Your ultimate playbook for staying active, joining clubs, and making the most of athletics at Marjon.
Stepping onto the campus of the University of St Mark and St John (affectionately known as Marjon) means joining a tight-knit community with a proud, historic heritage in sport, education, and health. Located in Plymouth, Marjon has long punched above its weight when it comes to producing elite athletes, physical education teachers, and passionate fitness enthusiasts. Whether you are looking to compete at a high university level, keep up with your personal fitness routine, or simply try out a brand-new hobby, understanding how to navigate the University of St Mark and St John sports facilities is essential for a balanced student life.
Balancing lectures, seminars, assignments, and social commitments can be overwhelming for freshers. However, integrating physical activity into your weekly schedule is one of the best ways to combat academic stress, make lifelong friends, and stay healthy. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the on-site gym, sports clubs, fitness classes, athletic union, and intramural opportunities available to you.
Marjon boasts a fantastic range of dedicated sports and fitness infrastructure designed to cater to both elite performers and casual gym-goers. Because the institution has a stellar reputation for sports science and teaching coaching, the standard of equipment and spaces is exceptionally high. When you explore the campus, you will find modern training zones, versatile indoor halls, and outdoor pitches that serve as the heartbeat of student recreation.
Investing in your health during your degree doesn't have to be complicated. The university makes it easy to access these zones right on your doorstep, minimizing travel time and allowing you to fit a workout seamlessly between lectures. "Moving to Plymouth and starting my degree at Marjon was daunting, but the sports facilities and friendly staff made it so easy to find my tribe through football and the gym." - Liam, Sports Coaching Student
One of the first things freshers look into is getting a student gym membership. At Marjon, membership packages are tailored specifically with student budgets in mind. Unlike commercial high-street gyms that often lock you into rigid annual contracts with hidden fees, university membership plans usually offer flexible terms—such as academic-year passes or pay-as-you-go options.
Your membership typically grants you full access to the fitness suite, induction sessions with qualified personal trainers, and discounted or priority booking for various fitness classes. To help you budget for your transition to university life, consider the typical weekly and termly costs associated with staying active in Plymouth:
| Fitness Option | Average Cost (Student Rate) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Full Student Gym Membership (Termly) | £70 - £90 per term | Unlimited gym access, fitness suite, induction |
| Fitness Classes (Pay-As-You-Go) | £3 - £5 per class | Yoga, spinning, HIIT, circuits |
| Sports Club Annual Affiliation | £25 - £50 per year | Insurance, equipment upkeep, transport to fixtures |
| Intramural Sports Team Entry | £10 - £20 per team/league | Weekly social leagues, referee support, medals |
University isn't just about what happens in the lecture theatre; it is heavily defined by extracurricular life. The Marjon Student Union and its active athletic department oversee a diverse array of sports clubs catering to all interests and ability levels. Whether you are a seasoned competitor who wants to represent the university in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues or a complete beginner looking to try a sport for fun, there is a club waiting for you.
Popular clubs on campus range from traditional team sports like rugby, football, netball, and hockey to individual pursuits and niche recreational societies. Joining a club gives you immediate access to weekly training sessions, social events, Varsity competitions, and an instant social network of students from across different year groups and degree programs.
If traditional gym workouts or competitive sports aren't your style, you can take advantage of a rich schedule of fitness classes hosted on campus. These sessions are led by certified instructors who know how to keep energy levels high and motivation pumping. From high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and indoor cycling to strength conditioning, yoga, and Pilates, there is something to suit every mood and fitness goal.
Fitness classes are also a fantastic way to unwind after a long day of essay writing or revision. They provide structured, instructor-led workouts that take the guesswork out of your exercise routine. Plus, because they are held on campus, you can easily pop in with a classmate straight after your morning seminars.
Not everyone wants the rigorous training schedule or travel commitment of a BUCS team. That is where intramural sports come in. These casual, campus-based leagues allow you to form a team with your flatmates, course mates, or society members and play regular, friendly matches right there at Marjon.
Intramural leagues are all about participation, fun, and friendly rivalry. They are typically structured around popular sports like 5-a-side football, basketball, and netball. It’s the perfect compromise if you want to keep your competitive edge without sacrificing your weekends or study time.
Your time at the University of St Mark and St John is an incredible opportunity for personal growth, academic achievement, and physical wellbeing. By fully engaging with the incredible University of St Mark and St John sports facilities, joining vibrant sports clubs, and trying out new fitness classes, you will set yourself up for a healthy, balanced, and deeply memorable university journey. Take the plunge during Freshers' Week, explore what's on offer, and make fitness an enjoyable part of your student life in Plymouth!