Unwind Anytime: Oxford’s Third Spaces and RecRe Boxes Arrive
Oxford College is excited to bring Third Spaces to our beautiful campus. As part of this initiative, RecRe boxes have been placed in various campus locations while students were on spring break, providing new ways to relax, engage, and connect.
You’ve asked for more places to unwind after hours, and we listened. Oxford College is thrilled to introduce Third Spaces, which transforms underutilized areas around campus into environments where you can socialize, de-stress and connect with your friends. Imagine late-night study sessions under the cozy glow of string lights, fresh outdoor lounges with shaded seating, and even more study areas to fuel your productivity. Game nights just got better too, with repaired foosball and pool tables bringing the fun and excitement back to student spaces. These designated areas across campus offer you the opportunity for spontaneous hangouts, creative fun and much needed downtime, whether it’s a quick break with friends, an impromptu game, or just a moment to relax—third spaces are being designed for you. Starting this week, you will see that the RecRe boxes you asked for have been added to eight locations around our beautiful campus.
RecRe boxes offer students the ability to rent out equipment for free. These boxes will be filled with games, recreational resources, dorm necessities, and more allowing students to engage with campus through the resources provided in these boxes.
"This initiative reflects our commitment to holistic student wellbeing, recognizing that the most memorable college experiences often happen in these informal gathering spaces. We're excited to see how our students will use these new resources to build community and bring renewed energy to campus life.”
How these RecRe boxes works is simple:
- Find a Locker: Lockers will be available at Williams Hall, the Tennis Courts, the Student Center (bottom hall near the Blue Room and the Hotspot), Haygood lobby, JRC lobby, Fleming and Elizer.
- Scan the QR Code: Each box has a QR Code on the side. Just scan it with your phone to start.
- Select your Item: Choose what you need from the list within the app.
- Unlock & Grab: The locker will open automatically, giving you access to your item. You will be notifed, via email when your item is due.
- Return when done: Place the item back in the same locker and take a quick photo to confirm the return.
RecRe Boxes located in Williams Hall
These lockers are available 24/7, so you can grab what you need anytime of the day or night!
The administration has collaborated with the Student Government Association to ensure that the implementation of Third Spaces and the RecRe Boxes truly aligns with the needs and preferences of our students. “I think that the focus on third spaces and addition of the RecRe boxes will have a profound impact on campus. The change to a 24-hour student center and additional late night dining options have already greatly improved the student experience on campus, and the addition of the RecRe boxes and other improvements will increase the number of ways for students to connect and unwind outside of their learning and living areas,” says Pierce McDade 25Ox.
If you have suggestions for items that you would like to see in these lockers, please use this form to share your ideas!