Welcome to the University of Utah! As you embark on your college journey, one of the key places to discover on campus is the George S. Eccles Student Life Center. Known around campus as the Life Center, this facility is a vibrant hub for student activity and engagement at the U. Whether you’re interested in fitness, recreation or socializing, the Life Center offers a diverse range of opportunities for students to explore.
Located at 1836 Student Life Way, the recreation center has everything you need for sports and fitness. It offers a modern gym, an indoor pool and spa, and even a climbing gym called the Summit. Inside, you’ll also find the Outdoor Adventures rental shop, where you can rent ski gear, camping equipment and other outdoor gear. Current U students can access all of these amenities for free — just remember to bring your U Card!
Kira Seprish, a Student Life Center employee who is passionate about creating an engaging and welcoming environment for students, offered some insight into what the Life Center can include.
Seprish moved from her home state to Utah with the goal of finding a position in campus recreation, excited by the opportunities the state offered in terms of outdoor activities and natural beauty. Since her move, she said she has enjoyed immersing herself in the chill vibe of Utah, appreciating the relaxed pace of life and the state’s breathtaking landscapes.
The Life Center offers a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters positive vibes and a strong sense of community. It serves as a hub where students from all backgrounds can connect despite your experience level. It even offers personal training for students both who are new to the gym and those who are experienced at a cheaper cost than you can find anywhere else.
“A personal trainer is a great way to get used to the equipment, if you’re not sure how to use it,” Kira said. “It can be really frustrating to sit there and try to adjust the machine, which can be embarrassing for some students. If you are worried about this I would suggest setting up a meeting with a personal trainer.”
The Outdoor Adventures rental shop has all the gear you need for different activities. You can find a variety of ski and snowboarding packages to help you get ready for winter fun. The shop also offers boating packages and camping gear for summer adventures. Students get a 25% discount on the online prices.
The Life Center also serves as a hub for students who enjoy intramural sports. It provides a wide range of sports options, both recreational and competitive, allowing students to participate in basketball, soccer, volleyball, pickleball and more. These leagues foster competition and team spirit among students from all backgrounds.
One example of a fun competitive event held at the life center was the Greekleship tournament, partnered with the U’s Interfraternity Council. The action-packed tournament saw Greek life members battle it out to try to knock off rival fraternity members of their boat. The tourney was electrifying and is a great example of some of the great events the life center hosts.
The Summit is the University of Utah’s own climbing gym, located in the Life Center. It offers students a fun and exciting place to climb and challenge themselves on different routes. The gym has climbing walls for all skill levels, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, you can enjoy a good climb. The routes switch every couple of months so there’s always different routes for you to try and conquer before they go.
If you’re a student looking for a campus job, you can join the Crimson Crew at the Student Life Center. This team is part of Campus Recreation Services and is always hiring students from different backgrounds with various interests. It’s a great way to get involved on campus.
The Student Life Center at the University of Utah is your gateway to an active and socially enriching college experience. Whether you’re looking to join a sports team, attend events, or meet new friends, there’s something for everyone. We encourage you to visit the Life Center and make the most of what it offers.
For more details and updates on upcoming events, visit the Campus Recreation Services site and follow @uofucampusrec on Instagram.
