Discover membership, clubs, inclusive programmes and a busy events calendar to help you get active at the University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham offers many routes to get moving and meet new people, whether you are new to campus or returning. Our programmes combine social sport, competition and fitness to suit different goals. The aim is simple: help students FindYourActive through accessible options from gym access to joining a club.
If you want clear direction, the pages below summarise how to join, where to train, and which events to watch for so you can plan your time on campus.
Facilities include modern training spaces and organised sessions designed to make exercise easy to include in student life.
A single membership unlocks multiple resources so you can switch between solo training, group classes and club practice without hassle. This overview will explain the main pathways: formal squads, recreational play, structured fitness plans, leadership and inclusive offers. Each route is supported by staff who deliver coaching, bookings and welfare, ensuring students get the best from University of Nottingham Sport.
Membership and facilities
Choosing a sports and fitness membership gives you access to three fully equipped fitness suites and the pool, alongside a broad timetable of group classes and personalised support. Members benefit from over 150 weekly group exercise classes and the option of paid one-to-one sessions with instructors to build a tailored programme. Membership is the easiest way to take full advantage of on-campus facilities and to move between casual sessions and structured training, making it ideal for students who want flexibility combined with professional guidance.
Clubs, competition and casual play
There are more than 70 student sports clubs at the University, offering everything from social squads to teams that compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport BUCS leagues. Clubs have varying entry points: some hold trials at the start of term to form competitive sides, while many maintain open sections where players can join at any time. If you are aiming to represent the University, clubs provide coaching and fixture calendars, but there are also plenty of low-commitment options for students who want sport as a hobby rather than a high-performance pathway.
Intramural and Just Play options
For those who prefer casual competition, the campus runs an extensive intramural sports programme across multiple sports including football, netball and rugby. Teams can form from halls, societies or groups of friends and fixtures are scheduled on Wednesdays or at weekends. The Just Play programme is tailored for drop-in participation: it features over 30 sports and is either free with a sports and fitness membership or available at minimal cost. Just Play is an ideal way to try new activities without committing to training sessions.
Leadership, inclusion and support
Beyond playing and training, students can develop leadership skills through the Leadership Academy, which blends training, mentoring and real-world experience. Participants can coach in clubs, deliver sessions in local schools or take up officiating roles. The Academy suits students from all backgrounds and levels, and it is designed to build practical competencies that are valuable both on campus and in future careers. This pathway is an excellent way to combine volunteering, personal development and sporting involvement.
Disability sport and accessibility
Accessibility is a core part of the offer: there is a dedicated disability sport provision for students with disabilities or long-term medical conditions. Benefits include discounted memberships, supported fitness sessions and inclusive activities run alongside mainstream programmes. Clubs also work to make training and events accessible, so students with additional needs can participate fully. These measures ensure that sporting life at the University is welcoming and practical for everyone.
Events calendar and how to get involved
The campus hosts a variety of events throughout the year that provide extra opportunities to get active, spectate or fundraise. Recent and upcoming highlights include: Active Living Inflatable Aqua Park at Spring Lakes Watersports and Leisure Centre on Wed, 13 May 2026 | 13:00 – 15:00; the Netball Super League match Nottingham Forest vs Manchester Thunder at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena on Fri, 22 May 2026 | 19:00 – 21:00; the charity hockey tournament Grace O’Malley-Kumar Cup 2026 at Nottingham Hockey Centre on Sat, 6 June 2026 | 10:00 – 23:00; and the World Masters Ultimate Club Championships at Highfields Sports Complex from 28 June 2026 10:00 AM – 4 July 2026 16:00 PM. Each event has its own entry details and costs, with many offering discounts for members.
Whether you aim to compete, learn a new sport, develop leadership skills or simply keep fit, the University of Nottingham provides structured pathways and varied events to support those goals. Explore membership options, attend a taster session, or drop into one of the many weekly activities to begin your own FindYourActive journey on campus.
