GT-How

How to take advantage of the CRC

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by

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Authors: Ayub Hunter and Jason Lee

Introduction

This page is meant to help first-year Georgia Tech students discover how to make the most of the Campus Recreation Center (CRC). Whether you’re looking to stay active, relieve stress, or meet new friends, the CRC offers a variety of ways to balance your academic life with physical wellness. This guide walks you through how to access the facilities, explore different activities, and build healthy routines that will set you up for a successful first year at Tech

A student with a colorful backpack walks toward the main entrance of the Georgia Tech Campus Recreation Center. The building’s modern glass reflects surrounding trees, and large signs above the doors clearly display “Campus Recreation Center” and “McAuley Aquatic Center.”
Entrance of the Georgia Tech Campus Recreation Center.

Table of Contents

Where is the CRC

The Campus Recreation Center (CRC) sits on the west side of Georgia Tech’s campus along Ferst Drive NW, between Hemphill Ave NW and State St NW. It’s a 6–10 minute walk west from the John Lewis Student Center and just south of Couch Park/EcoCommons. The main entrance faces Ferst Drive and is signed “Campus Recreation Center / McAuley Aquatic Center.”

Walking & biking: From central campus, follow Ferst Drive west; sidewalks and bike lanes run the whole way. There are bike racks outside the entrance and a wide, step-free approach that’s ADA-accessible.

Transit: GT shuttles stop along Ferst Drive by the CRC, so it’s an easy ride from East Campus or Tech Square and a short walk from the stop.

Once you’re on Ferst Drive, just look for the glass-front building with angled white beams and the big CRC sign.

A labeled campus map showing the location of the Georgia Tech Campus Recreation Center (CRC) and nearby amenities. The CRC building, marked in dark blue and labeled “160,” is located along Ferst Drive near Hemphill Avenue. To the north of the CRC is Stamps Field, a large green athletic field, and the West Village Dining Hall and Turner Place. A black oval labeled “Entrance” points to the main entryway on the northeast side of the CRC facing Ferst Drive. Another oval labeled “Bus Stop” marks a nearby GT bus stop along Ferst Drive, east of the CRC. A third oval labeled “Parking” highlights Area 3, a visitor pay lot located southeast of the CRC near Tech Parkway and Marietta Street. The map also shows numbered academic and residential buildings, walking paths, and nearby streets including Ferst Drive, Hemphill Avenue, and Marietta Street, providing clear navigation for students heading to the CRC.
Infographic describing the location of the CRC

Step 1: Activate Your CRC Access

Before using the facilities, make sure your BuzzCard is linked for CRC entry. Visit the BuzzCard Center or the CRC front desk. Staff members can walk you through verifying access or purchasing membership if needed. Doing this early ensures you get your money’s worth. If your card doesn’t work, visit the BuzzCard Center (John Lewis Student Center, Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM) to reactivate it.

The image shows the interior of the Georgia Tech Campus Recreation Center (CRC) lobby immediately after entering through the main doors. The space has high ceilings, light-colored walls, and large windows allowing natural light to fill the area. To the left is a sitting area with chairs near a blue accent wall. To the right, a CRC employee stands behind the front desk, and just beyond the desk are gated turnstiles where students scan their BuzzCards to enter the facility. The floor is polished wood, and overhead lights add brightness to the open, modern lobby.
Infographic describing the front desk of the CRC where students scan their BuzzCards for entry.

Check Facility Hours:
Most areas are open Mon–Fri 6 AM–11 PM and Sat–Sun 9 AM–9 PM, but hours vary by season. Always check the official CRC Hours Page before visiting

Step 2: Explore the Facilities

Interior view of the McAuley Aquatic Center inside the Georgia Tech Campus Recreation Center. The Olympic-sized swimming pool is divided into multiple lanes with blue and gold lane dividers. A few swimmers are in the water, and lifeguards stand nearby. Large windows line one side, flooding the space with daylight.
Indoor Olympic-sized pool at the McAuley Aquatic Center inside the CRC.

Once inside, take a self-guided tour. The CRC is more than a gym: it’s home to Olympic-sized swimming pool, indoor track, basketball courts, fitness studios, and rock climbing walls. Spend 15 minutes walking around to see what interests you the most. This tour can help you plan which activities best fit your schedule.

Georgia Tech Provided Video Walkthrough: Click here

Step 3: Join a Group Fitness Class

From yoga to high-intensity spin sessions, these classes are ideal for breaking the long study sessions. Instructors will guide you through structured workouts that relieve stress and improve mental clarity.

A group of students participating in a fitness class inside one of the CRC’s exercise studios. The participants, dressed in athletic clothing, are performing side lunges on blue mats with half-dome balance trainers in front of them. The polished wooden floor and mirrored wall reflect the bright lighting, while large windows line the back wall, giving the space an open and inviting look.
Students participating in a group fitness session at the CRC.

Visit the Group Fitness Schedule Page

Step 4: Find the Hidden Gems

Interior view of a modern wooden sauna located inside the Georgia Tech CRC. The walls, ceiling, and benches are made of smooth, light-colored wood, with a small heater in the corner filled with hot stones producing visible steam. Rolled towels rest on the bench, and soft ambient light glows from a wall-mounted lamp, creating a calm, warm, and relaxing atmosphere.
Wooden sauna inside the CRC for post-workout relaxation.

Beyond the visible gym floor, the CRC offers many underrated perks. Visit the sauna and steam room to relax sore muscles, try the jacuzzi to wind down, or explore the indoor golf simulator for a fun mental break. These lesser-known features of the CRC are perfect for making friends.

Step 5: Set a Routine

Integrate CRC visits to your daily schedule. For instance, go lift some weights after your CS 1331 class, or unwind after you get out of your long lab. Even going for 30 minutes has been proven to boost focus and memory retention.

Step 6: Bring a Friend

Going with friends keeps you motivated and helps enjoy the workout more. A shared CRC visit can bring people closer and even spark collaborations outside the classroom.

Inside the CRC’s strength training area, a Georgia Tech student in athletic gear performs dumbbell lunges beside the university’s mascot, Buzz, dressed in the iconic yellow jacket costume. The two are positioned on a clean gym floor surrounded by weight racks, mirrors, and exercise equipment, promoting fitness and school spirit.
Student working out alongside Georgia Tech’s mascot, Buzz.

Step 7: Reflect and Track Your Progress

Exterior view of the Georgia Tech Campus Recreation Center at dusk, illuminated by tall floodlights that brighten the surrounding athletic fields. The building’s glass and brick façade glows warmly against the purple-blue evening sky. In the foreground, students are seen walking or playing near sand volleyball courts and grassy areas, with the Atlanta skyline faintly visible in the background.
Evening view of the CRC with illuminated fields and sand courts.

We want to be efficient with our time and not waste our gym progress. Make sure you track what you did at the gym. It will help you realize how much you improved from the beginning.

The CRC is more than just a gym, it’s a place to recharge, stay healthy, and strengthen the skills that help you thrive at Georgia Tech. By exploring its many features, you’ll find balance between academics and wellness, setting the foundation for a successful first year and beyond

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