Essex Sport Welcome | University of Essex

Join us at the University of Essex Welcome Week or at Registration where you'll get the chance to meet Essex Sport, Essex Rebels and our student supporters' club - The Tribe

Plus we'll have information on the 44 sports clubs you can join and loads of freebies and discounts for you to take home with you.

At Freshers Fair on Friday 26 September, you’ll have the chance to explore all 44 SU sports clubs you can join — plus grab plenty of freebies and exclusive discounts to take home. We have a range of exciting fitness activities and events happening throughout Welcome Week. Have a look at our timetable to find out more!

Gym memberships

Not living on campus? Exclusive for Welcome, join for £24.99 per month with no joining fee or pay £180 for the whole year!

This offer runs from 16 September to 31 October 2026, and includes unlimited access to our gym, over 100 fitness classes, and 8-day advance facility bookings through the Essex Sport App.

Don't want to commit to a full membership? Try our commuting bundle instead, 12 sessions for £50 to be used across a 3 month period.

Simply select 'Become a member' from our student memberships page, log in with your Essex email address (if you haven't got a pin already you'd need to select 'Forgotten pin' to request one).

Active Campus Taster Sessions

Our social session programme offers a flexible way for students to try new sports and socialise in a fun environment. Open to all abilities and often delivered in partnership with the SU clubs, our programme includes basketball, football, tennis, touch rugby, badminton and more! Come along and try out some of our Active Campus sessions before term officially starts.

Monday 5 October
Social Netball
7.00pm - 8.00pm (Arena)

Tuesday 6 October
Touch Rugby
6.00pm - 7.00pm (STP)
Social Tennis
7.00pm - 8.00pm (Tennis Courts)
Social Basketball
7.00pm - 8.00pm (Arena)

Thursday 8 October
Men's Football
5.00pm - 6.00pm (STP)
Women's Football
6.00pm - 7.00pm (STP)
All sessions are available to book through the Essex Sport App

Fitness class Taster Sessions

Join our taster sessions – fun, friendly, and suitable for all abilities. From yoga and pilates to studio pump or kettlebells, there's something for everyone!

Barre and Pilates Blend
Monday 5 October, 12.15-12.55pm (Studio 1)
A ballet-inspired workout combined with fitness Pilates techniques for a low impact but challenging session (with Arlene).

Cycle - R1DE and Stretch
Tuesday 6 October, 1.15pm - 1.45pm (Cycle Studio)
High intensity, Low Impact, Cardio on a bike: Pedal to the beat as you tackle speed, climbs and intervals. Followed by 10 mins stretch (with Vicky)

Freestyle Fitness Yoga
Wednesday 7 October, 12.15pm - 12.45pm (Studio 1)
A fitness-based class that incorporates flexibility, strength, yoga postures and disciplines. (with Tracy).

Kettlebell Taster
Thurday 8 October, 1.15-1.45pm (Cycle Studio)
Swing, lift, press and squat. Combining cardio and strength for a full body workout (with Clare).

Dance Fitness
Friday 9 October, 12.15pm - 12.45pm (Studio 2)
Fun and energetic dance-based workout (with Katy).

Studio Pump
Friday 9 October, 1.15pm - 1.45pm (Studio 2)
Tone up and build strength and stamina in this weights workout to music (with Clare).

Spaces are limited. Book your space via the Essex Sport App.

Essex Rebels

Rebels Gameday Student Takeover - Saturday 10 October
Spend your Saturday at the Essex Sports Arena
Every University of Essex student is granted free entry to the Rebels Gameday: Student Takeover on Saturday 10 October. Kick off the term with a huge night of professional basketball, music, entertainment, dancers and plenty of ways to get involved!

Game details:

The Rebels pre-game Fanzone will open from 2pm with games, giveaways, food, drinks and more to prepare for a big night at the Essex Sports Arena with a massive double header. The evening tips off with the Essex Rebels Women vs Leicester Riders at 4pm. Followed by the Essex Rebels Men vs Loughborough Riders at 6:30pm. Throughout the game you will be entitled to plenty of student-only activations, entertainment and chances to get involved.

Secure your spot! Do not miss out! Free entry. Two games. One big night. Book your tickets now (it's free) following the link and select UOE student Get your FREE student tickets now on Fanbase!

#UpTheRebs #WeAreRebels

Join The Tribe

Essex’s loudest and most inclusive supporters' club

Be part of one of the most passionate supporters' clubs in the UK, uniting Essex students to back all our representative sports teams. You don’t need to play — just bring your energy! Wherever we go, we bring the noise, creating an unforgettable gameday atmosphere that puts you right in the heart of the action. Essex students enjoy FREE admission to all Rebels and Blades sporting events with their Essex I.D.

Essex Rebels Pre Games Fanzone – 5 October, 2–4pm outside Essex Sport Arena. Kick off the season with the ultimate pre-game party! Wear red or black to unlock special SU bar deals, sign up to The Tribe, and get ready to soak up the Essex spirit with:

Live sets from student DJs
Garden games and basketball challenges
Food, drinks and exclusive promotions
Info stalls from all Essex sports clubs

Back your team, feel the vibe, Join the TRIBE, and celebrate all things Essex sport!

Ready to join Essex Sport?

Explore what Essex has to offer

University of Essex

Gym memberships

Active Campus Taster Sessions

Fitness class Taster Sessions

Essex Rebels

Join The Tribe