Brookes Sport & Active Wellness | BUCS UNIversal

Train anywhere with BUCS UNIversal.

Eligible students and staff members can now access gyms at universities across the UK through the BUCS UNIversal scheme, at no extra cost. It’s perfect for keeping your training routine when you’re travelling home or visiting friends.

Who can join

All Oxford Brookes students and staff holding one of the following memberships are eligible for BUCS UNIversal access:

• Student Annual Fitness
• Student Annual Summit
• Student Fitness 123
• Student Summit 123
• Staff Annual Fitness
• Staff Annual Summit
• TEAMBrookes Annual Fitness
• TEAMBrookes Annual Summit

When your membership expires, your UNIversal access will also end.

How to apply

• Download BUCS Play on iOS or Android (or visit the BUCS Play website).
• Register or log in using your university email address.
• Search for “UNIversal Gym” and select “Oxford Brookes University.”
• Apply to join. Your request will be sent to us for verification.
• You’ll receive an email or app notification once your application has been approved.

Applications will be verified within three working days. How to apply for a BUCS UNIversal membership video guide.

Using your BUCS UNIversal membership

Once approved, you can visit participating university gyms across the UK.

• All sessions must be pre-booked via BUCS Play before attending.
• Each host university sets its own available session times and rules.
• Remember to bring your university photo ID and booking confirmation to show at reception.

How to book a BUCS UNIversal Gym session video guide. 

Visiting Oxford Brookes through BUCS UNIversal

If you’re a student or staff member from another BUCS UNIversal university, you’re welcome to train at Brookes Sport (Headington).

• All visits must be pre-booked through BUCS Play.
• Access is available to the gym only.
• Group exercise classes and climbing sessions are available at our Pay As You Go rates. 
• Visits are permitted during normal Opening Hours.
• Before travelling, check Parking Information for visitor details.
• On arrival, show your BUCS UNIversal booking and photo ID at reception.

Benefits

• Stay active when you’re away from Oxford Brookes.
• Access high-quality gyms across the UK for free.
• Keep your routine wherever you study, work, or travel.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to pay extra?

No. BUCS UNIversal access is included within eligible memberships (see above).

How long does my BUCS UNIversal access last?

Your access lasts as long as your Oxford Brookes Sport membership is active. Once your membership expires or is cancelled, your UNIversal access will end.

Can I use other facilities at visiting universities?

Access is typically limited to the host university’s gym area only. Some universities may offer additional facilities, but this varies.

Can UNIversal members from other universities use Oxford Brookes' facilities?

Yes, visiting UNIversal members can train in our Headington Gym once they have pre-booked via BUCS Play.

Is there a time limit per session?

No, visiting UNIversal members may use the gym for the full duration of the session during normal opening hours.

Can I bring a guest?

Guests are not included in BUCS UNIversal access. If you would like to bring a guest, they would need to pay our Pay As You Go rate

What happens if my Brookes membership is suspended or cancelled?

Your BUCS UNIversal access will be revoked immediately if your membership is not active.

What if the host gym is closed or unavailable?

Check the host university’s BUCS Play session listings before travelling. Session availability may change due to holidays, maintenance, or other local closures.