Paid work while studying - Somerville College - University of Oxford

activated to allow entry to the Gym. Training courses are held at the beginning of the first term of the year,and you will need to sign up for the course in advance. There is an annual Gym membership fee.Details of other College and University sports facilities and activities are on the College Web site athttp://www.some.ox.ac.uk/sport.13. Cycling in OxfordGetting around Oxford is often easiest on a bicycle (and research has shown that the more people cycle,the safer it becomes).There are bicycle racks within the College grounds where you can store your bicycle. You will need to lockyour bicycle when it is stored in College.If you are not used to cycling in traffic, there are some important things you need to know to keep yourselfsafe. Please find below a few helpful hints and tips.1. Make sure you have all the right equipment before you arrive in Oxford; the absolute minimumsare a mechanically sound bike that fits you, front and rear lights, rear reflector, and a good qualitylock. Most experienced Oxford cyclists also decide, after a few near misses, to wear a helmet (if youdo decide to wear one, make sure it is fitted correctly), and outer clothing which is highly visibleand reflective, particularly at night.2. When you arrive in Oxford you must register your bike at the Somerville Porters' Lodge. Bicyclesshould be left in bicycle racks and not left in the traffic entrance, or in rooms or common areas.Whilst on your bike:1. Ride in a good visible position. If you’re going to remember one thing, this is it. A good visibleposition means riding at least a car door distance from parked cars, not weaving into gaps (youdisappear), and means getting good eye contact with other road users (it humanises them and youknow if they have seen you).2. At junctions, either make sure you can get to the front of the traffic and be visible, or remain inyour place in the queue in the centre of the lane. Get into the habit of only overtaking on the righthandside. One of the most common causes of accidents is being cut up by left turning vehicles.3. Make sure you are mentally prepared. Never cycle after drinking (the same rules and limits applyfor people in charge of bikes and cars); brush up on the Highway Code (again, the laws about howand where you can ride a bike are more like the laws for cars than people often think).4. Stay off the narrow Oxford pavements. Many streets are pedestrian-only – obey all ‘cyclistdismount’ signs and walk bikes in these areas. Be considerate of pedestrian during heavy trafficperiods, and dismount and walk bikes near schools and crowded crossings. In addition, you mustnot ride your bicycle within College – always dismount and lock your bike in any of the designatedbike racks.If things go wrong:If you are involved in an accident, make sure that you notify the College Porters (+ 44 (0)1865 270600) sothat they can alert the Junior Deans, and get professional help either at the John Radcliffe Hospital (+44(0)1865 741166) or from the College Nurse or Doctor.To report a stolen bike in Oxford, contact the local Police station (08458 505505) and also, once your bike isregistered, the University Security Services (+44 (0)1865 272944).You can get your bike checked and repaired cheaply at the Oxford Cycle Workshop, 39 Magdalen Road(www.oxfordcycleworkshop.org.uk; + 44 (0)1865 204799) or at a bike shop in town.20 of 26