All posts by ava108

Behaviour and Responsibilities, Health and Fitness, Health and Wellbeing, Study@UC, Wellbeing

Make the most of your break!

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You’re almost halfway through the second 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 4 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 3 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!

Health and Fitness, Health and Wellbeing, Wellbeing

Get active over the break

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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. If you can’t make it in person, you can join in with group fitness classes via Live & OnDemand. Exercising from the comfort of your own home, perfect! 

You can view the full timetable and book in here or via the UC Rec&Sport 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>

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!)

Behaviour and Responsibilities

Respecting the rights of others in our UC community

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Here at UC, we’re a community of people committed to creating a campus culture of belonging, understanding, inclusiveness and caring. Ākonga Tū, Ākonga Ora.

We all have a responsibility to respect the rights of others in our community, treat others as we would wish to be treated and think about how our actions affect others. 

We can all contribute to make our community a better place, and create a safe learning environment for everyone. This includes: 

  • not getting involved in harassment, bullying, racism, abuse, discrimination or violence in any form (this includes inappropriate gestures or comments, whether face-to-face or online)
  • taking care that your words or actions do not adversely
    affect the health and safety of any other people

Any activity that jeopardises others’ wellbeing or safety, or encourages law-breaking, is taken seriously. If you experience or witness any harassment, bullying, racism, abuse, discrimination or violence don’t be afraid to speak up about it.

How to formally raise a concern 

Here’s a step by step guide on how you can raise a concern at UC: 

  1. If you feel comfortable doing so, try to talk to the person who made the decision or whose actions have caused your concern. Alternatively, you could get in touch with the Dean, Head of Department/School, Service Unit Manager or your Class Representative
  2. Talk to the UCSA Advocacy and Welfare team or UC’s Grievance Coordinator. They can support you work towards a resolution with the person involved
  3. The next step is to lodge a formal complaint in writing with the UC Grievance Coordinator or UCSA Student Advocate. Atawhai Ākonga | Student Care, UC Māori or the Pacific Development Team can support you to prepare your statement. 
  4. An investigation will then take place and you’ll be kept informed of progress. UC aims to resolve issues within four weeks
  5.  You’ll be told the outcome of the investigation, and how/why this decision was made.  You’ll also receive information about how you can appeal this decision. 

Find more information about how you can formally raise a concern here> 

How to make an informal anonymous report 

You can fill in a form anonymously on UC’s website here. Most of these questions are optional, but try to answer as many as you can. 

Where to go if you need some advice 

You can also reach out to our UC support services for help and advice if you’ve got something on your mind: