ARC welcomes students to the 2025/26 academic year

Welcome to the ARC

As the start of the new academic year is nearly here, why not join or re-join GCU's on-campus sport and exercise facility?

Spanning two floors, the ARC has sport facilities such as two indoor sports halls, a stretch and mobility (yoga) room, and a strength and conditioning suite on the ground floor. The entire first floor is the main gym area full of typical gym equipment. We also have an outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA).

Anyone is welcome to visit the ARC to speak to staff and view our facilities by visiting the reception desk.

GCU Students - free gym membership

Following a pilot earlier in the year, from 1 August 2025 registered GCU students are eligible for a free gym membership.

The free membership is for gym equipment use and timetabled classes only - hall activities, such as basketball and badminton, are not included in the free membership. These hall activities must be booked and paid at the ARC reception desk.

How to register

A membership form must be completed at the ARC reception desk (even if you have completed a form previously).

Student ID card

A non-expired GCU student ID card must be produced when registering. This is required for identification purposes and to ensure entitlement to a free gym membership - ARC staff won't accept any other method.

If your GCU student ID card has an expiry date of September 2025 you will only be given membership until 30 September 2025.

If you are a new student for 2025/26 session, you will need to wait until you receive your student ID card before registering.

Additional information

We are expecting high demand from GCU students, particularly in September and October, so please be patient when queuing at peak times.

There's no rush to sign up so we suggest to only attend the ARC to register on a day you intend on using the gym.

Your GCU student ID card is also your gym access card - you must use your GCU student ID card to gain entry through the turnstiles.

Lockers

Gym session

The ARC has 150 lockers on the ground floor corridor, plus more in the male changing room, which can be used to store belongings only while using ARC's facilities - no overnight storage is allowed. The vast majority of lockers require a padlock, so remember to bring one or they can be bought from the reception desk for £6. A small number of lockers are coin-operated with a one pound coin (the coin is returned when the locker is opened).

Coats and bags etc should not be taken into the ground floor weight training room or first floor main gym as they can become a trip hazard, block movement around areas and prevent others from using equipment.

Membership

We also have individual-specific lockers which can be rented for six or 12 months as a locker membership. Belongings can be stored overnight in rented lockers. A locker membership can only be purchased in person at the ARC reception desk (subject to availability).

Freshers' fair in the ARC

Where: ARC main hall

Date: Monday, 8 and Tuesday, 9 September

Time: 10am to 3pm

The ARC will be used to showcase Students' Association sport clubs and societies, Radio Caley, THE Edit and representation networks. This is fantastic opportunity to find out about 'come and try' and taster events. You'll also be able to connect with people with similar interests.

Staff at the ARC hope all new and continuing students have a fun week and we can't wait to see everyone on campus!

Students' Association sport clubs

Our indoor sports halls are used throughout the week, between September and April, by sports clubs organised through the Students' Association. These sports clubs require a sports club membership plus a club joining fee for each club you wish to be part of.

Please note that:

• Sport club memberships and club joining fees are paid for through, and managed by, the Students' Association
• ARC gym memberships are separate from Students' Association sports club memberships.

View sport clubs