Survey reveals students need more flexible and affordable opportunities for physical activity

In June 2025, the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club conducted a survey on the physical activity habits of the university community. The results show (in Estonian) that students generally consider their lifestyle to be healthy and engage in physical activity 3–5 times a week, preferring jogging, cycling, gym workouts, and group exercise.

The main barriers to being more physically active were lack of time, fluctuating motivation, and financial constraints. Students expect the university to offer more affordable training options, active breaks during the school day, and more supervised workouts and challenges.

“It is clear that price and flexibility are crucial for young people. We wish to offer students more training opportunities that fit into their demanding study schedules and are affordable,” said Gert Prants, Head of the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club. In August, the sports club hired a new Sports Manager, Ragnar Rooba, to better coordinate physical exercise initiatives for students and staff.

To meet students’ expectations, a new optional course “Practice Sport for Health Benefits” (3 ECTS) began in September, offering six disciplines to choose from: badminton, volleyball, basketball, yoga, aerobics, and gym workouts. The course proved very popular among students, with the 20-person groups filling up quickly. It will be offered again in the spring semester.

In the second week of September, the University of Tartu students and staff can join the free community running club TÜ Sörk, which aims to bring the university family together for friendly, non-competitive jogging. The group runs take place once a week, all year round, in the city of Tartu. Each run lasts about 30–35 minutes at a relaxed pace (approx. 6–7 min/km). Information about the runs can be found on the Academic Sports Club’s Facebook page.

As before, all UT students can train at the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club at a discounted rate: a semester pass, which includes access to the athletics hall and the first and second floor gyms, costs €50 for students. Those interested in group exercise can purchase a fitness club pass for €49 per month, which includes unlimited group exercise sessions and gym access on all three floors. Free group sessions in various sports are also available to students at the university’s sports hall. More information about training opportunities can be found on the sports club’s website.

Until 21 September, students and their friends and family members can also complete the University of Tartu orienteering course “Exploring Tartu along Struve Geodetic Arc”.

From 16–22 September, Tartu celebrates the annual European Mobility Week, during which public events highlight the needs of different groups of road users in urban space. Read more on the City of Tartu’s website.

Come and move with the university community – choose a sport that suits you and take the first step this week. See you at training!