As a new student at the University of the Basque Country and someone who can’t live without working out, the first thing I did was check out the campus gym. I have to say, it’s an incredible perk for international students! It’s affordable, fully equipped, and so much better than commercial gyms. Today, I’m sharing my detailed experience with getting a membership and using the facilities, hoping it helps other students in need.
Membership Process and Pricing
Getting a membership is super easy. Each campus has its own Sports Service center. Just go there with your student ID and NIE. The staff will give you a form to fill out with your basic information. After paying and having your picture taken, you’ll get your gym card on the spot. The whole process takes less than ten minutes.
The prices are really student-friendly. The cost for a full academic year for students is roughly the same as a single month at a commercial gym. There are also discounts for faculty and alumni, although their rates are a bit higher. The exact prices might change slightly each year, so it’s best to check the official website for the latest information. But overall, it’s an amazing value for money!
A Look at the Facilities
I primarily work out at the Leioa campus. The gym is divided into several areas. The cardio zone has plenty of treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes, so you rarely have to wait. The weightlifting area is also spacious, with everything from dumbbells and barbells to a wide range of resistance machines. What surprised me the most was the dedicated functional training area.
The overall environment is clean and tidy, and the equipment is well-maintained. Besides the gym, this card also gives you access to the swimming pool and allows you to book courts for sports like badminton and basketball—it’s practically an all-access pass. Keep in mind that while some might consider these facilities as part of the perks of having free gyms at Spanish universities, some specific classes or court reservations may require an additional fee, so be sure to read the rules carefully.
Sample Price List
| User Type | Gym + Pool Access | Single Activity Course | All-Inclusive Pass |
|---|
| UPV/EHU Students | Approx. 60€ | Approx. 30-50€ | Approx. 100€ |
| UPV/EHU Staff | Approx. 120€ | Approx. 50-70€ | Approx. 180€ |
| Alumni | Approx. 150€ | Approx. 60-80€ | Approx. 220€ |
| General Public | Higher price, not recommended | - | - |
Note: The prices above are estimates. Please refer to the official announcements from the Sports Service for exact pricing.
Some Practical Tips
- Bring your own lock
! The lockers in the changing rooms require you to provide your own padlock.
- Remember to bring a towel. Many equipment areas require you to place a towel on the machines before use for hygiene purposes.
- The gym is busiest during peak hours, from 5 PM to 8 PM. If you prefer a quieter workout, try going at off-peak times.
- I used to think that since it wasn’t too crowded,
no reservation was needed. However, at some campuses now, you might need to book the swimming pool or popular group classes in advance through the online system. While the availability of gyms at Spanish universities
is a great perk, it’s always best to check the booking requirements online before you go.
- Keep an eye on emails and announcements from the Sports Service. They sometimes offer free trial classes or sports events, which are great opportunities to meet new people!
If you’re studying at the University of the Basque Country, getting a gym membership is definitely a worthwhile investment. It not only helps you stay healthy but also relieves academic stress. I hope this guide is helpful to you all, and feel free to add information from other campuses in the comments!
