Sport and exercise

Sport lovers

If you live for sports, you’ll quickly feel right at home at Herts. We have some of the best sports facilities of any UK university, which is why we’re the go-to for many aspiring athletes. From competitive teams to social leagues and big-match buzz, you’ll find the space to train, compete and thrive alongside your studies.

Stay active on campus

Staying active at Herts slots naturally into student life. Whether you’re squeezing in a quick workout, keeping on top of your fitness, competing with friends or just taking a break between lectures, everything you need is right on campus with our free, daily HertsSquad Active events.

At The Oval Gym on College Lane, you’ll find rows of cardio equipment alongside free weights, resistance machines and flexible training spaces – ideal for anything from a fast session between classes to a more focused routine.

On de Havilland, Hertfordshire Sports Village takes things up a level. With a 12 metre climbing wall, a 25 metre, 8-lane pool, indoor courts, two fully equipped studios and a 110+ station gym, it’s a space where students and elite athletes train side by side.

Wherever you’re at with your fitness, it’s easy to make it part of your everyday at Herts.

Join teams and take part in fixtures

Get your kit on and get straight into the action. Through Hertfordshire Students’ Union sports clubs, you’ll be part of a packed fixtures calendar across football, rugby, netball, basketball, athletics and more.

Sport at Herts quickly becomes more than a hobby. Early training sessions, midweek travel, the build-up to kick-off and the energy of matchday slot into your routine – until your team, your social life and your week start to revolve around it.

It’s not just about results. It’s the friendships built on long coach journeys, the post-match moments and the pride of representing Herts.

Not chasing competition? Social leagues and beginner sessions run all week, so you can try something new and play for the fun of it – no pressure, no experience needed.

Active days out

Not every sporting experience needs to be competitive. Across Hertfordshire, there are plenty of ways to stay active with friends in a more relaxed and social environment.

At Topgolf Watford, just a short trip from campus, golf becomes a fast-paced social activity where players compete in interactive games while food, music and group challenges keep the atmosphere lively. It’s designed to be fun whether you’ve played golf before or you're teeing off for the first time.

During warmer months, Aqua Splash, just outside Hatfield, transforms the lake at Stanborough Park into a giant inflatable obstacle course packed with slides, climbing sections and balance challenges. It’s chaotic, energetic and ideal for group days out when you want something active without the structure of organised sport.

Experience elite football live

If watching live sport matters just as much as playing it, you’re in a strong location to experience football at every level.

Watford FC, a University partner, brings Championship football within easy reach of campus, with Vicarage Road (25–35 minutes from Hatfield by car) offering a lively matchday atmosphere and a strong local fanbase throughout the season. You could also be lucky enough to win free match tickets from one of our regular competitions.

You’re also close to some of the biggest clubs in world football. Tottenham Hotspur play in one of Europe’s most modern stadiums in North London (45 minutes away by train), known for its huge atmosphere and major fixtures, while Arsenal, also based in North London, offers Premier League football at the Emirates Stadium. From title races to European nights, you’re within easy reach of elite-level football experiences across the season.

World-class sport and iconic events

From Grand Slam tennis Wimbledon to international athletics at the London Stadium, and major cup finals hosted at Wembley, the capital regularly becomes the centre of the global sporting calendar.

London also hosts NFL games, Formula E racing, boxing title fights and international rugby and cricket fixtures throughout the year, bringing world-class athletes and huge crowds into iconic venues.

Whether you’re watching live for the atmosphere, following your favourite teams or experiencing major events for the first time, these are the kinds of moments that make studying near London feel unique for sports fans.

Discover more

Looking for more ways to connect, get involved and make the most of your time at Herts? Explore other opportunities to build friendships, discover new interests and become part of the wider community.