How to make the most of world-class gyms, fitness classes, and clubs at the UK's top sporting university.
When it comes to university sports in the UK, few institutions can match the reputation of the University of Nottingham (UoN). Regularly crowned 'Sports University of the Year' by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, and consistently sitting in the top three of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues, Nottingham is a true sporting powerhouse. The famous 'Green and Gold' legacy is built on a foundation of elite performance, but it is equally dedicated to grassroots fitness, wellness, and casual play.
For incoming freshers, navigating the sheer scale of the University of Nottingham sports facilities can feel overwhelming. Whether you are an aspiring Olympian, a casual gym-goer, or someone who simply wants to try a new sport for fun, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about gym memberships, sports clubs, fitness classes, and social leagues.
The university has invested over £50 million in its sporting infrastructure, resulting in three distinct sport and fitness hubs across its campuses. No matter where you live or study, high-grade training spaces are never far away.
Serving as the flagship hub of UoN Sport, the David Ross Sports Village (DRSV) is a spectacular £40 million venue located on the main University Park campus. It is widely regarded as one of the finest collegiate sports facilities in Europe. Inside, you will find:
For students living near Wollaton or studying at the innovative Jubilee Campus, the Jubilee Sports Centre offers a modern, highly accessible fitness environment. While smaller than DRSV, it houses a fully equipped 100-station fitness suite, a multi-purpose sports hall for badminton and basketball, and an active studio for group workouts.
Located on the southern biosciences and veterinary medicine campus, Sutton Bonington boasts its own dedicated sports centre. It features a modern fitness suite, a large sports hall, outdoor grass pitches, and a popular bouldering wall. It ensures that students based outside the main city hub do not miss out on top-tier active spaces.
"Walking into the David Ross Sports Village for the first time during Welcome Week blew me away. It feels like a training ground for professional athletes, but it's incredibly welcoming for normal students who just want to stay healthy." - Chloe Davies, 2nd Year Psychology StudentTo access these incredible University of Nottingham sports facilities, students are encouraged to purchase a student gym membership. UoN Sport offers flexible packages that provide unlimited access to all three campus fitness suites, the swimming pool, and a massive weekly schedule of fitness classes.
| Membership Type | Duration | Approx. Price | What is Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| UoN Sport All-Inclusive | Academic Year (Sept - June) | £229.00 | Gym access, pool, 100+ fitness classes, court booking, active trail. |
| Single Term Pass | One Term (Autumn, Spring, or Summer) | £95.00 | Full gym, pool, and class access for a single term. |
| Sutton Bonington Only | Academic Year | £150.00 | Full access to SB campus gym facilities and local classes. |
If solo gym sessions do not motivate you, the university hosts over 100 weekly fitness classes across its campuses. These classes are led by professional instructors and cater to all fitness levels, from absolute beginners to high-intensity training enthusiasts.
You can easily book classes via the UoN Sport app. The diverse timetable includes:
For those looking to represent the Green and Gold on a national stage, the University of Nottingham Athletic Union (AU) is your gateway. The AU supports over 70 student-run sports clubs, spanning traditional team sports like rugby, football, hockey, and netball, to niche activities like Ultimate Frisbee, archery, gliding, and dodgeball.
UoN clubs compete fiercely in the BUCS leagues every Wednesday (known as 'BUCS Wednesday'). Joining an AU club is also the pathway to competing in the legendary Nottingham Varsity Series against local rivals Nottingham Trent University—one of the biggest varsity events in the UK, drawing thousands of spectators every spring.
"Joining the AU Lacrosse club was the best decision I made. The team bond is amazing, the training sessions are elite, and the Wednesday night socials are legendary." - Marcus Thompson, 3rd Year Business Management StudentNot everyone wants the high-pressure commitment of elite AU sports. If you want to play competitive sport in a relaxed, friendly environment, the university's award-winning intramural sports (IMS) programme is the perfect alternative. This is one of the largest campus sports programmes in the country.
IMS allows you to team up with your hall of residence, your academic department, or a group of friends to compete in weekly leagues. Sports include 11-a-side football, netball, basketball, mixed hockey, and rugby.
UoN Sport is dedicated to making physical activity accessible to absolutely everyone. If you have a disability, the facilities at DRSV and Jubilee are fully accessible, featuring adapted gym equipment, hoist systems for the pool, and specialized coaching staff.
The university also runs the 'Active Living' and 'Empower' programmes, designed to help students struggling with mental health, low body confidence, or inactivity ease into exercise in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
To hit the ground running when you arrive in Nottingham, keep these quick steps in mind: