Inside the Elite University of Nottingham Sports Facilities
How to make the most of world-class gyms, fitness classes, and clubs at the UK's top sporting university.
Updated 6 min readUniversity of Nottingham
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 Crown Jewels: World-Class Campus Facilities
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.
1. David Ross Sports Village (University Park Campus)
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:
- The Fitness Suite: A massive, 200-station gym packed with state-of-the-art cardiovascular kit, resistance machines, and a dedicated high-performance free-weights area.
- Swimming Pool: A premier 25-metre, eight-lane swimming pool equipped with an adjustable floor, perfect for both casual swim sessions and water polo matches.
- Sports Halls & Courts: A main sports hall with seating for up to 2,000 spectators, hosting major BUCS fixtures, alongside specialized squash courts and a dedicated archery and fencing salle.
- Climbing Wall: A bespoke, 12-metre climbing wall and bouldering cave suitable for beginners and seasoned climbers alike.
- Health & Wellbeing Suite: Featuring a Finnish sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool to aid recovery after an intense workout.
2. Jubilee Sports Centre (Jubilee Campus)
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.
3. Sutton Bonington Sports Centre
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 StudentGym Memberships: Packages and Costs
To 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. |
Group Exercise: Dynamic Fitness 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:
- Cardio & Strength: Les Mills BodyPump, BodyCombat, HIIT, and Indoor Cycling.
- Mind & Body: Yoga, Pilates, and developmental stretch classes.
- Aqua Fitness: Aqua Fit sessions in the DRSV swimming pool.
- Dance & Fun: Zumba and step aerobics.
Competitive Sport: Joining the Athletic Union
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 StudentCasual Play: Intramural Sports (IMS)
Not 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.
Why You Should Get Involved in IMS
- No Trials Required: Open to all abilities, meaning everyone gets game time.
- Weekly Fixtures: Played on campus pitches and sports halls every week.
- Social Atmosphere: Great way to bond with hallmates or course friends.
- Championship Matches: The top IMS teams get to play in high-profile finals at DRSV.
Inclusivity and Well-being Initiatives
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.
Your Next Steps to Getting Active at Nottingham
To hit the ground running when you arrive in Nottingham, keep these quick steps in mind:
- Download the UoN Sport App: This is your portal for booking fitness classes, checking gym occupancy levels, and managing your membership.
- Visit the Sports Fair: During Welcome Week, head to the sports fair to meet representatives from all 70+ AU clubs and sign up for taster sessions.
- Book a Gym Induction: If you are new to the gym, book a free induction with the fitness team at DRSV or Jubilee to learn how to use the equipment safely and effectively.