All posts by ava108

Helping the community, Our Community, The Community

What’s UC’s impact in Ōtautahi Christchurch?

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Did you know that the UC Student Volunteer Army carried out 9340 hours of volunteering in 2021 alone – equivalent to $220,891 of service gifted to the local community?

It’s just one of the things that makes UC so special, which has been captured in a new report commissioned for UC’s 150th year.

We’ve created a short, visual snapshot of the report to give you the highlights. You can read more about the report here.

Here are a few more facts: did you know?

  • A flagship community-focused initiative to mark the University’s sesquicentenary, Te Kakau a Maūi Scholarships will fund undergraduate degree tuition for 300 students from lower-decile South Island schools, reflecting the our founding principles of accessible education.
  • UC will be carbon neutral by 2030 and has plans underway to improve sustainability on campus through increasing biodiversity, reducing waste, promoting cycling and other initiatives.
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  • UC is also a cultural influencer with 12,000 people attending more than 300 public events at UC Arts in the city since opening in 2017, while the University’s Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities attracted more than 60,000 visits in the same period.

There’s plenty more to be proud of here at UC – you can check out the report here.

Get started at UC, Health and Wellbeing, Study@UC, Wellbeing

Make the most of your break!

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You’re almost halfway through the first semester! Soon it will be the time to reset, recharge, hang out with your whānau and mates, and do a few things you enjoy.

It might feel like the last thing you want to do, but the mid-semester break is also a great time to get ahead on your studies and assignments. Although lectures won’t be running, UC’s support services will still be here to help you catch up on your study and plan ahead for the rest of the semester.

Look after 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>

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 else that’s bothering you – Atawhai Ākonga | Student Care team are here to help. Learn more & book an appointment>

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>

Talk to someone who’s been through it too
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. There’s a range of mentorship options available. Learn more and register to get a mentor here>

Take charge with Te Pokapū Pūkenga Ako | Academic Skills Centre
With Term 2 workshops soon to be released, the break is the perfect time to book in some classes, whether you’re looking to upskill in notetaking, presenting or essay writing. You can also book in an individual consultation with a Learning Advisor to get help with specific assessments or challenges you’re facing. Learn more about Te Pokapū Pūkenga Ako here>

Not sure about your courses?
Reaching the end of Term 1 can make you reflect on the work you’ve done so far, and what your options are for the rest of the semester. Uni is all about growing and changing, so if you’re thinking about changing courses, UC’s kaitohutohu ākonga | student advisors are incredibly helpful when planning your degree.  

Make time for you 
Over the next few weeks make sure to refresh, recharge, hang out with your whānau and mates, and take some time for yourself too. Ngahau! (Enjoy!)

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

Our Community, The Community

We’re almost about to “Fall back”, check you’re emergency ready

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Daylight saving’s as good of a time as any to take a moment to make sure you’re all set in case of an emergency. Check you’re prepared:

  • Have you saved UC Security’s number in your phone?

UC Security staff are on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so no matter when you might need to get in touch, someone will always be there to help. Be prepared by having UC Security’s number saved: 0800 823 637.

  • Are your UCGO push notifications turned on?

The UCGO app brings essential UC tools to your phone. One of these tools is emergency push notifications, as you experienced on Thursday. If you didn’t receive a notification that means you need to head to your settings and get them switched on for the app. Push notifications are only used when there is a campus wide emergency we need you to know about, and could include campus evacuations and lock-down situations.

  • Have you updated your emergency contacts?

It’s easy to update your details through myUC. Please take a moment to jump in there to check that the person you’ve listed as your emergency contact is still appropriate, and that their details are correct. While you’re logged in to myUC you can also check that your own details are up-to-date. Make sure these details are correct (especially if you’ve moved recently) in case someone from UC needs to reach out to you.

  • Do you know where the Emergency Procedures are located around your lectures? 

All departments have an Emergency Procedures flip chart outlining what to do in various types of emergencies. The flip charts are on display throughout the University. If you have not seen the flip charts, ask where they are or view the PDF file versions of each page here.

  • Remember: No smoking or vaping on campus

UC is a smokefree campus, meaning you cannot smoke cigarettes or vape on campus grounds, in or near any UC buildings or at any field stations. By respecting the smokefree policy we can all enjoy a healthier place to study, work, socialise and live.

  • Help point towers

There are 13 help towers located across campus to provide information any time, and immediate assistance in an emergency. Read more>

The best place to go with all up to date information about UC’s Commitment to Health, Safety and Wellbeing is online here.