• University of Washington – Dominant West Coast team with serious pedigree.
  
  

• Stanford, Cal Berkeley – Great balance of academics and high-level rowing.
  
  

• University of Texas, Syracuse, Brown – Strong women's programs with NCAA focus.
  
  

Bonus: The USA is especially great for female rowers thanks to Title IX, which encourages equal sports scholarships for women.

Australia

• University of Sydney – Excellent facilities, home to Olympians.
  
  

• University of Melbourne – Strong rivalry with Sydney, great coaching.
  
  

• Australian National University (ANU) – Great for developing athletes.
  
  

• University of Queensland – Supportive of high-performance student-athletes.
  
  

Final Word

Rowing at university is more than a sport - it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing medals, scholarships, fitness, or friendship, rowing can take your university experience to another level. It’s hard work, but if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll gain resilience, confidence, and a seriously cool story to tell.