Why getting active at university is the smart choice
It’s long been known that exercise is essential for good physical health, but an increasing amount of evidence is now highlighting the positive impact that physical activity can have on mental health issues as well.
A new Oxford University campaign — called Active at Oxford — is launching this week, promoting opportunities for students to take part in both casual and competitive sports. It will emphasise the mental and physical health benefits associated with an active lifestyle, and encourage more students to get active — whether that’s by joining a sports team, or simply escaping the library for a short walk in the park.
The launch coincides with World Mental Health Day, which takes place on the 10th of October, and aims to bring wider awareness to the issues around mental health.
The campaign was inspired by a growing body of evidence, which suggests that students who take part in sport are better equipped to cope with stress, happier, and earn more after graduating.
For example, a 2018 British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS), Precor and Scottish Student Sport study found that active students show improved scores for life satisfaction, feeling worthwhile, happiness and anxiety.
The campaign will also promote the importance of establishing positive routines and habits in advance of potentially stressful periods, giving students a solid foundation from which to tackle the challenges of studying at one of the world’s leading universities.
A recent survey, conducted for the campaign, found that while Oxford students understand the benefits of getting active, one in four do not take part even in light exercise during term time, and that staff sometimes discourage them from taking part in sport.
The survey of 311 Oxford students took place in June 2018 and found that 93 per cent of students ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that there are mental health benefits to taking part in sport and physical activity. Three quarters took part in light exercise and College and University level competitive sport at least once a week.
However, one in four (24%) stated that they didn’t take part in any type of exercise during term time; 30% said they believed that even light exercise could negatively impact their academic performance; and one in four (26%) had experienced members of staff discouraging them from taking part in sport.
And in 2013, BUCS research found that the average salary of graduates who played sport at university was almost 20 per cent more than those who did not, and that 94 per cent of employers agree that active students demonstrate good employability skills.
Martin Williams, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education), and Chair of the Education Committee, said: “Sport has played a notable role in Oxford’s history, and it remains an important part of many student’s lives today. 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.”
More information on the campaign can be found at: www.ox.ac.uk/activeatoxford
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