A CSUN student tries out the Oasis Wellness Center’s power napping sleep pods. Photo by Lee Choo.

California State University, Northridge students looking for a stress-free and peaceful environment can now head to the new Oasis Wellness Center at the University Student Union.

The Oasis, which is located in the USU below the Computer Lab and next to the Plaza Pool, features a wide range of health and wellness programs intended to promote student academic success.

“A study done in 2011 found that the two biggest barriers students face in school are [a lack of] sleep and rest,” Oasis Manager Tiffany Shanks said. “The Oasis is a place where students can get away and leave their worries outside the door.”

In a study conducted by the American College Health Association, 31.5 percent of CSUN students reported feeling stressed, and 21 percent reported getting enough sleep as their greatest obstacles to learning.

The 16,000 square foot facility offers indoor and outdoor lounge spaces, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, massage therapy, stress relief, power napping sleep pods, health and wellness workshops and much more.

The center will also feature CSUN’s first gender-inclusive restrooms designed for transgender and gender-nonconforming students.

“People who have changed their gender after birth may face a lot of harassment when using single-use restrooms,” Shanks said. “This removes [harassment] from happening and allows all CSUN students to feel safe.”

Treatment and relaxation rooms are available inside as well as sleep pods for students looking to take a quick snooze in between classes. The outside area of the facility includes different lounges and contemplation areas for students to visit.

Current CSUN students can use the Wellness Center for free – the facility is included in students’ tuition – however, registration to use the facility is required. Faculty and staff can sign up for the fee-based massage and acupuncture services. Massages cost $29 for a 50-minute session, and acupunctures are $25.

“[The Oasis] is a place I can come relax at,” 22-year-old CSUN student Thomas Medina said. “I can come here after the gym or after a tough day of classes.”

Members of the campus community are invited to the grand opening ceremony on Sept. 17. The Oasis will be open on Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on weekends and holidays.

Construction for this project began in Dec. 2014 and was funded by the University Student Union cash reserves.

For more information, visit http://www.csun.edu/oasis