Centrale Nantes is one of the most sports-minded schools in France : more than 60% of the school's students are members of the AS (Association Sportive). The student associations at the Ecole Centrale reflect the commitment and enthousiasm that the students feel not only towards their education but also towards their leisure time.

Two important student associations in the student life at Centrale Nantes :
- The Engineering Students' Association
- The Athletics Club

Besides their own activities these two associations also co-ordinate the numerous student clubs at the school.