The University of Plymouth Ladies’ Hockey Club is one of the University’s most successful and welcoming sports clubs, bringing together over 65 student athletes across three competitive teams. Following an outstanding season that saw the Ladies’ 1st Team win the Division 2 South title, WhichPad sat down with Chairlady Emily Reid to discuss university life, competitive hockey and the challenges of finding student accommodation in Plymouth.
Team Quick Facts
- University: University of Plymouth
- Sport: Ladies’ Hockey Club
- Achievements: Ladies’ 1st Team – Division 2 South Champions (2025/26)
- Squad Size: Three teams with over 65 members
- Sponsored by: WhichPad
The Spotlight Interview:
Tell us about the team this season – what are your biggest goals and highlights so far?
Emily Reid: Last season was fantastic. Our Ladies’ 1st Team secured promotion to Division 1 South after winning the league, while our Ladies’ 2nd and 3rd Teams raised an incredible £2,000 for the RNLI and Alzheimer’s Society during the True Varsity match.
How do you balance intense training schedules with university studies and student life?
It can be difficult, especially during assignment deadlines, but planning your week in advance really helps. I block out training sessions, lectures and time with friends, which makes it much easier to see where I have time available. Seeing my teammates at training is also a great motivation.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to incoming freshers wanting to join a sports team?
Get involved—you won’t regret it. Joining a sports club is one of the best ways to meet new people, make friends and settle into university life.
As student athletes, what are the most important factors when choosing where to live?
Location is incredibly important. Living close to campus, training facilities and teammates makes student life much easier. It’s also essential to choose a reputable landlord or letting agent.
Have you had any funny or memorable experiences with teammates while house-hunting?
Nothing too crazy but viewing properties with teammates was a good laugh. Everyone had different ideas about what made the “perfect” student house, so there were plenty of opinions.
What are the biggest challenges student renters face?
I’d say affordability is the biggest challenge, especially when balancing rent with other student expenses. It can also be difficult to find a house that’s in a good location, well maintained and available. For groups of friends, agreeing on a property that suits everyone’s budget and preferences can be another challenge.
If you could give one tip to other students about choosing a letting agent or landlord, what would it be?
Do your research. Read online reviews, speak to other students about their experiences with landlords and letting agents, and always view the property in person before signing a tenancy agreement.
How important is it to live close to your teammates?
Living close to teammates makes university life much easier. Whether it’s walking to training together, going on nights out or simply popping round for a catch-up, it helps build stronger friendships.
What does the WhichPad sponsorship mean to the team?
WhichPad’s sponsorship helps the team with lots of costs we as a club face but also allows us to sign post our members to a great service when it comes to house hunting time.
What’s next for the team?
We hope all three teams continue to enjoy success on the pitch while making the most of another fantastic year of hockey, socials and university life.
🚀Rapid Fire Round with Reid.
Favourite study spot on campus?
Library floor 3!
“Best takeaway near your student house?
A Food 4 U post nightout
“House-hunting horror story or win?
“Win: Managed to avoid a bidding war”.
“Early morning training or late-night revision?
Late night revision
“Must-have item in every student rental?
An outside space
Dream post-match celebration location?
Crafty’s or SU roof when it’s sunny
“One thing you wish you knew before signing your first tenancy?
Who’d be in charge of the cleaning
“Teammate you’d most trust as a housemate?
That’s a hard choice, I have too many!
“Best thing about being part of this team?
Getting to meet all the lovely girls I call my friends!
Shoutout to a teammate who deserves more recognition!
My whole committee have been amazing over summer a special mention to Zoe and Grater who’ve answered my countless calls and texts.
UPLHC players believe that choosing the right student accommodation is about much more than finding a place to live. Living close to campus and teammates, choosing reliable landlords and reading verified student reviews can make university life much easier. Their biggest recommendation is to research letting agents carefully and understand your tenancy agreement before signing.
Finding student accommodation in Plymouth can be competitive, particularly before the academic year begins. Whether you’re searching 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 choose accommodation with confidence.
A huge thank you to the University of Plymouth Ladies’ Hockey 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.
Follow University of Plymouth Ladies’ Hockey Club @uplhc and @plymunihockey
Follow WhichPad @whichpadonline
