Sport in Kouvola: Where Students Train, Explore and Belong

Vol,28, Issue 06, 17 October 2025 

Kouvola isn’t just for studying, it’s a city to stay active. With lakes, forests, and trails, students can combine learning with outdoor life. We met Gleb, an exchange student from Germany in the Digital International Business programme at Xamk, to hear about his experience.

When you first arrived in Kouvola, what was your impression of the local sports scene?
“When I arrived, I felt the city was smaller and colder than back home,” Gleb laughs. “But if you want to be active, there are so many options. Near the classrooms there’s a small gym for weight training or calisthenics, and we also play football and basketball. My favourite spot, though, is the lake at Tukkukatu: you can work out, swim, and just breathe fresh air.”

And what about Xamk’s sports facilities?
“At Xamk, the gym isn’t very crowded, but it can be uncomfortable because a lot of people pass by on the side, it’s located between classrooms, not in a dedicated space like we had in Germany. So it’s a bit distracting when you’re trying to train. Outside the campus, we often play football or basketball near the apartments, and the “Monday sports” sessions are great to meet Finnish students.”

Outdoor life seems important here. Have you tried Finnish activities yet?
“Not really, not yet,” Gleb admits. “The only activity I’ve really tried that feels typically Finnish is swimming in the lakes, and I really enjoy it. I haven’t done ice hockey, skiing, or snowboarding yet, but I hope to try them this winter.”

How do you usually stay active outside, is it easy to train without a gym?
“For the sports I usually do, like gymnastics or calisthenics, you don’t need much equipment. You can do it almost anywhere, just a bar is enough. Even beginners can start with push-ups or simple exercises. I also like cycling through the forest; the fresh air and the light make it amazing. As long as it’s not too cold, I prefer to train outside, but later in winter, I’ll need to find other ways to stay active.”

Does sports influence your experience in Kouvola?
“Yes, absolutely,” Gleb says. “I’m the type of person for who sport is very important. It has a big impact on how much I enjoy and have fun wherever I am. It’s a really important part of my life.”

His advice to newcomers?
“First of all, get to know people,” Gleb advises. “When you meet others who like the same sports as you, it’s much easier to plan sessions and stay active. You’ll naturally find opportunities to play and exercise together. And one place I definitely recommend is the lake: in summer, it’s a no-brainer!”