Not a varsity athlete? Perfect. Try these club sports instead

Want to try out a sport but new to it? Here are five club sports open to students of all experience levels.

Artwork by Vernon Demir/The Barnard Bulletin

By Jing Huang

April 11, 2026

There are nearly 600 clubs offered at Barnard and Columbia. From arts, pre-professional, and service clubs to recreational and sports clubs, there is surely a place for everyone. In particular, joining intramural sports, also known as club sports, is a perfect way to try out new activities in college and requires little time commitment. Club sports are a great way to stay active while focusing on having fun and finding community. 

1. Columbia University Archery Club

The Archery Club offers a non-competitive space to try archery. The club provides equipment for members without their own archery gear and offers professional coaching in safety, shooting form, and equipment maintenance. The shooting range is on the fourth floor of Nash Building at 3280 Broadway, which is about a 15-minute walk from the Barnard and Columbia campuses. 

Costs: Club dues are $45 for undergraduates and $60 for graduate students and other Columbia affiliates, covering the cost of equipment and membership. 

2. Columbia Women’s Volleyball Club

The Women’s Volleyball Club hosts practices twice a week, along with Saturday tournaments every two weeks for some fun and friendly competition. Equipment is provided with club dues, and practices are held at Levien Gymnasium in the Dodge Fitness Center.

Costs: Dues are $50 for undergraduates and $65.50 for graduate students and non-students. If a member joins but cannot attend tournaments or chooses to leave before mid-semester, a full refund is available. 

3. Columbia University Rock Climbing Club

The Rock Climbing Club provides opportunities for both indoor and outdoor rock climbing. For outdoor climbing opportunities, the club offers a variety of trips to climbing areas like Central Park. Gear — including sport climbing gear, outdoor bouldering pads, and trad racks — is provided with club dues. Competition is an option in the spring semester through the USA Climbing collegiate league. Most practices are held at Movement Harlem at 256 W 125th St, which is a 16 minute bus ride from the Barnard and Columbia campuses. 

Costs: Dues are $15 per semester for undergraduates and $25 for graduate students and non-students.

4. Columbia University Equestrian Club

Although the Equestrian Club consists of show team riders who compete, riders with no experience are also welcome. The club dues do not cover boots, helmets, or breeches; riders are responsible for buying their own. New members can schedule riding lessons around their school schedules, and anyone can book private lessons or group lessons. Training sessions are held at the Falkirk Farm in Central Valley, which is a one-hour commute by train or a 40-minute bus ride from the Barnard and Columbia campuses. 

Costs: Dues are $150 per semester for undergraduates and $210 for graduate students and non-students.

5. Columbia University Badminton Club

The Badminton Club hosts practices and tournaments every semester. Players at all levels of badminton are welcome, so do not be afraid to come with a friend or meet new friends and practice for ten minutes or an hour! Rackets and all equipment are provided with club dues. Weekly practices are held at the “Blue Gym” in the Dodge Fitness Center.

Costs: Dues are $30 per semester for undergraduates and $40 for graduate students and non-students.

The Columbia club fair hosts hundreds of opportunities to try something new, and club sports are some of the many opportunities that do not require prior experience. Whether you are picking up a racket or climbing for the first time, these clubs make it easy to get involved!