Whether you’re a Fresher who is completely new to the university or a current student ready to join one of Glasgow’s most popular sports clubs, you’ll be made more than welcome here at Glasgow University Athletics Club (GUAC).

Freshers Week can be daunting and stressful as every society under the sun bombards you with information so we’ve made this simple and put everything you need into one handy document. Don’t say we’re not kind to you…

Freshers and Sports Fayre

As a sports club affiliated to the Glasgow University Sports Association (GUSA) you can find us in the Stevenson Building On Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th September, 10am-4pm. Here, club members will answer all your burning questions and give out a few free sweets.

Taster Session

The first opportunity you’ll have to experience training with Scotland’s most successful uni athletics club. Meet at the Memorial Gates (just along from the Main Gates) at 2pm for free transport down to Scotstoun Sports Campus where the session will run from 3-5pm.

There’ll be sessions for sprinting, middle distance, jumping and throwing where our amazing club coaches will accommodate athletes of every ability so no need to worry if this is your first time on a track. We’ll finish off the day with some relays where medals will be up for grabs.

That evening there will be a social in our sponsors Coopers (on Great Western Road) from 8pm where you can get to know the club members over a drink and some *free* food.

Regular Training

Not to worry if you can’t make the taster session, just head along to any of our training sessions. Starting Monday 23th September our weekly training schedule will look something like this:

• Monday: Track Session @ Scotstoun, 6-8pm (meet at Memorial Gates @ 5pm for free transport)
• Tuesday: Gym Session @ Stevenson Building Studio 1, 8:30-10:30pm
• Wednesday: Track Session @ Scotstoun, 6-8pm (meet at Memorial Gates @5pm for free transport)
• Saturday: Gym Session @ Stevenson Building Studio 1, 3-5pm

In addition to this, various training groups may also meet at other times for extra sessions although this will all be explained once you’ve settled into the club.

Socials

We run a varied social calendar with everything from ceilidhs to pub golf being organised throughout the year. Be sure to join our Facebook group to keep up to date with the latest socials!

Membership

This is £45 for the academic year (or £25 for those only here for a semester) and offers amazing value for money. Benefits include free track access twice a week at Scostoun, use of Studio 1 in the Stevenson Building twice a week, the opportunity to represent GUAC at university and national competitions and the ability to vote on committee positions in the AGM.

In order to become a fully-fledged GUAC member you will also need UofG Sport membership. Included for those living in university accommodation, this gives you GUSA membership, complete access to the Stevenson Building and Garscube sports complex and free exercise classes. At £132 for the year this is also far cheaper than any other gym in the local area.

Competitions

Get your laces tied because our first competition is on October 2nd! One of the most relaxed, informal competitions there is, this takes place indoors at the Emirates Arena and is ideal in particular for those who have never competed or want to get some pre-winter training times.

Travelling

Yes the rumours are true, later in October we’ll be off for our annual Training Weekend. With a focus on socialising and getting to know each other after a hectic first month at uni, this is an amazing opportunity to relax in the company of some new friends.

And a quick heads up, at the end of exams (end of May) we’ll be off abroad on our Warm Weather Training week. Previous destinations have included Tenerife and Portugal where you can enjoy what is sure to be one of the best experiences of your uni career.

Well there you have it, everything you need to know about your first month as a member of the GUAC family. If you still have any questions you want a quick answer to, just get in touch. You can message one of the committee on our Facebook group. Or, email secretary-athletics@gusa.gla.ac.uk