From Freshers to Fish: Your Ultimate Guide to Making a Splash in Uni Swimming This Freshers Week!

Are You Ready to Dive in?

Starting uni? You’re in the right lane. The British University Swimming League (BUSL) is back for 2025 — with a record breaking 67 teams to enter this academic year. BUSL is a student-run league that brings uni swimmers together from across the UK for racing that’s fun, friendly, and still seriously competitive.

Following last year’s exciting updates, we’re keeping the momentum going with a jam-packed calendar of events — think quick-fire duel meets, classic galas, and our massive National Final. It’s all about giving you loads of chances to race, meet other swimmers, and get stuck into the uni swimming scene.

Run entirely by students, BUSL is built on a genuine love for the sport and a shared goal of making university swimming more exciting, accessible, and community-driven. Whether you're here to chase PBs or just keen to be part of a buzzing team environment, there’s a lane for you.

Our Lane Our Rules!

Each team will be placed into a local conference consisting of 4 teams. These teams will battle throughout the course of our Phase 1 and Phase 2 meets for qualification for our National Finals.

Phase 1: Dual Meets

The four teams within each conference compete in a round-robin format over three matchdays throughout the first semester. (Minimum requirements for hosting a dual meet can be found on our website.)

Phase 2: Conference Championship Gala

Phase 2 takes place around January. Teams compete in a more classic type of gala which sees all four of the teams in each conference go head to head to secure their spots in the National Finals.

This phase introduces a refreshed event lineup, including a 200m Freestyle and the fan-favourite 8x50 Cannon Relay. The Skins event offers high points and exciting mid-meet action. The winning team earns a place in the National A Final in March, while others may receive invites to the National B Final.

Phase 3: The National Final

Our National Finals are the pinnacle of the swimming year. We aim to have as many teams as possible at our Finals. All conference winners automatically qualify; then we invite the best second-placed teams until capacity is reached.

If you need any more details about any of the Phases or any other details, please check out our 'National Conditions' document or contact us via email.

More than Just Laps

BUSL is about more than just getting in the pool — it’s the chance to race head-to-head with universities across the country, test yourself against new competition, and be part of something bigger than your own club. Every meet is an opportunity to push your limits, represent your uni, and enjoy the unique team atmosphere that makes student swimming so exciting. Follow BUSL on Instagram for updates, results, and highlights from across the league.