Recreation opportunities for U of A undergrad and graduate students
If you're a new student, or just new to being on campus, it can be hard to navigate all of the services available to you. We've put together a list of some of the services we provide (included through your athletic and recreation fee) to help you find activities that suit your interests and meet your health and wellness goals.
Van Vliet Complex Drop-in Sports & Activities
The Athletic & Recreation Fee covers all of our North Campus drop-in activities. Student ONEcards are updated by the ONEcard Office each term the student is registered in and the Athletic and Recreation Fee is paid. Enjoy access to our available facilities and drop-in times with just your OneCard or reserve a drop-in time (for select activities) online with your activityreg account.
| Activity | Online reservations | Schedule |
| Badminton | On activityreg | |
| Basketball | On activityreg | |
| Dance | On activityreg | |
| Pickleball | On activityreg | |
| Racquetball | On activityreg | |
| Running | On activityreg | |
| Skating | On activityreg | |
| Soccer | On activityreg | |
| Stick & Skate | On activityreg | |
| Squash | On activityreg | |
| Tennis | On activityreg | |
| Table Tennis | On activityreg | |
| Volleyball | On activityreg | |
| Wallyball | On activityreg |
Need equipment? Facility Services provides equipment for daily sign-out: basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, footballs, rugby balls, medicine balls, skipping ropes, frisbees, squash, pickleball, tennis table, badminton, and racquetball racquets, and stopwatches.
*Some equipment (shuttlecocks, table tennis balls, and other small equipment is available for a small fee)
Visit Facility Services (VVC 1-241). for your equipment needs.
Wellness 101
Wellness 101 is a free online non-credit course provided to U of A students and graduate students. Enroll online and examine the aspects of healthy living such as nutrition, physical activity, and stress management. Plus, learn more about the health and wellness resources available to you through the University.
Hanson Fitness and Lifestyle Centre
Graduate Students: As a graduate student at the University of Alberta, you get two hours of personal training and nutrition services. These services are part of your health benefits. To find out more information call 1.800.663.1142.
Aquatics Centre
Our Aquatics Centre offers drop-in recreation and lane swim times to students, graduate students, and anyone with VVC recreation privileges.
Wilson Climbing Centre
Through the Athletic & Recreation fee, U of A students and graduate students are provided with free admission to bouldering and highwall drop-in climbing at the Wilson Climbing Centre.
Equipment Requirements and Checks:
To participate in either bouldering or highwall climbing, some equipment is required. All equipment can be rented in the climbing centre, but participants are more than welcome to bring their own. The highwall also requires a top rope and/or lead belay check.
| Equipment | Bouldering | Highwall |
| Climbing Shoes | ||
| Harness | ||
| Belay Device | ||
| Top rope and/or lead belay check |
Signature Events & Student Opportunities
Campus & Community Recreation hosts free events throughout the year for students and community members. Visit our Special Events page for upcoming events. Here's a list of just some of our annual events:
- Happy Hour (Winter)
This event introduces students to the Hanson Fitness & Lifestyle Centre and Wilson Climbing Centre. Enjoy demonstrations, activities, and challenges for all fitness levels. - Wellness Fair (Winter)
Our annual Winter term Wellness Fair provides information on the U of A’s campus wellness services and programs and connects students to wellness resources. - RecStock ‘Find What Moves You’ (Fall)
This annual Fall term event lets students, staff, and community members try out various fitness, dance, and martial arts recreation classes.
Outdoor Gym
Located on the East side of the Humanities building, the Outdoor Gym (Map) is open to all and can be accessed 24/7 at no cost.
Set up as a circuit with 5 pieces of equipment (lat pulldown, plyometric boxes, log hop station, situp/ back extension station, pushup/row station).
Each station has a QR code, which links to videos on how to properly use the machine
Community members can access the Outdoor Gym at no cost as well!
Outdoor Table Tennis & Beanbag Toss
Installed in 2021 and located just outside the North entrance to Van Vliet Complex (between VVC and SUB), the outdoor equipment is available to all community members.
Visit Facility Services (VVC 1-241) to rent equipment.
Community members can access the Outdoor Table Tennis and Beanbag Toss at no cost as well!
Foote Field Dome Student Drop-in
The Dome at Foote Field covers both the Artificial Turf and 140m runway track (along with an adjoining long jump pit). On select days and times, students are provided with free dome drop-in and use the artificial turf for soccer, football, Ultimate, or as an open training surface. Dates and times are subject to change.
Virtual Recreation Term Pass
Our virtual recreation classes make it easy and convenient for students to stay active and well even if they can’t be on campus. Enjoy a weekly mix of recreation programs through the Virtual Recreation Pass. The pass is provided for free to current U of A students, but also available to staff and community members for a fee.