Doing Sports as a Student in Groningen

Why Moving Your Body Actually Helps Your Brain

Why Working Out Matters

We all know exercise is “good for you,” but especially as a student, it is more than that, it’s practically survival. Your brain runs on caffeine and a bit of panic during exam season, and moving your body helps balance that out. A quick workout, a soccer match with some friends, or even a short walk helps you sleep better, think more clearly. 

Plus, studying in Groningen means you pretty much workout everyday anyways through all the biking. Seriously if you’ve ever cycled to class in a thunderstorm, you’ve basically done a workout. 

And yes, sometimes you’ll be too tired or busy, but the days you convince yourself to move anyway are the ones that make the biggest difference.  

Luckily, here in Groningen we have ACLO – the biggest student sports association in Europe. Here they offer everything from soccer and volleyball to rowing, dance, and even underwater hockey. Joining or trying a sports class or a club like this not only keeps you active but also gives you an instant friend group. If you’re new to Groningen, it’s one of the easiest ways to meet people who aren’t in your studies. 

And if organised sports like this aren’t really your thing? Go for runs, hit the gym, do yoga in your room, or just go on a long walk after your dinner. Even walking or biking more than you would normally do counts. Your body doesn’t care where you move, just that you do. 

Balancing Sports and Your Study

The hardest part of staying active as a student isn’t motivation, it is time. Between lectures, assignments, and trying to cook something that isn’t pasta pesto again, fitting in exercise sometimes feels impossible. The trick is to schedule it. Put it in your calendar like you would with a class, and don’t cancel on yourself. 

Small workouts also count. You don’t necessarily have to spend two hours at the gym every day. 20 minutes of movement is better than zero. Go for a quick run before dinner, do some stretching before bed, or bike for a longer route home.  

Why It ACTUALLY helps

Exercise doesn’t just make you feel better; it literally rewires your brain to function better. When you move, your body releases endorphins and dopamine that help fight stress and anxiety. It also boosts blood flow to your brain, which improves memory, focus, and creativity, basically everything you need to survive uni. Regular physical activity has been linked to better concentration, more stable moods, and even improved sleep quality (which is more needed than we want to admit). Studies have shown that students who exercise regularly tend to perform better academically and recover from stress faster after exams. So yes, a quick gym session or bike ride can actually help you study better. 

How To Start

You don’t have to be a pro athlete to benefit from sports. You just need to move enough to remind yourself that you have a body that benefits in all aspects if you move it. 

So, if you’ve been telling yourself, you will “start next week,” maybe start this week. Find something you actually enjoy, ask a friend to join, and move a little.