EUSA Insider:

Laura Ramstein

Age:                   26
Place of Birth:  Muttenz, Switzerland
University:        Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (SUI)
Sport:                Orienteering                                                                               Published 3 September 2019

How and why did you get involved in Orienteering?
Our family got invited to an Orienteering competition by friends. I liked orienteering from the beginning as it was a bit like treasure hunting in the nature. As a teenager I then got to know Orienteering as a sport and enjoyed the challenges of map-reading at high running speed. Being outside in the nature and getting a new challenge in varying terrains still fascinates me every time.

What do you study, and how do you balance your study, training and competition?
I’m studying Environmental Science with a specialisation in Forest and Landscape Management. For the first year-and-a-half I was focusing on my studies. Afterwards it was easier to study part-time and to focus on both, my studies and Orienteering. I think it’s all about organising yourself well. I was looking quite a bit ahead and planned phases with more focus on studies or on sports, respectively. Sports definitely gave me a good balance to my studies.



Tell us about your experiences at the European Universities Championships 2019. Was it your first time at a EUSA event, and what did you enjoy the most?
It was my first time at a EUSA event as it was the first European Universities Championships in Orienteering. The sprint relay was a nice and tough fight. Our team got unofficially awarded for ‘best cheering’ - the atmosphere was definitely very motivating.

Why do you think taking part in university sport is important?
For me, sport is an important balance to my studies. You get some fresh air, can stretch your legs after many hours just sitting and sometimes you can also study during sports. At least while running I was sometimes taking my flashcards with me and enjoyed the varying learning environment. Furthermore, you get to know people from different kinds of studies. This exchange is very valuable as you’re often studying and hanging out together with your friends from the same studies.

“Being outside in the nature and getting a new challenge in varying terrains still fascinates me every time.”

Next year the European Universities Games are taking place in Belgrade, Serbia. Are you hoping to be there, and if so, what do you hope to achieve?
As I’m almost finished with my studies, I might not be able to start again in Serbia. However, it would be nice to fight again with my boyfriend for the gold medal in the sprint relay. With a third and second place, one medal is still missing.

What is your favourite university sport moment?
I don’t come across any specific moment, but I really enjoyed the sport offer of our university sport association and the possibility to try new sports every now and then. It’s great to get such a big choice of different kinds of sport.



What is your message to European student-athletes like yourself?
Organise yourself, so that there is time to enjoy sport in balance with your studies! And take advantage of the different sport offers at the universities. You might not get as good possibilities to try new sports and get into contact with new people anymore, as it may only be possible during your time at university.

EUSA would like to congratulate Laura for her success at the 2019 European Universities Championships, and we wish her all the best for the future!