Well-being
- University club
- University sports facilities
- Botanic Gardens
- University Arboretum
- Wytham Woods
- BUPA
- Eye Tests for VDU Users
University club
The University Club provides social, sporting and hospitality activities for all staff, postgraduate alumni and retired staff and associated institutions of the University. The University Club building is located on Mansfield Road, opposite Mansfield College and incorporates a lively Club bar, where members can view all Sky sporting events whilst tucking into delicious food, a cafe which serves food all day until 1700, along with various sporting facilities including a Gym and Floodlit 5-aside Football pitch. There are also 14 en-suite bedrooms available to book at favourable rates for visitors to Oxford.
It is FREE to become a member of the Club. You can apply on line, by email membership@club.ox.ac.uk or telephone the Club on (01865) (2) 70144.
University sports facilities
All University staff are eligible to use the University Sports Centre. Most sports facilities are based at the Sports Complex positioned on Iffley Road, Oxford, and comprise an athletics stadium, football pitch, an astroturf pitch, tennis courts, indoor facilities, Dojo martial arts base, squash courts, sunroom and sauna, sports hall and ancillary rooms. Although these facilities are available to staff, they are booked up quickly, on a first come, first served basis (with priority given to students) and it is advisable to book well in advance.
Staff may also apply to join many of the sports clubs based at the centre, though priority is given to students. There is a fitness centre – Oxford PULSE - and a powerlifting room. The Rosenblatt Swimming Pool, a competition standard level pool with 8 lanes and hydraulic pool floor, is also now open. Retired members of staff are eligible for the same membership rates at the pool and gym as current staff.
Further information
Email: shaun.fleming@sport.ox.ac.uk
Tel: (01865) 251689
Botanic Gardens
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Britain. The garden contains botanical family beds, a range of glasshouses, including a Tropical Lily House, Palm House and Arid House as well as herbaceous borders, a newly restored bog garden and a rock garden. University employees are able to visit this oasis of tranquillity, free of charge, on production of a University staff card. People with a particular interest in gardening may like to join the Friends of the Botanic Garden, and receive benefits such as guided tours, workshops and newsletters.
Further information
Tel: (01865) (2) 86690
Email: postmaster@obg.ox.ac.uk
University Arboretum
The eighty-acre Harcourt Arboretum at Nuneham Courtenay contains one of the finest collections of mature trees in the country. It is open daily between April and November and on weekdays from December to March. University employees can visit the Arboretum, free of charge, on production of a University staff card.
Further information
Tel: (01865) (2) 86690
Email: postmaster@obg.ox.ac.uk
Wytham Woods
Wytham Woods covers 415 ha and consists of a mixture of woodland and grasslands with over 30 km of rides. The woods are open from 10.00 am to dusk from Monday to Friday and from dawn to dusk at weekends throughout the year, and only close when essential management is being undertaken.
Further information
Permits are available from The Conservator, tel: (01865) 726832
BUPA
BUPA offer an 'education group' discount to University employees (currently a 20% discount on normal rates). Employees wishing to purchase BUPA membership should contact BUPA direct stating that they are a University employee.
Further information
BUPA
Tel: 0800 606 570
(NB the reference number given on the BUPA website is for general new business enquiries. In order to claim the education group discount do not use this reference, but simply state that you are a University employee)
Eye Tests for VDU Users
If your department classes you as a DSE 'user' you are entitled to request an eye test. Your departmental administrator will arrange for you to visit one of the University's nominated opticians and reimburse the cost of the test.
In addition, where the nominated optician reports that a new or altered prescription for spectacles is required specifically for VDU use, the department will contribute £75 towards the cost. Full details are available on the Safety Office website.