Category Archives: Wellbeing

Make the most of your break!

You’re almost halfway through the first semester! Soon you will be able 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 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 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!)

Have a well-deserved mid-semester break!

Unwind with a Deep Restore Yoga Session

The end of Term 1 is rapidly approaching and with that comes a flurry of essays, mini-tests and other assessments that can lead to a little more stress overload than usual.   Why not try a 2 hour Deep Restore yoga session to nourish your nervous system? 

Yoga student in supported reclining butterfly pose
Reclining Butterfly pose in a Deep Restore class
Deep Restore with Heart and Mind Yoga 

We’ve collaborated with Jo Jarden of Heart and Mind Yoga to bring you a heavily discounted Deep Restore experience.    Utilising science-based relaxation techniques and deep stretches, enjoy a gentle guided practice to relax the nervous system and unwind. 

Absolutely no experience is required, just an open mind and willingness to relax for 2hours! 

How to book

Spaces are limited to just 40 people, so we would suggest making your booking as soon as you can!   Bookings are via the Rec&Sport app, and your place will be secured once you’ve made payment ($8) at the RecCentre.   

When is it?

Sunday 24th March, at 11.30am.  You’ll need to arrive by 11.15am to get settled, and class starts at 11.30am.   For all the info, visit our Specialty Classes webpage.

Ngā mihi
Te Ratonga Hākinakina | UC Rec&Sport 

3 tips to get into our fully booked group fitness classes

We’re beyond excited that you guys are loving our group fitness classes as much as we do!  So much so, that quite a few of our classes are fully booked with waiting lists! So, here are our tips to increase your chances of getting into the class you want to go to. 

Spin class at the UC RecCentre
1. Set a reminder 

Our classes open for booking at 6am, 7 days prior to the class day.  For example, if the class is on Monday, it will be available to book on the Tuesday preceding it.    You can set a reminder in the app, by finding the class and hitting the little bell -make sure you have your notifications on! To double down, you could set an alarm in your own phone as well of course! 

2. Join the waitlist 

When the class is full, hit the button to join the waitlist.  Make sure your notifications are turned on.  When someone cancels (and there’s always a few who change their mind during the week), you will be sent a notification that a place has become available. It’s fastest finger wins – so if you’re first to respond, you’re in! 

3. Turn up anyway and try your luck 

We cut off cancellation options 30mins prior to class start time.   This is so others can have the time to get here if a spot does become available.   BUT sometimes people don’t get that cancellation in, meaning there is actually a space available. There are often 1-2 (sometimes four!) spare bikes in spin, even though it’s full and has a waitlist! So, bring your gear and ask the instructor if there’s space, and you never know your luck! If there isn’t, we usually have other classes available at the same time for you to attend, or you could have a gym workout. 

 Don’t forget to check out the booking system page for more helpful hints and info on the booking system and cancellation policies. 

See you soon!
Ngā mihi
UC Rec&Sport | Te Ratonga Hākinakina