A new chapter in a familiar city

'Since the age of 4, sport has been a constant in my life, with football taking up most of my time. As I got older, my participation in sport waned, however my passion for it remained strong. When I think about my future, I see sport as a field in which I can build a fulfilling and enjoyable career.

Sport Studies is a hands-on programme that centres around sport. I’m not someone who enjoys sitting in lectures all day, so I felt it would offer the right balance between theoretical and practical learning. Another big selling point for me was the internships and the guidance provided throughout the programme.

Wanting to live in Amsterdam was almost as big a reason for choosing Sport Studies as the content of the programme itself. Since my mum’s family live nearby, I’ve been visiting Amsterdam my whole life, so I already had a good sense of the city's vibe. I’m from the UK, and thanks to my Dutch dual nationality, I was able to study in Europe after Brexit without having to go through any complicated procedures.'

Getting to know your classmates

'The introduction week is an event that every future student should look forward to and attend. It’s a full week of activities that help you get to know your new classmates as well as the city of Amsterdam. You might not get much sleep and may feel a bit rough after spending a week in a tent, but I had a great time. It really made the transition to life in Amsterdam that little bit easier.'

A modern and vibrant campus

'My first impression of the campus was very positive. It felt modern and vibrant, with spaces not only for studying and learning, but also for relaxing and socialising. I was impressed by the international atmosphere and the diversity among my peers — a first-time experience for me in a school setting — which really added to the dynamic environment. The level of sport participation and the easy access to sporting facilities on campus were also a refreshing change from what I was used to in previous education.'

Looking through the lens of the sport industry

'This first year I enjoyed Marketing because it gave me insight into how sport brands build their identities, attract audiences, and strategically position themselves in a competitive global marketplace. Sport Psychology also captured my interest, as it explores the mental aspects of athletic performance, motivation, and teamwork. We learned to offer practical solutions for supporting athletes’ well-being and performance, using case studies and text analysis.

Although I had studied Economics before, I still found it interesting because this time we looked at it through the lens of the sport industry — exploring how financial decisions and market dynamics shape the sector, from revenue generation to the economic impact of sporting events.'

Embracing the student lifestyle 

'I moved to Amsterdam 2 years ago, and it has been one of the best experiences of my life. The vibrant culture and open-mindedness have created a backdrop of continuous learning and personal growth. Amsterdam is also architecturally stunning, offering more of a large town feel than that of a sprawling metropolis. The city’s international outlook and rich sporting culture have allowed me to see the practical application of my studies in a real-world context.

What stands out most for me is the student-friendly environment, which gives you plenty of opportunities to embrace the student lifestyle. Thanks to the balance within the Sport Studies programme and the amount of free time we have, there is a clear emphasis on exploring and enjoying the city alongside focusing on your studies.'

A strong emphasis on teamwork

'Working with fellow students on graded projects has been a new experience and a learning curve for me, but so far, I’ve really enjoyed it. The programme places strong emphasis on teamwork, with numerous group assignments that encourage us to combine different perspectives and skill sets. Fortunately, I’ve worked with people I get along with well, which has made the process more enjoyable and has also helped me get to know more classmates.

The nature of these group projects varies too. Right now, I’m organising an event for 60 participants with my Personal Professional Development group, while in the first quarter we had to create and perform a dance choreography in front of 300 people. I genuinely feel that this kind of collaborative environment has helped build a strong sense of community and support within our class.'

Explore the city and meet new people

'Be prepared to put in the effort with your studies, but also make sure to take time to explore the city and meet new people. Especially if you’re moving from abroad, this will really help you settle into your new environment.'