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The benefits of movement are not limited to health, especially when beginning your journey at a large university. You may already have a habit of playing sports or working out, but finding ways to stay active at the University of Michigan can hold extra benefits for first-year students. Trying new things, finding new ways to be social, and finding ways to destress are all part of the college experience, and moving your body can be a great first step.

Explore U-M’s gyms and recreational facilities

Coming to college means that trying new things is almost a daily occurrence. The habits you build here could easily be carried with you for the rest of your life. It is a perfect time to try different ways of staying active while at U-M, as students have free access to the gyms on campus! Numerous indoor recreational centers that are free to students, in addition to outdoor facilities. Hotspots among students are the North Campus Recreational Building (NCRB), the Intramural Sports Building (IMSB), and the Palmer Field Temporary Facility. Each facility has unique offerings, yet they all have similar equipment that is easy to use and beginner-friendly. Some amenities include indoor tracks, free weights, exercise machines, a sauna, and a pool. And the new Hadley Family Recreation & Well-Being Center (opening in fall 2025) will include new opportunities for students to focus on their overall health and well-being with climbing areas, a mind-body studio, and more. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for light exercise or an intense workout.

Find community through classes, sports, and teams

Working out is also a great way to meet new people on campus! Gyms on campus are often buzzing with people, and you will usually see familiar faces. This can be a great way to make new friends on campus! There are even group classes that students can take, called Group-X classes, and clubs at the university dedicated to exercise. Even if you are not into going to the gym, many students enjoy engaging in other types of physical activity. U-M offers intramural sports leagues for students on campus. Some of the sports include soccer, basketball, volleyball, and flag football. Students can also explore activities through Adaptive Sports and Fitness with sports like wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis. Joining classes, teams, and clubs are great ways to meet new people with similar interests, get active, and destress from classes.

Do what works best for you

All in all, staying active has many health benefits, especially for incoming first-year students. College is an adjustment, and at times it will be stressful. Exercising, even if it is just a walk around campus or through Nichols Arboretum, can help calm nerves and destress. Focusing on something other than school, work, and deadlines can be a great break for the mind and can bring clarity to issues at hand. Moving your body can aid the body’s production of endorphins. Endorphins are beneficial as they can lower stress overall, help to alleviate pain, and improve your overall mood. If practiced mindfully, this can be helpful in many ways, especially around more stressful times of the year, such as during finals. Finding what works best for you is key! Regardless of how you move your body, getting in some movement is proven to have many benefits, especially when making the transition to college.