Today, September 20th, we celebrate the International Day of University Sport, a day established to highlight the link between sports, study, and overall well-being. Sport is not just physical activity: it is health, balance, and socialization, but also a bridge that helps you integrate into a new city and feel part of a community. For us at Erasmus Student Network, who embrace the cause of health and well-being, promoting sport means offering international students not only a way to stay fit but also a precious opportunity to fully enjoy their Erasmus experience.
Are you an Erasmus or international student who has just arrived in Perugia and are eager to discover the sports opportunities the city has to offer? Then this article is for you! Perugia is surrounded by greenery, full of parks and trails to explore. Here you can go trekking or enjoy a simple walk, on your own or with your new friends. You’ll also find bike paths where you can spend a sunny day riding around the city. If you are more into organized outdoor activities, you can join golf or tennis clubs, some of which also offer padel courts. For indoor activities, Perugia has many gyms where you can take fitness classes or train in well-equipped facilities. If you study at the University of Perugia, you are entitled to discounts through the membership of the CUS (University Sports Centre). In this regard, from September 22nd to 26th there will be the Open Week at the Onaosi sports facilities, where you can try out basketball, football, volleyball, gym sessions, and fitness classes. If you are looking for something more specific, the city also offers a wide range of local sports associations, from dance schools to swimming, climbing, horse riding, and much more.
As part of our Welcome Week, you will also have the chance to join two special sports events designed just for you. On September 21st, we will go trekking along the scenic Sentiero delle Lavandaie, a route that passes through the Umbrian countryside just outside the historic center and follows part of the Tiber river, offering unique landscapes and the chance to discover nature together. On September 25th, we will dedicate an entire afternoon to beach volleyball, a fun way to play, team up, and enjoy an outdoor activity with fellow students.
Sport is an essential part of our mission at ESN: it means health, inclusion, fun, but also personal growth and connection. That’s why, beyond local activities, our network organizes larger-scale sporting events such as the National Erasmus Games, which bring together Erasmus students from all over Italy, and the International Erasmus Games, held at the European level, with the latest edition hosted in Milan from May 29th to June 1st, 2025. These events show how sport can unite cultures and people, overcoming any language or cultural barriers.
Whether you choose a hilltop trek, a beach volleyball match, a gym class, or a major international competition, sport will always be a precious companion during your adventure in Perugia and throughout your Erasmus journey.
by Francesca Bernacchi