New to campus? Here are 10 things to know about.

 

1. Tap into our free support services

There’s more to us than just free snags! The UCSA runs services like independent student advocacy on uni issues, a food bank, grants, subsidised optometry and dental schemes, wellbeing expos, and more. 

There's also a Menstruation Emergency service if you're caught without a tampon, pad, or moon cup. Drop into our office from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday or 4.30pm Fridays.

 

2. Join Noticeboard

UCSA Noticeboard is where students go to chat. To join, just send a membership request to @UCSANoticeboard.

If you're an international student, you might also be keen on our International Community Facebook group.

 

 

3. Grab a free student magazine

CANTA media's been informing and making students laugh since 1930, and new editions come out every fortnight during term. The magazine's run entirely by students, and you can follow them online here. They also run social media accounts and a podcast.

 

4. Unlock discounts on food

The VPlate*: This little gem is a discount card and loyalty scheme in-one for UC students, and it’s a great way to save money at select cafés on campus. Download it on Google Play or the App Store.

(*Advert: VPlate is a collab between the UCSA and V Energy.)

 

5. Make friends

If you didn’t join uni with an army of high school mates (or even if you did), it’s always good to make new connections. A few opportunities are the club scene, UC’s two community gardens, the Rec Centre (membership is free for enrolled students), and volunteering through a group like Student Volunteer Army. Don’t be too shy to say ‘hey’ – everyone’s in the same boat.

 

6. Borrow free stuff at the UCSA

Our reception at Haere-roa carries a bunch of things you might need to borrow: calculators, phone/laptop chargers, bikes, and tennis racquets (there's a court on Ilam Fields).

 

7. Get a free service from Dr Bike

UC Sustainability offer free bike services during term time on specific days, as well as a bunch of other facilities for bikers. Follow them on Instagram/Facebook for the latest updates. 

 

8. Browse the Free Table

One person's trash, is another person's treasure. If you're near the Undercroft, take a walk past UC's 'free table', a spot on campus that's stacked with second hand items. It's under the Library stairs. While you won't always walk away with something, you can find the odd gem in there, from clothing to small appliances. 

 

9. Get a better playlist

RDU radio station is the home of student music here in Ōtautahi. Tune in.

 

10. Relax at Haere-roa 

The UCSA's building on campus has comfy couches, free arcade games and table tennis to play, a bar, ports to charge your laptop, and there's often free events/food on.