The University of Plymouth Sharks Basketball Club is one of the University’s most active and welcoming sports clubs, bringing together students of all abilities through competitive BUCS basketball and player development. As proud sponsors of the Sharks, WhichPad sat down with committee members Jez, Doug, Claudio, Harrison, Franz, Dmitriy and Kobe to discuss university life, basketball and the challenges of finding student accommodation in Plymouth.
Team Quick Facts
- University: University of Plymouth
- Sport: Men’s Basketball
- Achievements: 2 competitive squads in there respected league with another team for developing players
- Squad Size: 40-60
- Sponsored by: WhichPad
The Spotlight Interview:
Tell us about the team this season – what are your biggest goals and highlights so far?
Harrison said “Great bunch of lads, highlights are always away trips. Our goal is, of course, to earn promotion back to BUCS Division Two. The away trips are always a highlight because they really bring the team together.”
With Keith adding “The team did amazing. Given our circumstances with the majority of the boys being freshers and new; our very limited training sessions; and the depth of the team, we did great. They’re all very bright individuals who gave their all in every session and game. Our goal was to just have fun and compete and I think we did that. We built great chemistry and that was really the highlight of the season.”
How do you balance intense training schedules with university studies and student life?
Doug said “ I try to keep basketball trainings to individual days then have rest days where I can focus more on university work and also try not to overlap multiple activities on a single day.”
Jez added “Time management is pretty big factor for me, I try and plan my schedule ahead to time so I know when I need to train, when I can study and when I can spend time with my friends. Doing this has helped me stay on top of university work without sacrificing training or social side of student life.”
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to incoming freshers wanting to join a sports team?
Our Freshers said:
Claudio “Don’t forget university is meant for enjoyment. Competitiveness should be engraved with enjoyment so join a club that makes you happy!”
Kobe “Join any sports society, you’ll make loads of friends, and it’s a friendly, social environment. If you’re worried about your ability level, there’s nothing to be afraid of everyone is like one big family and there are teams for all abilities, so you’ll always find your level. It’s also a great way to settle into uni life quickly especially if you like going out since there are weekly socials every Wednesday.”
Dmitriy “Try everything you can because you have so many different options and you could find one you like”Living close to campus makes it much easier to access the university gym and sports hall for training sessions.
As student athletes, what are the most important factors when choosing where to live?
Doug said “Living close to campus is a must especially for better accessibility to the university gym and sports hall for trainings”
Franz added “Being close to campus and outdoor basketball courts is a big advantage.”
Have you had any funny or memorable experiences with teammates while house-hunting?
Franz said “Got shown some places that were falling apart by an agency”
Harrison added “Looked around a 4-bed flat and they just had bags everywhere. Just plastic bags on the floor. Nothing else.”
What are the biggest challenges student renters face?
Kieth said “Sharing a house means everyone needs to take responsibility. Keeping communal areas clean and maintaining good communication with housemates helps avoid disagreements later in the tenancy. As the year goes on, people may lack the responsibility to clean communal areas which can lead to arguments within the household.”
If you could give one tip to other students about choosing a letting agent or landlord, what would it be?
Keith said “Always view several properties before making a decision. Ask questions about the condition of the property and how quickly the landlord or letting agent responds to maintenance issues. Good communication is essential.“
Doug adding “Make sure they’re quick at responding in case you have any issues in future that need immediate help, and if they have an office it would be convenient if it’s nearby in case you need see them.”
How important is it to live close to your teammates?
Kobe said “It’s very important you can make plans easily or just show up and get them out of bed to go play basketball. Living close builds, a lot of trust and a good relationship, which translates well onto the court.”
Dmitriy added “Very important because you will have way more fun”
What does the WhichPad sponsorship mean to the team?
Doug said “We’re delighted to be sponsored by WhichPad, whose platform helps both current and future students find reliable student accommodation in Plymouth.”
Jez adding “We are extremely happy to have Whichpad on board as a sponsor for the 26/27 season and hopefully for future seasons to come, as not only are they benefiting us on the court but outside they help us as students make the right choices when finding a place to stay”.
What’s next for the team?
Harrison said, “Hopefully promotion but if not then cementing ourselves as a near top table team.”
With Keith adding “To build on that chemistry we built last season. There’ll be new members and we want to make them feel welcome and at home.”
🚀Rapid Fire Round
Favourite study spot on campus?
Kobe said “In my opinion the best place to study is the library it’s has three storeys of study spaces. The lower level is great for late nights when you’re rushing to finish assignments and it’s also a good spot to hang out with friends if you fancy a change. If the library’s not your thing, there are plenty of local coffee shops you can study at too.’
Dmitriy adding “Library is just too goated to pass up”
“Best takeaway near your student house?
Franz said “little India”
Claudio added “Food 4 U”
“House-hunting horror story or win?
Kobe said “Not much of a horror story, to be honest, there’s plenty of student housing available. I caught it early and got my house sorted by early October, and managed to find a great 5-bedroom house where a lot of parties for my society will be held.”
“Early morning training or late-night revision?
Claudio said, “Early morning training”.
Jez said, “Early morning training”.
“Must-have item in every student rental?
Harrison said “Free washing machine. Game changer.”
Keith said “Must have item has to be a Brita water filter”
“Dream post-match celebration location?
Doug said “Dream post-match celebration location would have to be at the Hoe at sunset”
Jez added “After Thursday matches has to be JSV”
“One thing you wish you knew before signing your first tenancy?
Franz and Keith had nothing to add
“Teammate you’d most trust as a housemate?
Dmitriy said “Jez or Doug as they seem very sensible and won’t annoy me”.
Kobe added “Easily Tyrone he falls asleep in my flat anyways so he’s basically already a flatmate.”
“Best thing about being part of this team?
Franz said “The friendships and connections I’ve made”
Claudio added “Best part of being in this team is that there’s people that are open to talking and listening about the stuff you experience in life and are always willing to help you”
Shoutout to a teammate who deserves more recognition!
Doug said “Shoutout to Claudio who already plays so much basketball for our university and the local national league team but also coaches the university women’s team and is joining our men’s committee and coaching for our BUCS team”
Dmitriy added “Nik, He is the GOAT end of”
The University of Plymouth Sharks believe that choosing the right student accommodation is about more than finding the cheapest rent. Living close to campus and training facilities, communicating well with housemates and choosing reliable landlords or letting agents can make university life much easier. Their biggest recommendation is to read verified student reviews before signing a tenancy agreement.
Finding student accommodation in Plymouth is much easier when you start your search early. Whether you’re looking for accommodation close to the University of Plymouth or comparing local landlords and letting agents, reading verified student reviews can help you make informed renting decisions. WhichPad provides genuine student feedback to help students find accommodation with confidence.
A huge thank you to the University of Plymouth Sharks Basketball Club for sharing their experiences with us. Whether you’re preparing for university, searching for student accommodation in Plymouth or comparing landlords and letting agents, learning from other students can help you make better renting decisions. WhichPad is proud to support student athletes while helping students find trusted accommodation through genuine student reviews.
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