'As shown by the amazing 2012 Olympics, the UK is mad about sport. Whether you want to compete or spectate, the UK has a huge range of sports on offer. '
In 2012 the UK hosted one of the most spectacular sporting shows on earth: the Olympic games.
But it's not all gold medals and podiums; the UK has had a place in sporting history for decades, with UK athletes winning global titles every year. As a student in the UK you will also have lots of opportunities to experience sport.
Student sport
Student sport is a great way to keep fit, meet new friends and have fun. School, college and university teams in sports such as rugby, hockey and football compete across the country, and usually meet once or twice a week for a training session.
There are plenty of ways to get involved with sport while you are studying in the UK. Many schools, colleges and universities have excellent facilities, which range from trampolines and football pitches to running tracks and swimming pools.
Many also run sports social clubs where you can try out activities such as mountain climbing, kayaking, rowing, horse-riding, tennis, cricket, dance, acrobatics, judo, yoga, cycling and much more.
You can find out more about what is available to you at your university's freshers' fair, or your school or college's student groups office. Most UK towns and cities also have gyms (often offering student discounts), ice skating rinks and athletic tracks - some even have velodromes or indoor ski slopes.
The legacy of the games
The Olympic games saw the UK team achieve phenomenal success - coming third in the medals table and winning 29 gold medals. The diversity and range of the sports, not to mention the motivation of the competitors, demonstrated the UK team's passion, dedication and hard work.
The games might be over, but there are still plenty of ways to support and watch events in the UK. From volleyball to basketball, ice hockey to gymnastics, the UK is home to several huge sporting arenas, which are hugely popular with spectators.
The beautiful game
Football is a bit of a national obsession in the UK, with hundreds of world-famous teams across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
You can buy match tickets to watch your chosen team play - many at student-friendly prices. There are several leagues in the UK and many bars and pubs often show crucial games.
Sporting heritage
From cricket to rugby, tennis to racing, the UK's sporting history is a fascinating journey back in time. Many stadiums have existed for hundreds of years and the world famous Wimbledon championships (part of the global 'Grand Slam' tournament) have been held in the UK since 1877. Many of the older sports grounds also have accompanying museums, so you can discover more about the UK's sporting heritage.
There are also plenty of alternative sports on offer in the UK. From ultimate frisbee to bog snorkelling, whatever your sport of choice, the UK can accommodate your interests.
Discover what sporting events and national competitions are on near you by using the Education UK interactive calendar.
But it's not all gold medals and podiums; the UK has had a place in sporting history for decades, with UK athletes winning global titles every year. As a student in the UK you will also have lots of opportunities to experience sport.
Student sport
Student sport is a great way to keep fit, meet new friends and have fun. School, college and university teams in sports such as rugby, hockey and football compete across the country, and usually meet once or twice a week for a training session.
There are plenty of ways to get involved with sport while you are studying in the UK. Many schools, colleges and universities have excellent facilities, which range from trampolines and football pitches to running tracks and swimming pools.
Many also run sports social clubs where you can try out activities such as mountain climbing, kayaking, rowing, horse-riding, tennis, cricket, dance, acrobatics, judo, yoga, cycling and much more.
You can find out more about what is available to you at your university's freshers' fair, or your school or college's student groups office. Most UK towns and cities also have gyms (often offering student discounts), ice skating rinks and athletic tracks - some even have velodromes or indoor ski slopes.
The legacy of the games
The Olympic games saw the UK team achieve phenomenal success - coming third in the medals table and winning 29 gold medals. The diversity and range of the sports, not to mention the motivation of the competitors, demonstrated the UK team's passion, dedication and hard work.
The games might be over, but there are still plenty of ways to support and watch events in the UK. From volleyball to basketball, ice hockey to gymnastics, the UK is home to several huge sporting arenas, which are hugely popular with spectators.
The beautiful game
Football is a bit of a national obsession in the UK, with hundreds of world-famous teams across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
You can buy match tickets to watch your chosen team play - many at student-friendly prices. There are several leagues in the UK and many bars and pubs often show crucial games.
Sporting heritage
From cricket to rugby, tennis to racing, the UK's sporting history is a fascinating journey back in time. Many stadiums have existed for hundreds of years and the world famous Wimbledon championships (part of the global 'Grand Slam' tournament) have been held in the UK since 1877. Many of the older sports grounds also have accompanying museums, so you can discover more about the UK's sporting heritage.
There are also plenty of alternative sports on offer in the UK. From ultimate frisbee to bog snorkelling, whatever your sport of choice, the UK can accommodate your interests.
Discover what sporting events and national competitions are on near you by using the Education UK interactive calendar.
