Diving Into The British University Swimming League

Everything you need to know about the BUSL, one of the largest student-run sports leagues in the UK University sports community.

Beyond the many different events and competitions organized by the UK’s governing body of university sport, BUCS, there are also opportunities for students to pursue their sporting passions in external leagues without conflicting with BUCS competitions.

One standout example is the British University Swimming League (BUSL), a competitive swim league entirely run by university students.

From experienced athletes to beginners, the BUSL welcomes swimmers from all backgrounds, offering an inclusive and competitive environment for passionate students to enjoy the sport. The league is designed to provide additional competitive opportunities to students in the U.K., complementing the established BUCS format.

As the official Media and Recruitment Partner of BUSL, we’re thrilled to offer a glimpse into this vibrant swimming community and the opportunities it provides for students to embrace their love for swimming.

The League provides passionate swimmers from across the country with the opportunity to experience competitive racing throughout the year, alongside BUCS events such as the Short Course and Long Course Championships.

Now is in its third season, there are 62 teams participating in the current 23/24 season, with an annual Finals Day set to feature the top 32 teams.

The BUSL Season

The BUSL season unfolds in three exciting phases, providing ample opportunities for swimmers to compete throughout the year. From Duel Meets in October to the Grand Finals in March, find out what happens in each phase here.

Phase 1 of the BUSL season introduces dual-meet swimming to the university scene, taking place from October to the Christmas break.

At the beginning of the season, participating teams are organized into conferences based on their location. Within each conference, teams engage in a round-robin format over three match days, featuring a variety of events, ranging from 50 and 100m strokes to a 100m Individual Medley.

Beginning in January, Phase 2 involves a classic gala format where the four teams in each conference compete head-to-head.

This phase serves as a qualifier for the National Finals (Phase 3). With a modified program featuring a 200m Freestyle, an 8×50 cannon relay, and thrilling skins events, Phase 2 is an exhilarating step towards the season finale.

The pinnacle of the BUSL season, Phase 3 gathers Conference winners and invites top-performing second-placed teams to compete in the National Finals.

The event has experienced substantial growth, with 600 swimmers participating last year. The program includes exciting additions like a 4 x 50 mixed medley relay and enhanced skins events, creating a grand spectacle for participants and spectators alike.

BUSL – An Inclusive Community of Passionate Swimmers

Now in its third season, the BUSL continues to thrive. With 62 university teams making a splash this year, the League offers university students an expansive platform to engage in competitive swimming alongside their academic pursuits.

Beyond being merely a competition, the British University Swimming League is a celebration of the student-athlete spirit. It extends students the chance to proudly represent their university, connect with like-minded peers, and become part of a thriving swimming community.

Find your BUSL Swim Team with The Student Sport Company

Along with being the official Recruitment Partner of BUSL, we at The Student Sport Company are partnered with the best swimming universities in the UK, making us experts in advising ambitious swimmers on where to study.

Whether you’re an experienced athlete or just diving into competitive swimming, we can match you with a UK University Swim Team that aligns with your goals.

Register your details for our free one-to-one counseling service today and discover the exciting opportunities awaiting you in the world of UK university swimming.