The Active at Oxford campaign is designed to help you get involved in sport and physical activity, no matter how seriously or casually you wish to take it.
Whether it’s going for a walk to take a break from your studies, or signing up to take your place in the starting XV at Twickenham for the famous Varsity Match, everyone can get active at Oxford. Our campaign is designed to help you get involved in sport and physical activity, no matter how seriously or casually you wish to take it.
While Oxford has a truly world class pedigree when it comes to sport, we want to spread the simple message that sport really is for everyone. So whether you have ambitions of becoming a Full Blue, or simply want to meet some new friends and make some positive lifestyle choices, we want to help everyone at Oxford enjoy getting active, and experience the many benefits that come along with doing so.
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Active at Oxford Programme
The Active at Oxford Programme brings together some of the beginner friendly, low commitment and social sport opportunities here at Oxford.
We have a range of sports on offer for students, staff and community members all of which allow you to:
• Come when you want, no commitment expectation
• Join in any time through the year
• Take part without a trial
• Make new friends (and bring your friends along!)
• Have a free taster*
*These may be at designated times throughout the year
Depending on what you are looking for, you can pick a session that is free, offers a pay as you go option, has termly memberships or if you’re ready to commit then a discounted annual membership. Sportswear, appropriate footwear and water will be necessary for all sessions but otherwise equipment can be provided.
All sessions are open to adapting and being as inclusive as possible for those with additional access requirements within their remit. Please contact the session provider if you have any requirements that you would like to discuss.
For any general queries about the Active at Oxford Programme, please email the Sports Coordinator - Participation on sportsfed@sport.ox.ac.uk.
Programme Categories
Take a look at the three different categories that sessions can fall into under the Active at Oxford Programme.
Sessions involve playing or doing the sport or activity with little to no instruction. This could mean turning up to play a team sport with others or doing an individual sport or activity on your own at a designated time. You can simply choose when you come along.
This type of activity offers great flexibility with the focus on doing the sport or activity. There may still be a financial commitment to some sessions.
Examples: turn up and play badminton, going to the gym, going swimming
Sessions involve training in order to improve at the sport or activity usually with a coach, instructor or session leader. There is no expectation to attend so you can sign up for sessions or come along as suits you. There may still be a financial commitment.
You can meet people who play the same sport with or do the same activity as you and attend sessions at your leisure.
Example: martial arts session, tennis lesson, fitness class, development squad
Sessions involve going on a trip in order to do the sport or activity. This is usually in the outdoors and will be led by a coach, instructor or session leader for beginners.
You can sign up for trips when you want and transport to the activity may be organised by the club which could be an extra cost to the club membership.
Badminton Clubnight is the perfect way to get your badminton fix, just sign up, turn up and then play. These sessions are open to everyone and operate using a skill-based system to match players of a similar ability and the friendly clubnight reps keep everyone rotating.
Category
Ability
Mixed ability session, beginner friendly
Frequency
Up to 5 sessions per week, running in term time and vacation periods
Venue
Iffley Road Sports Centre
Equipment
Some rackets are available to borrow if you can’t bring your own. Shuttlecocks are provided
Open to
OU Students, staff and community members
Join
Annual, termly or vacation membership options or PAYG
Whether your new to the sport or have some basketball experience, the women’s scrimmage session is the perfect place to meet other players, do a few drills and enjoy playing the game together in an inclusive environment.
Category
Ability
Mixed ability session, beginner friendly
Frequency
1 session per week during term time
Venue
Iffley Road Sports Centre
Equipment
Equipment is provided, wear sports clothes and appropriate footwear
Take to the water with the Canoe & Kayak Club at Port Meadow to have a paddle, improve your skills and play some games with their kayak sessions. All sessions are led by friendly, experienced members of the club.
Category
Ability
Mixed ability session, beginner friendly. Must be able to swim 50m comfortably
Frequency
2-3 sessions per week, running mostly in term time
Location
Port Meadow
Equipment
All equipment is provided, wear clothes you are comfortable getting wet in, proper shoes and a towel
Each workout at the kickboxing session is designed to challenge you in new ways. These sessions are led by a qualified instructor and it is up to you whether you want to take part for fun, fitness or build up to competition.
Category
Ability
Mixed ability session, beginner friendly
Frequency
3 sessions per week, running in term time and vacation periods
Social runs are the perfect opportunity for those who are new to running or want to improve their time with a friendly and supportive group. The group will meet every week at the Radcliffe Camera and stick together for 5km whether that be a mix of running/walking or just running. More advanced runners should look at the Club Runs.
Category
Ability
Suitable for anyone wanting to mix walking and running or just run for 5km
Frequency
1 run per week during term time
Location
Starting at the Radcliffe Camera
Equipment
Appropriate running shoes
Open to
OU Students and staff
Join
Free, join the Facebook Group for more information
Challenge yourself with longer distances or faster speeds in a relaxed environment with the Cross Country Club Runs. Distances will be around 10km and student volunteers will lead you on different routes each week. For shorter, slower runs, please check the Social Runs.
Become a social member of the Squash Club and get access to weekly squash coaching by a qualified coach. These sessions are geared towards beginner and intermediate players with some rackets available for use if you have never tried the sport before.
Category
Ability
Mixed ability session, beginner friendly. Not suitable for advanced players
Frequency
1 session per week during term time
Venue
Road
Equipment
Some rackets available to borrow if you can’t bring your own. Balls are provided. Non-marking shoes must be worn
Open to
OU Students and staff
Join
Annual or the current term until the end of the academic year
Become a social member of the Squash Club and get access to weekly club nights. Players of all abilities are welcome, and will be split into three courts based on their level, with one court reserved exclusively for beginners.
Category
Ability
Mixed ability session, basic knowledge of squash rules required only
Frequency
1 session per week during term time
Venue
Iffley Road Sports Centre
Equipment
Some rackets available to borrow, if you can’t bring your own email ahead of session. Balls are provided. Non-marking shoes must be worn
Open to
OU Students and staff
Join
Annual or the current term until the end of the academic year
Social swimming is the perfect option for anyone who can competently swim for an hour and would like to attend a structured swimming session. There won’t be getting technical coaching but you will get a good workout and meet a friendly group of swimmers.
Category
Ability
Suitable for anyone who can swim competently for one hour, you don’t need to know all strokes, it is a mixed ability session
Frequency
1 session per week during term time
Venue
Iffley Road Sports Centre
Equipment
Swimming wear
Open to
OU Students and staff
Join
Annual membership + Iffley Road Sports Centre Swimming Pool membership (speak to the club to explore the different options)
Social Tennis is a great option for those looking to learn the sport or improve their game with sessions by qualified coaches. Select your ability or if you are unsure then seek advice from the club to attend the beginner, intermediate or advanced sessions.
Category
Ability
Separate sessions for beginner, intermediate or advanced players
Frequency
3 sessions per week during term time
Venue
Iffley Road Sports Centre
Equipment
Rackets available to borrow or bring your own. Balls are provided
Explore different routes in Oxford with the Walking Club Local Walks. With a walk at the weekend for beginners and a walk for more experienced walkers as well as a casual weekday evening walk there is something for everyone with this social group.
Category
Ability
Walk distance is advertised with at least one beginner friendly walk per week
Frequency
3 walks per week, mostly during term time
Location
Various locations within Oxfordshire
Equipment
Walking boots or trainers
Open to
OU Students, staff and community members
Join
Free, join the mailing list to find out more information
Take on new adventures at various locations within the UK on day trips, weekend trips and longer trekking trips. All trips are guided by experienced and qualified leaders and will involve taking transport such as a minibus or the train.
Category
Ability
Walk distance is advertised with at least one beginner friendly walk per week
Frequency
3 walks per week, mostly during term time
Location
Various locations within the UK
Equipment
Walking boots or trainers
Open to
OU Students, staff and community members
Join
Free, join the mailing list to find out more information
If sport is not for you, the benefits of simply making a small change, such as taking a brisk walk each day, can also be hugely important, and should not be underestimated.
Oxford is a beautiful, compact and walkable city. There are also some great schemes for bike hire, so get some fresh air and save some money on your bus fares.
“There are huge benefits to sport and physical activity, with some fantastic clubs and opportunities across the University for students.
“There is always a way to balance sports with studying, and we actively encourage students to get active while they are here.”
Martin Williams
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education)
How Can you Help?
Donate now to support Active at Oxford. This general fund will aim to reduce any barriers to participation and secure the quality of provision, from equipment to coaching. Your gift will ensure that all sports are supported, regardless of the size of the club, or the ability of its players; it will support existing sports, as well as champion new and non-traditional activities such as the accessible sport programme. However much you choose to give, your gift is greatly appreciated and will have a real, lasting impact.
Download our Guides
Download our student guide to find out more about getting #ActiveatOxford
