Who are the UCSA?

So, you are heading to Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) in 2025? Make sure you get to know the UCSA during ORI ’25 and throw yourself into student life!

So, who is the UCSA?

We are your Students’ Association at UC! Based in Haere-roa (90 Ilam Road), we are at the heart of the student community. Throughout the year we support students through our Advocacy and Welfare team, help clubs host events, and dish up a whole heap of fun giveaways and events just for you! From hardship grants to dental vouchers, to Metrocards, concerts, and random acts of kindness; we do it all.

The UCSA doesn’t just run ORI! We love a free BBQ, wellbeing events, and events for all groups (international, postgrads + more) students. We shout you FREE Exam Breakfasts and other treats to get you through those stressful study times. We celebrate student excellence at our awards nights, and when the time is right, we know how to party at the Foundry. To top it all off, we hold an epic end of year festival to see off lectures - Tea Party! This the biggest party of the year and is not to be missed!

Our events calendar is always packed, and there is something for everyone. See what we have coming up for 2025 so far here:

UCSA has a variety of teams who are here to support you in different ways throughout your time at UC. Our Advocacy and Welfare team are a super friendly bunch who assist you in navigating university life, and they will work with you if you need any welfare support. Independent from UC, hit them up if you need any advice – they process grant applications, offer food support services and provide advocacy with any academic appeals or drafting application forms. Check out how else they help here:

As well as offering additional support for your studies, Haere-roa is a space you can come hang out in ‘just cause.’ Pull up a beanbag in the Social Space or check out The Foundry bar - it’s the place to be to grab a drink and some food and get involved with one of their daily rituals – who doesn’t love a quiz night?

Want to learn more cool stuff? Here is some insider UCSA info to get you started:

Haere-roa – The home of the UCSA and a purpose build hub for all UC students.
UCSA Student Exec - The team of 14 elected students who represent your voice on campus and beyond.
The Foundry – Your student bar! Grab a coffee on the way to class or finish off a busy day with a Foundry Draft and some wedges – perfect.
Canta - The official magazine of UC. Pick up a free copy around campus every second Monday during term time for to keep up with all the tea at UC.
Ngaio Marsh Theatre – Love music? The legendary Ngaio Marsh is the place for you. Kick off your ORI experience and UCSA journey at FIRST BASE to see what we mean.
Social Space - A perfect spot to chill out on the couches (We hear they’re the comfiest on campus) or grab a mate for a table tennis tournament.
V-Plate (student discount) - Sign up with your UC email address and grab a bargain at one of the USCA cafes scattered across campus.
The Amphitheatre - The ultimate lunch spot. Pop across the river to chill out in the sunshine. Who knows, you may score yourself a FREE snag from the famous UCSA BBQs.

Keep up to date with everything UCSA:

Like us on Facebook
Join the UCSA Noticeboard
Check out our Instagram – We love a story!

We can’t wait to see you at UCSA ORI ’25 and beyond!