Internationals
Internationals
Kia ora!
The UCSA is excited to welcome you to our vibrant and diverse University. No matter where you are from, or who you are, we are pleased you chose to come to UC.
The UCSA is here to support you during your studies, whether it's through our representation of students, our advocacy and wellbeing services, events or food services. The UCSA has a dedicated International Rep, and we encourage you to reach out to them if you need them: international@ucsa.org.nz
Useful websites
- UCSA.org.nz/find-a-club: An online list of UCSA's international student clubs.
- UCSA.org.nz/advisory-groups: Info about UCSA's International Advisory Group, which helps strengthen international students' voice on campus.
- The Insider's Guide to UC / Tūpono: UC's student experience blog.
- UC's International Student Care Handbook: Practical advice for your first weeks in NZ.
- UC's international student webpage: Info about the University's support services and more.
- NauMai NZ: An NZ government website for international students who want to know more about banking, housing, insurance and all that 'adult' stuff. Seriously useful.
- Christchurch City Library: Check out your nearest library and see what services they offer. Heads-up: Tūranga is our central city library.
- ChristchurchNZ: Info on local events, activities and attractions.
Social media
- UCSA's Facebook page: We post updates on our services and events, plus keep you up-to-date with campus life.
- UCSA's Instagram page
- UCSA Noticeboard: Our Facebook group for student chat, as well as buying and selling items.
- UC International Noticeboard: UC's Facebook group is a great way to connect with fellow international students.
- UC Textbooks: Buy, Sell and Trade
Apps
- V-Plate: UCSA's discount app, which you can use at all UCSA food and beverage outlets.
- UCGo: Access your student emails, timetable, LEARN and library account.
- Neat Places: A guide to cool places to visit in Christchurch and wider NZ.
Making friends and getting involved in campus life
Here are a few tips to help:
- Join a club or society. There's around 160 of them, ranging from sports and academics to volunteering, cultural and religious groups. Seriously – there's something for everyone.
- Take up a sport. Sports are a big part of kiwi culture, especially rugby (we're kind of obsessed). So, joining a sports team or checking out the UC Rec Centre is a good way to get to know new people (and stay fit, obvs).
- Become a volunteer. This a great way to get involved in the wider community. The UC club Student Volunteer Army is really popular here, and there's also VolunteerNZ.
- Make the most of Orientation and Re-Orientation. This is when there are loads of new students on campus and everyone's getting to know each other. At the start of the year, the UCSA holds two weeks' of events, including the International Student Welcome and Kia Ora Bro. Mid-year, we hold ticketed gigs, plus free events like markets and lunches.
- Spend some time on social media. There are a few big Facebook groups on campus where you can connect with students. The UCSA Noticeboard, the UC Postgraduate Students' Association (UC PGSA) Noticeboard and the UC International Student Noticeboard are all popular.
- Check out UC events. The UCSA has a full events calendar for students, and the clubs do a lot too.