Moving abroad for university can feel daunting if gaming is a big part of your life. Many international students fear losing their connection to competitive gaming. The good news? The UK’s growing eSports scene makes it easier than ever to play, compete and build community. By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to get involved, find scholarships, and choose the right student housing to support your goals.

Why eSports in the UK is Growing Fast

The UK’s gaming industry is Europe’s second largest, worth over £7.8 billion according to the British Esports Federation. Over 100 UK universities run official eSports teams and societies. For students aged 18–24, eSports opens doors to skills, scholarships and career pathways.

Benefits of Joining a University eSports Society

Becoming part of your university’s eSports club offers many benefits:

  • Build friendships quickly.

  • Develop teamwork and communication skills.

  • Compete in leagues run by NSE.

  • Take part in LAN events and bootcamps.

  • Explore potential careers in gaming or digital media.

Research Universities with eSports Scholarships

Before applying, check universities with strong eSports programmes or scholarships:

  • University of Roehampton: Offers scholarships up to £1,500.

  • Staffordshire University: Runs the UK’s first eSports degree.

  • University of Warwick: Multiple-time NSE champions.

Join Your eSports Society Early

Most universities hold freshers’ fairs where you can sign up for clubs. Join Discord groups and introduce yourself. Even beginners are welcome. For extra support, see advice from UKCISA.

Get the Right Gaming Setup

Make sure your gear is ready:

  • Use a laptop or PC with a good GPU and enough RAM.

  • Bring your preferred headset, keyboard and mouse.

  • Pick housing with strong broadband. Slow Wi-Fi means lost matches.

Balance Gaming and Study

Balance is key. Try this:

  • Block out study time in your calendar.

  • Use gaming as a reward.

  • Talk to your team about your deadlines.

Compete in Official Tournaments

Don’t wait too long. Most societies compete in NSE leagues and British Esports Federation competitions. Games include League of Legends, Valorant, CS:GO and Rocket League. You can also find matches on Faceit and Battlefy.

Grow Your Gaming Profile

Many student gamers stream or post clips online to share their gameplay, build an audience, gain followers and practice skills like shoutcasting, editing and community engagement. By streaming matches or uploading videos, you develop confidence and build a useful digital media experience that can help land gaming internships or jobs in broadcasting, content creation, event production or marketing in the wider eSports industry.

Choose Housing That Supports Your Play

Where you live impacts your game:

  • Stay near campus to save time.

  • Check for high-speed broadband.

  • Choose a room with enough space for your setup.

  • Private rooms help with late matches.

Find thousands of student rooms at StudentTenant.com.

Common Questions

Do I need to be a pro?
No. Most teams welcome casual players.

Which games are popular?
League of Legends, Valorant, CS:GO, Rocket League, Overwatch 2.

Does gaming hurt my study?
No, if you plan your time well.

Are scholarships available?
Some universities offer them. See Chevening.

Conclusion

Getting into competitive gaming while studying in the UK as an international student is possible and rewarding. From joining an active eSports society and building new friendships to balancing your study schedule and entering tournaments, the UK’s vibrant gaming scene has a place for everyone. Make sure you research the best universities for gaming opportunities, plan your setup, and choose reliable student accommodation that supports your goals. With the right mindset and preparation, you can enjoy both academic success and gaming growth during your time abroad. Find your perfect student room with Student Tenant and start your journey today.