Frequently asked questions
In this section we answer some questions that have been asked of University of Bristol reception staff.
- How can I become a Member?
- How can I become involved in Sport at University?
- How and where can I make a booking?
- How often can I book?
- Can I bring a guest and how much will it cost?
- Is there a pay as you go option?
- How long is a booking for in the main hall?
- How long is a session of Squash?
- PULSE Gym and Free Weights Inductions?
- Are you open to the public?
- What is Pilates?
- What is the difference between Pilates mat class and equipment based Pilates?
- I am injured - who should I see, the physio, the osteopath, or someone else?
- Exercise Classes - do I need to book in advance?
- Membership Renewal and Refunds
- University of Bristol Students' Union Sports Clubs
- Lost Students Cards
- Lost your Membership Card
- Forgotten Sport Membership Cards
- Customer Comment Forms
- No Shows - Low Numbers?
- Valuables and Belongings where can I store them?
- Can I hire sports equipment
1. How can I become a Member?
Students
There are two membership categories. Peak and Off-peak membership. If you become a member of a University Sports Focus club or become a member of a UBU Sports Club that uses the sport facilities during peak times after 3.30 p.m. Monday - Friday you will be required to purchase a Peak membership package.
Students may apply online for membership. Students on a 6 month or Study Abroad programme may download a form and return the application form to the indoor sports centre.
Staff
There are two membership categories Staff membership without classes and Staff membership with classes. Staff membership with classes includes all Exercise to Music classes free of charge (excludes Pilates). Staff who elect to purchase a membership without classes are unable to attend any classes unless they upgrade to Staff membership with classes. Exercise to Music classes(except Pilates) are open to members only.
Staff can download an application form from our website. These are also available from the Indoor Sports Centre Reception desk. Fees are deducted from Salary Cheque each month. For further information please refer to current memberships on our website.
External memberships:
- Associate: New Card and Application Form from Reception pay by Cheque/Card.
- External Memberships: Indoor Centre Reception.
- External Swimming Pool Only: Swimming Pool Reception.
- External Tennis Only: Coombe Dingle Sports Complex Reception.
- External Squash Only: Indoor Centre Reception.
- Vacation Memberships: Indoor Centre Reception.
2. How can I become involved in Sport at University?
There are many ways to become involved in sport at the University, depending on your competitive level and commitment. Here a few options:
Enrol on a "beginners" sports course
- The University's Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health organise a range of courses for people who want to try a new sport. Courses are advertised on this web site. They include beginners and improvers in Squash, Swimming, Trampolining, Tennis and Volleyball. This is an ideal step towards Intramural sport.
Join University of Bristol Students' Union Sports Club
- During Freshers' week, each club has a stand at the Freshers' fair ('Fresh') held in the Students' Union. A list of UBU Clubs can be found on their website.
Take part in the Intramural Programme
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The main purpose of Intramural sport is to allow students to compete at a more relaxed level of commitment and standard of play. A programme of intramural sports events can be on found on the University of Bristol Students' Union Sports Clubs (UBU) website.
Get a coaching qualification
- The Centre for Sport also organises a series of courses to meet the needs of students who want to become qualified coaches and officials. A list of these courses can be found at on the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Healths' website. Funds are normally available to students who are involved in running a UBU Sports Club.
Become a member of the Advanced Sports Squad
- The Advanced Sports Squad's mission is to help talented student athletes continue with their sporting careers without compromising their academic progress. Any Bristol University Student who has completed at regional level or above, in an Olympic sport or a major field game - may apply to become a member of the Squad. To become a member of the High Performance programme please download an application form and follow the instructions.
3. How and where can I make a booking?
- Members Only
Sports Hall, Exercise to Music classes and Squash Court bookings can be made 7 days in advance in person at the Indoor Sports Centre reception desk.
- Members and non-members
Sports Medicine Clinic bookings can be made over the phone on 0117 928 8810 or in person at the reception desk at the Indoor Sports Centre.
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Members and non-members
Tennis Bookings can be made 8 days in advance by phone 0117 9626718 or in person at the Coombe Dingle Sports Complex.
There is not a booking system for casual use of the swimming pool, please check opening times for details.
4. How often can I book?
As often as you like, but not for more than one time slot. This is to prevent back to back bookings, thus restricting use by others. N.B. consecutive / back to back / double bookings which result in your playing longer than one time slot are not allowed. Failure to comply to this rule may result in membership or financial penalties.
5. Can I bring a guest and how much will it cost?
Yes one guest is allowed per sports member (Peak and Off-peak memberships) during off-peak times only (Monday - Friday 7.00 a.m. - 3.30 p.m.) Saturdays (8.00 am - 8.00 pm) and Sundays (8.00 a.m. - 10.00 p.m.) and during vacation.
- External Guests are allowed to play Squash and use the Sports Hall - £5.00 (off-peak times only).
- External Guests are not allowed in the Pulse Fitness Suite
Please note, External Guests are not allowed in the PULSE Fitness Suite except during Vacation periods when our Open Door policy allows members of the public to access the gym after an induction has been undertaken - one off payment of £5.00
6. Is there a pay as you go option?
Students and Staff can opt to pay as you go to use the swimming pool and sports hall during off-peak times only (Monday - Friday 7.00 a.m. - 3.30 p.m.) Saturdays (8.00 am - 8.00 pm) and Sundays (8.00 a.m. - 10.00 p.m.) and during vacation - at the rate advertised.
Note (this does not apply to the gyms and studio classes).
7. How long is a booking for in the main hall?
Each session is generally 45 minutes but this includes time for setting up and taking down equipment. Therefore each session normally lasts for 40 minutes.
8. How long is a Session of Squash?
Each session lasts for 40 minutes at the Bristol Grammar School and 45 minutes at Kingsdown Sport Centre. Please check availability by visiting the reception desk at the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health on Tyndall Avenue.
9. PULSE Gym and Free Weight Inductions
- Students - PULSE gym and free weight Inductions are valid for the period of study and are included in your membership fee.
- Staff - PULSE gym and free weight inductions incur an additional one off payment of £5.00 on top of the membership fee .
- Members of the Public - Please refer to individual public membership terms and conditions.
It is compulsory for every new member to undertake an induction to the use of equipment in the gym.
What is an induction? Inductions are provided by professional staff and are given to ensure you use the equipment safely. The induction is a short session covering the basic principles of fitness training along with the correct techniques to be used when using a selection of the more difficult to use machines.
Why do we have inductions?
- An induction is the minimum health and safety requirement laid down by the Fitness Industry Association to ensure safe usage of exercise machines and sports equipment.
- An induction or introduction to exercise machines is required before use of equipment at all British Universities and most gyms in other sectors.
- The induction is a chance for you to meet the staff and find out what services they offer to help with your training.
- At the induction you will be made aware of the rules and regulations of the gym area, refer to the membership terms and conditions for more information..
10. Are you open to the public?
Members of the public may use the facilities during the vacation periods only when our Open Door policy allows members of the public to access the gym after an induction - a one off payment £5.00, will be required per visit.
Guests (during off-peak times) if invited and supervised by a member, may use the squash courts and sports hall (ref to paragraph 5).
We are open to members of the public to use the services provided by the Sports Medicine Clinic.
Members of the public (without membership) can also sign up to our various Pilates classes/courses offered throughout the year.
Members of the public can join the sports centre under the various membership schemes we have on offer, in addition Introductory offers are often run throughout the year.
11. 'What is Pilates?'
Pilates works the entire body. It focuses on the core, postural muscles of the body (stomach and back) and incorporates these into all of its exercises. The body is therefore always balanced and protected. Exercises are slow and controlled and range in difficulty from easy to extremely difficult.
12. 'What's the difference between a Pilates mat class and equipment based Pilates?'
A mat class has 12 people in the class, and follows a set format. Equipment-based Pilates is on a 1:1 basis and content depends on the specific needs of the client. Equipment-based Pilates allows for more detailed assessment of the client's physical weaknesses and strengths and a more finely tuned exercise programme.
13. 'I am injured - who should I see, the physiotherapist, the osteopath, or someone else?'
Book into the OPEN CLINIC (0117 928 8810) for Indoor Centre and (0117 962 6718) for Coombe Dingle - it is free and offers a 10-minute consultation with either a physiotherapist or an osteopath.
Open clinic times:-
Indoor Sports Centre: Mondays 5.30 p.m. and Thursdays 10.30 a.m. Times are subject to change, we therefore advise you check current times for both the Indoor Centre and the Coombe Dingle Sports Complex on the numbers above.
14. Exercise Classes - do I have to book in advance?
Some classes are more popular than others so members are strongly advised to book in advance, however, it is not compulsory.
- Classes can be booked up to six (6) days in advance
- Please arrive early (at least 10 minutes) to allow for delays at reception, you will need your receipt and sports pass for presentation at Reception on arrival
- Your receipt will be collected by the class instructor on entry to the class. No receipt = NO ENTRY
- The cut off point for the sale of tickets is 5 minutes prior to the all class start times
- Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis and may not be purchased on behalf of others
- Instructors will deny admission to a class once it has started (out of courtesy to your instructor and classmates late arrivals are unacceptable)
15. Membership Renewal and Refunds
Please read Terms and Conditions of Membership - separate sheet. Refunds are only considered if you leave the University, or, if you have a serious illness that prevents you from using the facilities (Doctors certificate will be required).
We do not offer termly or part year memberships other than those published.
There will be no additional fee for students on a four year programme which includes a mandatory year away from Bristol. University of Bristol students on a four or five year programme who have purchased either a three year Peak of Off-peak membership can choose to renew their membership at the end of three years by purchasing a one or two year Sport and Activity Pass for the remainder of their programme on the appropriate fee in force at the time.
16. University of Bristol Students' Union Sports Club (UBU)
UBU is based in the Student Union Building on Queens Road and is used by a variety of sports clubs and societies. Please check which clubs are based at the Centre and which are based at the Union before purchasing a Sports Pass. For further information please contact the Union Sports Club directly. Details can be found on the UBU website or call (0117) 954 5874 for details.
University of Bristol Students' Union Sport Club fees are payable on top of the Sports Pass. The Club fees are individually set by each club through a student club committee structure.
Sports Club membership
It is now mandatory to purchase a Sport & Activity Pass if you intend to play for a University Sports Club which uses University facilities for training and matches. In return the University books pre-allocated times for your sports clubs.
Athletic Union membership
As part of the continuing partnership arrangements with the University of Bristol Students' Union you will also be required to pay a mandatory fee to become a member of a UBU Sports Club if you want to play for a University Sports Club. UBU membership fees helps cover the cost of insurance, travel and some club development activity.
17. Lost Membership Cards (students)
You can get replacement Student Membership Card (Ucard) from the Security Lodge, Tyndall Avenue. A replacement card will cost £10.00.
18. Lost Membership Cards (non-student)
Staff - Security Lodge on Tyndall Avenue - £10.00 to replace.
Staff Family, Associate and External Membership cards (Gym Only, Off Peak Gym Only, Vacation, Squash Only and Universal) - at the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, Tyndall Avenue - £5.00 to replace.
Pool Only - at the Swimming Pool, Student Union building, Queens Road, Bristol - £5.00 to replace.
Tennis Only - at the Tennis Centre, Coombe Dingle, Coombe Lane, Bristol - £5.00 to replace.
19. Forgotten Membership Cards
In the interest of security within the University of Bristol, you are urged to carry your university card with you at all times on UoB property. Failure to present your card at the Sports Centre Reception on arrival may result in your being refused entry. A small charge is payable at reception if you have forgotten your card without photo ID (currently £2.50).
20. Customer Comment Forms
If you would like to comment on the standard of facilities and service available please complete a Customer Comment Form - which may be found near the Reception desk at the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Health, Tyndall Avenue.
21. No Shows - Low Numbers?
Failure to play a booked slot will result in a £3.00 charge to the person who booked the slot. The minimum number required on court for any team game is six (6), fewer than six will result in a £3.00 charge to the person who booked the slot.
22. Valuables and Belongings where can I store them?
Valuable and belongings can be stored in the secured lockers situated in both male and female changing rooms and along the PULSE corridor opposite the studios. Please bring along a £1.00 coin (returnable) or purchase a Locker coin - £1.50 available from the main reception at the Indoor Centre. These can also be used at the pool and at the Coombe Dingle Sports Complex.
Please do not leave any items in the lockers overnight, items left overnight will be removed the following morning and held in the lost luggage office. Any articles handed in or found will be placed in lost property for one month and thereafter will be disposed of or given to a charity
23. Can I hire sports equipment?
Squash and Badminton racquets may be hired with your sports membership pass for £1.50 plus £5.00 deposit.
- Ball hire - £0.50 plus £5.00 refundable deposit
- Squash balls, table tennis balls and shuttlecocks may be purchased for £2.30, £0.75 and £1.75 respectively.