Category Archives: Health and Wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing, Our Community, Postgraduate study, Wellbeing

Team UC City2Surf – Be part of this iconic Christchurch event in 2026

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If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I should give the City2Surf a go…” this is your year.

Runners of all levels at the start line for City to Surf 2021

Whether you’re in it for friendships, a fresh challenge, or your own personal goals, we’d love to have UC staff and postgraduate students, especially first-timers, join Team UC for the 2026 Fresh Choice City2Surf.

Last year was an incredible day out with an amazing UC turnout, and we’re excited to build on that momentum in 2026!

What’s on offer:

We’re making it as easy as possible for newbies and postgrads tostep up to the start line on Sunday March 15th, 2026:

  • 100 FREE registrations for UC Postgraduate students and UC Staff
  • Access to our online 12 week training program (Starting 1st December) designed especially for first-timers
  • Free Team UC athletic t-shirt to run in on the day
  • Choose your distance — 6km or 12km
  • Walk, wheel, jog, or run your way to the finish at Rāwhiti Domain
  • Snacks and chats at the finish line
  • Supportive guidance from the UC Rec & Sport team

Whether you’re taking your very first steps into running or simply want something positive to work toward, this is a friendly, achievable, community-focused way to get active.

Postgrads – this one’s for you

City2Surf is a great way to meet other postgraduate students, get moving, and balance the pressures of research or study with something fun and energising. Come join the UC community outside the lab, library, or office.

A great option for first-timers

If you’ve never taken part in City2Surf before – perfect!

Our training plan is simple, encouraging, and accessible, and you can complete it wherever it suits your schedule. It’s designed to build your confidence, prevent overuse injuries, and help you show up on the day feeling prepared.

Want in? Spots will go quickly, so get in early!

🔗 Sign up here:
(City2Surf (Fun Run) Team UC)

Once registered, download the 12-week training programme on our and get started!

If you have health concerns or any other questions and want a private chat before committing, feel free to contact:

tina.george@canterbury.ac.nz or josiah.leigh@canterbury.ac.nz

We can’t wait to see you on the start line!

Please note that UC Rec&Sport reserve the right to:

  • allocate free tickets and t-shirts to those who have not been part of TeamUC City2Surf before  (eg. first timers)
  • allocated remaining spots to returning or first-time Team UC participants using a waitlist protocol, regardless of level of study
  • Confirmation of your registration may take up to a week, so sit tight.   Thankyou for your understanding.

Ngā mihi
UC Rec & Sport | Te Ratonga Hākinakina

 

Health and Fitness, Health and Wellbeing, Wellbeing

🌈 Mental Health Awareness Week at the UC Rec Centre🌟

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Kia ora koutou,

Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is just around the corner, and we’re celebrating with a week of themed group fitness classes at the UC Rec Centre! Whether you’re looking to sweat it out, dance it off, or just vibe with your favourite tunes, we’ve got something for everyone.

Here’s what’s coming up:

🚴  Monday 6 Oct

5:20pm Spin – Taylor Swift Edition

(book quick or join the waitlist – this will sell out!)

💃 Tuesday 7 Oct

5:20pm Zumba – KPOP
Bring a friend for FREE and double the fun!

🏋️ Wednesday 8 Oct

5:20pm Pump – Mamma Mia

🎉 Thursday 9 Oct

5:20pm Spin – Festival Vibes
(book quick or join the waitlist – this will sell out!)

🍒 Friday 10 Oct

12:05pm Core30 – Lana Del Rey

4:20pm – Zumba – KPOP Encore
Couldn’t make Tuesday? Or just want more? Join us again for an encore, and yes, you can still bring a friend for free!

🧘‍♀️ Bonus: Bring a Friend to Yoga – For Free!

Looking for a calmer way to support your mental wellbeing? You can also bring a friend for free to any of the below yoga classes during Mental Health Awareness Week. No theme, just a chance to reset together.

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 1:05pm
  • Tuesday, Thursday – 7:00am

How to Book:

Spots are limited, so make sure to sign up via reception or through our app. Don’t miss out on this chance to move your body, lift your mood, and connect with your community.

Let’s make mental health a priority – together 💙

For additional resources, please visit the MHAW website: Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Awareness Week.

Equity and Diversity, Events and entertainment, Health and Fitness, Health and Wellbeing, Wellbeing

October with UC Student Wellbeing

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October is full of opportunities to pause, connect, and recharge before exams.

This month you can look forward to:

  • Creative workshops like the Wishing Star Wānanga, Kueh Nagasari Workshop, and Pronoun Badge Making.

  • Connection spaces including Social Yarns, Book Club, Rainbow Connections Café, and the Adult Students’ Meet-up.

  • Wellbeing activations such as Connect Zone, Study Break events, and the Navigator Drop-In.

  • Special highlights: Mental Health Awareness Week, the ShakeOut earthquake drill (with free milkshakes!), and the Rūawhetū Hauora Market.

All events take place in The Living Room (next to the bookshop) unless otherwise noted – a welcoming space open weekdays from 9am–4pm where you can relax, connect, or take time out between classes.

Check out the October calendar below to see what’s on and when – and follow us on Instagram (@ucwellbeing) for updates, wellbeing tips, and more! ✨