Category Archives: Health and Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing, Wellbeing

Make the most of your break – look after you

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You did it – you’re halfway through the first semester! Now’s the time to reset, recharge, hang out with mates and do a few things you enjoy. 

Check up on yourself

It’s easy to put your health on the backburner when life gets busy with study and work. Over the break, it’s a good idea to book in those appointments you’ve been meaning to get to.

Te Whare Hauora | Health Centre offers a range of services, including check-ups and counselling, all at a low cost – or even for free – depending on your enrolment.

UCSA also offers a subsidised dental scheme for students, with discounted check-ups, hygiene appointments and treatments. You can learn more and book in here>

Screen looking a bit blurry? The UCSA have partnered with Specsavers Riccarton to offer students $10 eye exams, plus 25% of glasses. Check out the full offer here>

Feeling burnt out?

It’s normal to feel tired after a busy term, but sometimes it’s more than that. If you need to talk – about feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or anything that’s bothering you – Te Rantonga Ākonga | Student Care team are here to help. Learn more & book an appointment>

If you’re a Māori or Pasifika ākonga (student), you can tap into the specialised support services at Te Waka Pākākano | Office of the Vice Chancellor Māori, Pacific and Equity

  • UC Māori can provide support and guidance to ensure the path you choose is right for you
  • The Pacific Development Team offers pastoral care to Pacific students and are on hand to answer any of your questions or just have a chat if you need someone to talk to. 

All UC students now have free access to the full version of Mentemia, a mental wellbeing phone app, designed to help you feel good and function well. With handy tools such as meditation sessions, breath training and mood boosting features, download the app now and create an account with your UC email address to unlock an amazing toolkit.   

Talk to someone who knows what’s going on

Uni is exciting – but also challenging. If you’re feeling a little lost, it’s great to talk to someone who’s been there and done that: an older UC student. With a range of mentorship options, including a Māori Leadership Programme and Pacific Mentoring Programme, sometimes all it takes is a helping hand. Learn more and register to get a mentor here>

Check out UC’s Wellbeing Hub for tips on looking after you – and have a well-deserved mid-semester break!

What else can you do to make the most of the break? 

 

Health and Wellbeing, UCGo, Uni Notices

UCGO emergency test taking place on 1 April

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If there is a campus-wide emergency situation, such as an evacuation or lockdown, UCGO will send a push notification to your phone so that you know what’s going on. To receive this kind of information, you need to make sure you allow push notifications for UCGO. 

We’re about to ‘Fall back’, why don’t you take a moment to check that you have allowed notifications? Make sure you keep them turned on!

Don’t worry, you won’t get spammed – push notifications from UCGO are only used in an emergency situation. 

FYI – there will be a UCGO emergency test in the morning on Thursday 1 April.

Don’t have the app?
Find out more about UCGO, and how to download it or bookmark it on your desktop, here>

Health and Fitness, Health and Wellbeing

Make the most of your break – stay active

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The benefits of keeping active

The mid-semester break isn’t just a good time to reset and catch up on your studies – it’s also a great time to form new exercise habits. Regular activity helps you feel healthier and less stressed, allowing you to be at your best for your studies.

Te Ratonga Hākinakina | UC Rec and Sport

With classes running throughout the break, pop into Te Ratonga Hākinakina | UC Rec Centre to join in on spin, Zumba or even yoga classes. You can view the full timetable and book in here or via the UCGO app>

Not keen to sweat it out in a group? Your Canterbury Card enables you to visit the gym anytime during opening hours:
Monday to Friday, 6am – 9pm
Saturday/Sunday, 9am – 5pm

With a range of facilities (including an indoor rock climbing wall, a dedicated women’s training space, two large court spaces and a squash court), make the most of your free student membership. You also have the option for a personalised exercise consult at a discounted cost.

Intro to Exercise Programme

Feeling a bit intimidated by the gym? Te Ratonga Hākinakina’s Intro to Exercise programmes give you the chance to try a range of activities with other students who want to try something new. Over five weeks, you’ll have access to over 50 sessions, ranging from team sports to hill walks.

Free for UC students, sign up now for the term 2 programme, running from 3 May – 4 June>

Join a Sports Team

Whether you’re into ultimate Frisbee or cheerleading, there are a range of UC Sport and Recreation clubs to get involved with. Check out the full list here>

Get Outdoors

Feeling stuck on an assignment? Sometimes all it takes to get your brain moving is a bit of fresh air. Ōtautahi is known as the garden city for good reason, with a huge range of beautiful green spaces to enjoy, including the nearby Riccarton Bush, Botanic Gardens or Mona Vale. Even a five minute stroll along UC’s Okeover Stream can do the trick!

If you’re looking to go further afield, ChristchurchNZ have put together a fantastic list of walks to explore>

Eating Well

You can only put out what you put in – and as tempting as those mi goreng noodles are, it’s important to eat a range of foods to make sure you can concentrate on campus. For a bunch of quick and easy meal ideas, check out Food in a Minute and impress your flatties!

This mid-semester break, move better, feel better and think better. Karawhiua! (Go for it!)

What else can you do to make the most of the break?