Submitted by Triinu
on
This blog post was written by our student ambassador Ashley Vanessa, who is a student of the Computer Science programme at University of Tartu.
Being a student is already a lot to handle. New country, new routine, new everything. Somewhere between deadlines and trying to adjust, it really is easy to stop moving altogether. But staying active should not be too hard, and it doesn’t have to cost much either. Once you find something you enjoy, it actually makes a big difference. Here are a few ways to keep moving while you study.
Gym
If you are studying at the University of Tartu, you already have a pretty good option. The UT Academic Sports Club is discounted for students, and there are no long-term contracts, which is ideal if you’re only here for a semester or two. You can just get a semester pass or a student discount with your ID or ISIC card. Across Estonia, there are also chain gyms that offer discounts to students.
If you don’t feel like going to an actual gym, outdoor gyms are a really good option, especially when the weather is decent. Tartu has a few free outdoor workout spots with basic equipment like dip stations and other bodyweight setups. They’re open all the time, and you don’t need to pay anything, which is kind of perfect as a student.
Running
Running is free, and Estonia is actually a great place for it. Both Tartu and Tallinn have numerous parks and forests, so they are not crowded. Running in winter is a different experience. It’s cold, obviously, but people still do it. If you try it at least once, you’ll see why.
Sports Club or Team
This is one of the easiest ways to stay active and meet people at the same time. The UT Academic Sports Club offers sessions in things like badminton and table tennis. Also, most universities have their own student teams and clubs, from basketball to rowing. There are also community-run clubs that you can join.
Go Outside
Estonia has a lot of nature, and it’s never too far away. You can go hiking, cycling, canoeing, or just walk through a park. In Tartu, you can paddle along the river or just spend time outdoors without needing to plan much. If you’ve never walked through a bog before, you should try it. It’s a bit strange at first, but it is an experience to be remembered.
