Get Active in Devon: University of Exeter Sports Facilities Guide
Discover the world-class gyms, fitness classes, and sports clubs available at the University of Exeter.
Updated 7 min readUniversity of Exeter
An Introduction to Sporting Excellence in Devon
Renowned for its breathtaking green campuses, high-ranking academic programmes, and prestigious Russell Group status, the University of Exeter is equally famous for its unparalleled sporting pedigree. Regularly securing a top-five finish in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) rankings, Exeter is a verified powerhouse of UK student sport. Whether you are an elite athlete aiming for international glory, a casual gym-goer looking to burn off stress, or a complete beginner eager to try something new, the University of Exeter sports facilities offer world-class spaces to help you stay active.
For incoming freshers, navigating a new campus and establishing a healthy routine can feel overwhelming. Balancing academic deadlines with physical wellbeing is crucial for your mental health. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know about Exeter's state-of-the-art gyms, fitness options, and student sports networks across both the Streatham and St Luke's campuses.
The Hub of Fitness: Streatham Sports Park
Located at the top of the hilly Streatham Campus, the Sports Park serves as the central hub of athletic activity at Exeter. It houses some of the most advanced training environments in the South West, designed to accommodate both recreational fitness and high-performance training.
The Russell Seal Fitness Centre
The crown jewel of Streatham’s indoor facilities is the Russell Seal Fitness Centre. Spanning two floors, this highly modern gym underwent a multi-million-pound redevelopment to offer a premium exercise environment. It features over 200 stations of CV equipment, dedicated free weights zones with Olympic lifting platforms, and functional training rigs.
"The Russell Seal gym has everything you could ever need. When I first joined as a fresher, I was worried about it being intimidating, but the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, and the trainers are always on hand to help with your form." - Marcus, 2nd Year HistoryAdditional Streatham Facilities
Beyond the gym floor, the Sports Park boasts a vast array of specialized zones:
- Indoor and Outdoor Tennis Courts: Exeter features one of the premier tennis centres in the region, offering indoor acrylic courts and outdoor clay courts.
- Sports Halls: A massive double sports hall hosts badminton, basketball, netball, and indoor cricket.
- Squash Courts: Several high-quality squash courts are available for recreational booking and competitive matches.
- Outdoor Swimming Pool: Located nearby at Cornwall House, the open-air pool is a summer favourite for students looking to cool off and swim laps under the sun.
St Luke's Sports Centre: Compact and Professional
If you are studying Medicine, Nursing, or Education, you will spend much of your time on the historic St Luke’s Campus. You don't have to trek up to Streatham to get a workout; St Luke's has its own dedicated sports facilities that pack a major punch.
The Gym and Indoor Pool
St Luke's Sports Centre features a fully equipped, air-conditioned gym with a great range of resistance machines, free weights, and cardio gear. Because it is smaller, it benefits from a tight-knit, community-driven atmosphere. Additionally, St Luke's features an indoor 22-metre heated swimming pool, which is open year-round for lane swimming, aqua classes, and club training sessions.
Understanding Your Student Gym Membership Options
To access the fitness suites and book facilities, getting a student gym membership is your most cost-effective option. The university offers flexible pricing structures tailored to different budgets and lengths of study. Memberships can be purchased on an annual, termly, or monthly basis, with significant discounts applied if you buy early in the academic year.
| Membership Type | Access Included | Average Academic Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum Membership | Unlimited gym access (both campuses), all virtual & live fitness classes, and swimming pool access. | £250 - £290 (Annual) |
| Gold Membership | Unlimited gym access at Streatham and St Luke's, plus pool access (excludes studio classes). | £210 - £240 (Annual) |
| Saver/Off-Peak Membership | Gym and pool access restricted to off-peak hours (typically early mornings and early afternoons). | £150 - £180 (Annual) |
| Pay-As-You-Go | One-off access to gym, classes, or swimming pool. Best for occasional trainers. | £7 - £10 per session |
To purchase your membership, download the official ExeActive app or visit the reception desks at either the Streatham Sports Park or St Luke's Sports Centre. Be sure to look out for 'Early Bird' discounts during Freshers' Week.
The Athletic Union (AU): Competitive Sports Clubs
For those looking to represent the green and gold, the Athletic Union (AU) is the beating heart of competitive sport at Exeter. The AU supports over 50 student-led sports clubs, ranging from traditional disciplines like rugby, hockey, football, and netball, to niche pursuits like ultimate frisbee, clay pigeon shooting, and sailing.
Joining the Green and Gold
Exeter's AU clubs cater to all levels, but they are particularly famous for nurturing elite talent. To join an AU club:
How to Join an AU Club
- Visit the Sports Fair: Held during Freshers' Week, this is your chance to meet club captains, ask questions, and sign up for trials.
- Attend Trials and Tasters: Most clubs host open taster sessions during the first two weeks of Term 1. Competitive squads run selective trials to assign players to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th teams.
- Purchase AU Membership: To play for an official team, you must pay a nominal AU fee along with your specific club's subscription fee, which covers travel, coaching, and match kit.
Competing in BUCS leagues means traveling to other top universities across the UK, enjoying intense Wednesday afternoon matchdays, and participating in the legendary social nights that form the foundation of Exeter’s student community.
Intramural Sports: Fun, Social, and Low-Pressure
If you love playing sports but don't want the intense commitment of 3-4 training sessions a week plus long-distance travel, then intramural sports (often called Social Sport or Campus Leagues) are the perfect alternative.
These leagues are organised internally, allowing halls of residence, academic departments, or groups of friends to form teams and compete against each other in a relaxed, friendly environment. Popular intramural leagues include:
- 7-a-side and 11-a-side Football: Played weekly on the high-quality 3G pitches.
- Mixed Netball: A incredibly popular social league with weekly evening matches.
- Intramural Rugby & Hockey: Ideal for keeping up your skills without the pressure of regional travel.
Group Exercise: Dynamic Fitness Classes
If solo gym sessions aren't your style, Exeter offers an extensive programme of instructor-led fitness classes. These sessions run seven days a week across multiple dedicated studios at the Streatham Sports Park.
The class timetable is designed to accommodate busy student schedules, featuring morning, lunchtime, and evening slots. Popular classes include:
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) & Circuits: Perfect for a fast, calorie-burning sweat session between lectures.
- Spinning (Indoor Cycling): Hosted in a bespoke studio with motivating music and lighting.
- Mind & Body: Yoga and Pilates sessions to help improve flexibility, core strength, and mindfulness during exam seasons.
- Les Mills Favourites: Including BodyPump and BodyCombat, led by fully certified professional instructors.
Classes can be booked up to 8 days in advance via the ExeActive app. Spaces fill up quickly, especially during the first few weeks of term, so setting an alarm to book your favourite slot is highly recommended!
Staying Active Beyond the Gym
One of the best aspects of living in Exeter is the natural landscape of Devon itself. You don't have to stay indoors to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The university's active travel initiatives and geographic location offer endless outdoor opportunities:
- The Exe Estuary Trail: A beautiful flat route perfect for cycling or running, stretching from the city centre all the way to the coastal town of Exmouth.
- Dartmoor National Park: Located just a short drive or bus journey away, Dartmoor offers world-class hiking, trail running, and wild climbing.
- Water Sports: Exeter's proximity to the coast means the university’s sailing, windsurfing, and surf clubs make frequent trips to nearby Devon and Cornwall beaches.
By taking advantage of the vast array of indoor facilities, local leagues, and outdoor adventures, you will easily find a fitness rhythm that suits your lifestyle, helping you make the most of your memorable years at the University of Exeter.