Sport in Bologna: From CUS to Low-Cost Gyms

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HomeMade

A practical guide to affordable sport and fitness for students and newcomers in one of Italy's most athletic university cities.

Bologna has long cultivated a reputation as a city that takes sport seriously. Home to one of Europe's oldest universities and a student population of more than 85,000, it offers a surprisingly broad — and often very affordable — range of options for those looking to stay active without stretching their budget.
The CUS Bologna Network
The Centro Universitario Sportivo di Bologna (CUSB), the university's official sports centre, is the natural starting point for any student looking to exercise on a budget. Affiliated with the Alma Mater Studiorum — Università di Bologna, its activities are open to everyone, with particular discounts reserved for university students and Alma Mater staff.
Membership of the CUSB is the essential first step. First-year undergraduate students (matricole) pay nothing at all, while all other UniBo students — including international and Erasmus students — as well as students of the Accademia di Belle Arti and the Conservatorio, and university staff, pay just €5 for the annual card. That membership is valid for the full academic year, from 1 September to 31 August, and unlocks discounted rates across the entire CUSB network.
The card enables access to all CUSB activities and partner facilities at reduced prices, including those offered through the network of affiliated sports associations. Discounts also extend to the minor children of students and members of staff.
It is worth noting that a valid medical certificate is required for most activities. Without one, members may still access free swimming, court hire and open running, but a certificate is obligatory for all other activities. The CUSB can help arrange one through its own medical service.

Alma Gym: The University Fitness Centre
The flagship gym of the CUSB network is the Alma Gym, located at Via Azzo Gardino 33, in the heart of the university district. Equipped with up-to-date facilities, it offers subsidised membership rates for UniBo students and staff.
For 2025/2026, the gym offers three subscription types — Full, Lunch and the special Alma Open — all valid until 31 August 2026. Opening hours run Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 22:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00, and Sunday from 11:00 to 15:00. Subscriptions can be purchased online once CUSB membership has been completed, and two complimentary access passes are included with each new membership card.

Piscina Record: Swimming for All
For those who prefer the pool, the Piscina Record at Via del Pilastro 8 is the CUSB's main aquatic facility. The centre houses a covered adult pool measuring 25 by 16 metres, a children's pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts on clay and green-set surfaces, indoor basketball and volleyball courts, a tatami room and an outdoor minigolf course, together with a bar and relaxation area.
Courses on offer include swimming for children and adults, fitness in the water — from aquagym and aqua kick-boxing to aquabike and aqua circuit — as well as a prenatal course and lifeguard training. The pool is open every day of the week.

CUSB-Affiliated Sports: An Extensive Partnerships Network
Beyond its own facilities, the CUSB has established agreements with numerous local sports clubs and associations, giving registered students access to a wide range of disciplines at preferential rates. These partnerships run throughout the 2025/2026 academic season.
Martial Arts and Combat Sports: Budokan Institute
One of the most longstanding partners is the Budokan Institute, based at Palestra Scuole Guinizelli on Via Ca' Selvatica 9. The institute has maintained a formal convention with CUS Bologna since its foundation, offering subsidised rates for students and university staff.
For the current season, running from 15 September 2025 to 31 May 2026, courses include judo for adults and children (aged 6 to 14), at prices starting from €33 per month for one session per week and €49 per month for two sessions. Brazilian jiu-jitsu and grappling are also available through the same partnership, at the same monthly rates. Competitive-level training is available for those with agonistic ambitions, at €55 per month. Family discounts are also offered.
Pilates
Pilates classes run through the CUSB at multiple venues. UniBo students pay from €32 per month for a once-weekly session, or €40 per month for two sessions per week, compared with €40 and €50 respectively for non-university members. Seasonal and four-month packages offer further savings.
Yoga
Multiple yoga styles are available through CUSB-affiliated associations, with monthly costs starting from €33 for once-weekly attendance, and from €38 for unlimited weekly sessions — a competitive rate by any measure.

Court and Pitch Hire
Students who prefer team sports or racket disciplines can hire facilities directly at CUSB venues. UniBo students and staff with a CUSB card pay €60 per hour for tennis or basketball courts at the Via del Carpentiere and Via del Pilastro sites, compared with €80 per hour for non-members. Football pitches at the Ozzano dell'Emilia site start from €25 per hour for CUSB card holders who are UniBo students, rising to €35 without a card.

Beyond the University: Other Affordable Options
Students not enrolled at UniBo, or those looking for options outside the CUSB network, will find a growing number of low-cost gym chains and independent fitness centres in the city. Several offer introductory deals, multi-entry carnet packages and off-peak membership rates that can compete with — or complement — the university offer. It is also worth consulting the Younger Card, a discount scheme for young people in Bologna that includes sports-related concessions at a number of affiliated venues across the city.

How to Get Started
The process is straightforward. Register for a CUSB account online via the official portal at cusb.unibo.it, obtain your CUSB membership card (in person at any CUSB secretariat, or online), and then enrol in the activities of your choice. For courses run by affiliated partners such as the Budokan Institute, proof of CUSB membership payment must be presented directly to the partner organisation. Always check the CUSB website for the most current pricing, timetables and special promotions, as these are updated regularly throughout the academic year.

For full details on pricing, schedules and membership, visit cusb.unibo.it or contact the CUSB secretariat at cusb.segreteria@unibo.it.