Starting life at The University of Texas at Austin means finding your rhythm both on and off campus. Whether you are an international student balancing classes, an international scholar settling into a new research environment, or an international faculty member getting to know Austin, staying active can be a great way to support your well-being, explore your new surroundings, and connect with the UT community.
UT Austin offers many ways to stay active, from fitness facilities and group exercise classes to recreational sports and outdoor activities. Your access to these resources depends on your affiliation with the University, so here is what international students, scholars, and faculty should know.
Get Active with RecSports
UT Austin Recreational Sports, or RecSports, offers seven facilities across campus, including Gregory Gym, the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex, and outdoor recreation facilities. Members and eligible students can use fitness and weight rooms, pools, courts, fields, and other recreational spaces.
International Students
If you are currently enrolled at UT Austin and are taking at least one credit hour and have paid tuition, you can access RecSports facilities at no additional cost during the term in which you are enrolled.
All you need to access the facilities is your UT student ID or your My RecSports QR code.
Student access includes:
- Access to all seven RecSports facilities
- Sports equipment checkout
- Court reservations for tennis, pickleball, handball, racquetball, squash, and wallyball
- Eligibility to participate in additional RecSports programs and services
Students can also participate in programs such as intramural sports, sport clubs, adventure trips, personal training, swimming and tennis lessons, and TeXercise group fitness classes. Some of these programs have an additional fee.
If you are not enrolled in summer classes, you may also be eligible to purchase a Student Summer Membership to continue accessing RecSports facilities.
International Faculty
International faculty members with a current UT faculty or staff appointment and a valid UT faculty or staff ID can purchase a RecSports membership for $26 per month.
The membership provides access to all RecSports facilities, including the indoor and outdoor pools at Gregory Gym, fitness and weight rooms, courts, fields, and other recreational spaces.
Current full-time and half-time UT faculty and staff can also request a 30-day complimentary RecSports membership trial. Visiting scholars and individuals with zero-time appointments are not eligible for this particular trial.
Faculty and staff memberships are month-to-month, with no annual or enrollment fee.
International Scholars and Researchers
If you are a visiting scholar or researcher, your RecSports access is based on your status as a campus visitor.
Campus visitors age 18 or older with a valid UT ID can purchase a RecSports membership for $26 per month. Those without a valid UT ID can purchase a membership for $50 per month.
A campus visitor membership includes access to all seven RecSports facilities, sports equipment checkout, court reservations, and eligibility to purchase additional programs and services.
If you will only be on campus for a short period or want to try RecSports before purchasing a membership, adult day passes are available for $14. Before purchasing a membership, visiting scholars and researchers should check with their hosting department to see whether the department is already providing recreation access.
Try a Group Fitness Class
If you enjoy exercising with others, TeXercise offers a variety of instructor-led group fitness classes throughout the week.
Classes can include yoga, Pilates, cycling, barre, dance, strength training, water fitness, and other formats. During the fall and spring semesters, RecSports offers more than 100 in-studio classes each week, along with more than 150 on-demand workouts.
A TeXercise All-Access Pass costs $30 per month and provides unlimited access to eligible in-studio group fitness classes and the on-demand workout library.
The pass is an additional cost and is not included with student access or a standard RecSports membership.
For example:
- International Students: RecSports facility access is included with eligible student access. TeXercise is an additional $30 per month.
- International Faculty: RecSports membership is $26 per month, plus $30 per month for TeXercise.
- International Scholars: RecSports membership is $26 or $50 per month, depending on UT ID status, plus $30 per month for TeXercise.
If you want to try a class before purchasing a pass, RecSports also offers complimentary TeXercise class tickets. Check the current TeXercise page for eligibility and availability.
Find Your Community Through Recreational Sports
You do not need to be a competitive athlete to get involved with RecSports. Recreational programs are a fun way to try something new and meet people across campus.
Intramural Sports
Intramural sports offers leagues, tournaments, and special events in a variety of sports. Current students and eligible RecSports members can play pickleball, tennis, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and more.
Playing on an intramural team can be a great way to meet people outside your academic program while staying active.
Sport Clubs
UT Austin’s sport clubs provide opportunities to participate in a wide range of sports and activities. Clubs can offer recreational, instructional, and competitive opportunities, depending on the organization.
If you enjoyed a sport or activity before coming to Austin, check whether UT has a club where you can keep participating.
Outdoor Recreation
Want to get outside? RecSports’ Outdoor Recreation program offers opportunities to explore activities such as hiking, camping, paddling, backpacking, and rock climbing.
Outdoor activities can also be a great way to experience the natural areas around Austin and meet other members of the UT community.
Explore Texas with RecSports Adventure Trips
Want to explore beyond Austin? UT RecSports Adventure Trips offers guided outdoor experiences, including hiking, camping, kayaking, and rock climbing. Trips range from day trips to weekend adventures and are a great way to discover new places, try new activities, and connect with fellow Longhorns.
Who can participate? Registration is limited to currently enrolled UT students, including eligible international students. International scholars and faculty generally are not eligible.
Trip costs vary, and spots are limited, so plan ahead!
Visit the RecSports Adventure Trips website to explore upcoming adventures and registration details.
Cool Off at Gregory Gym
Austin’s warm climate makes swimming a popular way to stay active year-round.
Gregory Gym and the Gregory Gym Aquatic Complex offer indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, along with fitness and recreational spaces. Access depends on your student status or RecSports membership.
Whether you prefer swimming laps, lifting weights, taking a fitness class, or playing a sport with friends, RecSports offers plenty of options for staying active on campus.
Explore Austin Outdoors
You do not need a gym membership to stay active. Austin has many parks, trails, and outdoor spaces where you can walk, run, hike, bike, or simply spend time outside.
Some popular places to explore include:
- Lady Bird Lake and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
- Zilker Metropolitan Park
- Barton Creek Greenbelt
- Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
- Shoal Creek Trail
- Austin’s many neighborhood parks and trails
Exploring Austin’s outdoor spaces is also a great way to get familiar with your new city. Consider inviting a classmate, colleague, or friend to join you.
Make Wellness Part of Your UT Experience
Staying active is about more than exercise. Finding activities you enjoy can help you establish a routine, meet new people, and feel more connected to your campus and community.
Whether you take a yoga class between meetings, join an intramural team, swim at Gregory Gym, hike with friends, or simply walk around campus, there are many ways to make wellness part of your time at UT Austin.
International Student and Scholar Services offers programs and events throughout the year that can also help you connect with other international students and scholars and explore your community. Visit the ISSS websiteand follow the ISSS Blog for upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.
This blog post was contributed by Sarah Chiu, program coordinator on the Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team at ISSS.
