Category Archives: Health and Wellbeing

Make the most of your break!

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 BushBotanic 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!

Get your meningococcal vaccinations at the UC Health Centre

Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria. It can develop in just a few hours and lead to two serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses, meningitis (an infection of the brain membranes) and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Meningococcal disease spreads in a similar way to the common cold – by coughing and sneezing, or from contact with saliva – including through sharing cups, glasses and drinks bottles. Students living closely with others, such as in halls of residence, are at higher risk.

There are two vaccines available and Te Whare Hauora | UC Health Centre strongly recommends students have both vaccines for optimal protection.

Contact your GP or Te Whare Hauora | UC Health Centre for more information. Read more about meningococcal disease here

Run your first half-marathon with us!

If you’ve ever thought about jogging or running a half-marathon, but not too sure where to start, we’ve got you!     If you can run at a light pace, twice a week for around 25mins, then we can get you on track to complete your first half marathon in our beginners group.  If you’re faster than that, we’ve got intermediate and advanced groups as well.  

Male runners in Dunedin half marathon
Dunedin Half Marathon – That’s Gary Gin, your Run Canterbury co-ordinator
Hōtaka Omaoma | Run Canterbury – the best little running club 

Ok, big claim, but we truly believe it.  We’ve been doing this running thing for over 30years, targeting a mid-year half marathon.  And yes, we’re doing it again.  This year, we’ll be targeting the Selwyn Half Marathon on King’s Birthday weekend – Sunday 4th June.   

Why choose us? 
  • Expertise on tap with our staff and pack leaders. 
  • Social media support group to share tips, ask questions and find running buddies for additional runs outside the pack runs 
  • Full 12 week training guide to help you get over the line in your desired time, still running, not limping! 
  • Twice weekly group runs, with others at your pace 
  • The programme starts week beginning 13 March, and once you’ve enrolled, we’ll send you all the info you need to know
The investment 
  • UC Students can join in for just $95, which includes your Run Canterbury T-Shirt.  That’s like just under $8 a week, or $4 per session when you do the math.  
How to enrol 
  • What are you waiting for?  You can enrol now via the Rec&Sport App, just head to the Small Group Training section.
  • Then, just pay at our desk when you come in next, or start the programme.   

For more info, check our website, and if you still have questions that need answering, contact gary.gin@canterbury.ac.nz  

Ngā mihi
Te Ratonga Hākinakina | UC Rec&Sport