Perhaps surprisingly, one of the most valuabel life lessons I learned during my university years is not related to academics but rather how to handle stress. As someone who didn't grow up as a sporty kind, I always overlooked the benefits that exercising can provide not just to my physical but especially to my mental well-being. 

Sports provide a good release for energy and built-up stress after spending hours on books, plus they're a great way to meet new people! Therefore, I got so excited when I first discovered all the opportunities offered to us students who'd like to engage in physical activity here at the University of Glasgow. 

Joining UofG Sport

One of the first things I looked out for once I arrived in Glasgow was a gym to join. Luckily for me, the university has its own sports facilities, which facilitated my search for a place for exercise. The Stevenson Building is comfortably located close to the library, allowing me to easily sneak in between or after my study sessions. You'll need a membership to use the premises, I easily purchased one online, but you can get it on site. After that, you'll just need to tap your student card to get in. Having this allows you to access the gym, swimming pool, cycling studio, courts, and fitness classes. I was pleasantly surprised to see how affordable it is compared to other gyms and what a nice environment it is, you'll be mostly surrounded by other students like you! 

The Stevenson Building offers various spaces catered with different equipment that can help you pursue whatever fitness goal you might have. For instance, I like to start my workout in the Pulse area on level 3, where I'd usually hit the treadmill or some of the other cardio machines to warm up. I would then move downstairs to the PowerPlay suite to do some strength training. If you're new to the gym or you are interested in some specific activities such as yoga, Zumba, or Pilates, I'd recommend checking out their class schedule as there are group exercise classes available every day. These are perfect for beginners becuase they allow you to follow a guided session with a trainer. Moreover, I find that group classes are the perfect place to make new friends. 

Sports clubs 

A great feature of your Sports membership is that it grants you access to sports clubs. Glasgow surprised me by having a club for almost any sport I could think of. Clubs are great because, while being student-led, they can still ensure that you can keep up with your training, with many of them often offering you the chance to even take part in competitions. However, you shouldn't worry if you are a nwebie at your selected sport, as sports clubs tend to include of all kids of levels and abilities. I'd recommend you take a chance during the taster sessions offered the first week of the semester and join that sport you always wanted to try but never dared to. 

Most clubs will require you to pay a specific membership to join them. These are usually rather cheap, and they allow the committees to pay for equipment, trainers, and entry to races to. Once you have this, you'll be on board for an academic year full of fun! I personally like to run and, I promise you, it has never been more enjoyable than when I started doing it with other people. Indeed, sports clubs are not only beneficial because they help you keep up with your training and become a better athlete, but they are also extremely active environments beyond the actual sessions. They usually organise 'socials' and nights out for the whole team to meet and engage outside of training, this where I met some of my best friends at uni. 

The app and support

The UofG Sport App is what I use to keep track of everything mentioned above. It is super easy to navigate, I use it to keep an eye on when my team will be training and to book the fitness classes at the gym. 

If you have any questions about the sports facilities, the people at the Stevenson Building's reception are there to help and they are very friendly too. Conversely, if there are specific clubs you are interested in, I'd suggest contacting them on social media or visiting their stalls at the Sports Fayre for a quick chat with their committee members. 

First published: 16 January 2025

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