Running was never a sport that appealed to me. It involved doing cardio and facing the often cold UK weather outside. That all changed during the pandemic, when staying indoors began to affect my mental health. From then on, the running addiction took hold of me and I started running outside every week.

“Between exams, part-time work and homesickness, I wasn’t spending enough time exercising, let alone outdoors”

Although I love running outdoors, I often swim in the gym. Having grown up in countries where cold weather is the exception rather than the rule, swimming outdoors in winter was never an option. As an international student from the South of France and Nigeria, I had a hard time adapting to the British climate in my first year. Wind and rain were a daily struggle when I moved to Leeds, in the chilly north. It was also hard to adjust to my university schedule and new cultural environment. Between exams, part-time work and homesickness, I wasn’t spending enough time exercising, let alone outdoors. But that’s precisely when outdoor exercise can be most beneficial. At first I found it hard to motivate myself, so I began running with a friend. I started slowly and went from time to time, then often, before starting to run regularly. Little by little, I began to notice an improvement in my mental health by walking in parks and running outside.

Depending on how miserable the weather is or if you’re a morning person, you can adapt your timetable accordingly. I always recommend doing what suits you best. It’s important to listen to yourself when doing a sport. If running outdoors isn’t for you, there are other options. But it’s also important to go outside. The model of our society is often to stay indoors. Whether it’s going to the library, attending lectures or working in an office, we often miss out on fresh air. By devoting an hour a day to walking and running, you can get your dose of vitamin D!

“Rowing in cold weather can sometimes be difficult, but don’t let that stop you from giving it a go”

When I moved to Cambridge a year ago, I was amazed by the amount of green spaces the city has to offer. Whether it’s Jesus Green, Cambridge Meadows or Parker’s Piece, there are plenty of parks and green spaces where you can cycle, sit on the grass or go for a run. Coldham’s Common is my favourite, with lots of cows in the fields, sometimes even blocking your way! If you like a quiet spot where you can run without bumping into your supo partner, it’s also less busy than Parker Piece or Jesus Green.

It’s also hard not to mention Cambridge’s iconic sport, rowing, when listing the various outdoor sports options in the city. Rowing in cold weather can sometimes be difficult, but don’t let that stop you from giving it a go. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet other people, develop your fitness and explore the many beautiful landscapes the city has to offer. If you’re interested in rowing, you should check out your college’s rowing club. You’ll have the chance to join the novice teams during the Michaelmas and Lent terms.

If you like swimming or going to the gym, you won’t be disappointed either. Home to Britain’s longest outdoor swimming pools, the city also has a wide range of gym facilities and indoor pools to suit all tastes and locations. For climbers, squash, or badminton enthusiasts, there are also excellent indoor facilities. While this list is far from complete, I’ve personally tried and recommend Kelsey Kerridge, Rainbow Rocket Climbing Centre, and Cambridge City Badminton Club. I enjoy mixing indoor and outdoor activities — on rainy days, I often head to the gym or team up with a friend for indoor sports like spinning, climbing, or squash. Ultimately, it’s all about finding what works best for you, but don’t let the weather get you down!