University College Dublin’s (UCD) Smurfit Blackrock Campus recently celebrated opening a state-of-the-art gym facility next to the Smurfit Restaurant. This new addition to campus life offers an accessible and modern fitness environment designed to support the well-being and physical fitness of the Smurfit School’s 1,400 students, including over 250 residential students who now have a local option for staying active.
Why a Campus Gym? Meeting Student Needs
The decision to open a gym at the Blackrock campus was based on feedback from UCD students. In a recent survey by former UCD Students’ Union graduate officer Marc Matouc, students ranked on-site fitness facilities as a top priority for improving campus life.
The Smurfit Gym addresses these needs directly, providing a flexible, convenient solution to fit the busy schedules of UCD’s graduate business students. It’s open Monday through Friday from 07:30 to 21:30 and on weekends from 08:00 to 16:30. This range of hours makes it easy for students to fit in a workout whenever it best suits them—whether it’s an early morning boost before a busy day of classes or a quick session in the evening.
A Modern Space Tailored for All Fitness Levels
The new Smurfit Gym has the latest fitness equipment, catering to beginner and advanced users. Students will find a full range of cardio machines, strength equipment, and free weights, offering them plenty of options to customise their workouts. Whether students are interested in maintaining a general fitness routine, building strength, or engaging in high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the gym is equipped to support these varied goals.
According to UCD Student Services & Facilities Director Dominic O’Keeffe, the gym is more than just a physical space; it is also intended to be a social hub where students can recharge and connect. “With its accessible and supportive on-site fitness environment, the Smurfit Gym will strengthen community ties and promote a holistic approach to student life at the Smurfit School,” he said. For many students, the gym offers a break from academic pressures, an opportunity to destress, and a way to foster connections with fellow students who share similar wellness goals.
Social Wellness and Community Building on Campus
Research has shown that physical activity can significantly benefit mental health and improve academic performance by reducing stress and promoting better focus. Recognising these benefits, UCD has created the Smurfit Gym as part of a broader approach to student well-being. The gym is an informal setting where students can meet outside the classroom, building connections and friendships crucial to the university experience.
The gym’s proximity to the Smurfit Restaurant encourages students to develop a balanced routine, seamlessly integrating fitness and social interaction into their daily lives. Students can schedule a workout and then grab a meal with friends, making the most of their time on campus and enjoying a well-rounded campus experience.
Easy Access and Free Membership
Accessing the Smurfit Gym couldn’t be easier. UCD has made the process straightforward for students by offering free membership to all Smurfit students, which can be activated through UCD Sport & Fitness. Once students register online, they can start using the gym the next day by scanning their student cards, providing a hassle-free way to incorporate fitness into their schedules.
The free membership greatly benefits students who want to maintain a fitness routine without worrying about additional fees.
A Boost to the Smurfit Student Experience
The addition of the Smurfit Gym is a significant enhancement to the student experience at UCD’s Blackrock campus. By bringing fitness facilities closer to students, UCD is helping to create a balanced and healthy campus environment. Students on the Blackrock campus can now stay fit without travelling too far, allowing them to make the most of their time on campus.
Whether it’s a quick workout between classes or a dedicated fitness session at the end of the day, the Smurfit Gym is set to become a popular spot on campus. Students can look forward to maintaining their physical fitness, building social connections, and finding balance in their academic and personal lives. For more information on membership and registration, visit ucd.ie/sportandfitness.
By Jack Donlon
