Student Life
Overview
Living the student life in Canterbury is something you'll remember forever. There's always plenty going on around our campuses and throughout the region. We've put together some of our recommendations of what makes student life at Ara, in Christchurch and in Canterbury awesome.
At Ara
There's a new event on almost daily at our campuses - with everything from music to sport. During the day you can catch live music in various locations, meet up for coffee or lunch with friends in between classes, or join in social games. There are often BBQs on-site too and most of the time they are free!
Make sure you keep an eye on the student events calendar so you don't miss out.
In Christchurch
Christchurch is in a unique position as the rebuild kicks into gear and is constantly changing. You'll find new cafes, restaurants, bars, nightspots and shops opening up every week. There's always live music on somewhere, plenty of shows and plays, and there are art galleries dotted around the city.
For the adventurous types - the Port Hills and Hagley Park can be explored for hours, with walking and cycling tracks. The ski-fields are just a couple of hours away and the surf at Taylor's Mistake is not to be missed in summer.
Shop-a-holics will love the boutique shops in Re:START Cashel Mall (which is made out of containers) and Sydenham, plus the three massive shopping malls: Westfield, Northlands and The Palms.
In Canterbury
With its coastal and mountainous nature, Canterbury offers a wide variety of experiences. This is a place where everybody will be able to find something interesting to do, visit or discover.
The numerous attractions of the region include some unforgettable spots:
- The village of Akaroa in Banks Peninsula is a beautiful place. You can enjoy the French style of the old buildings, as well as make the most of its natural aspects. From surfing to swimming with dolphins, Akaroa won't disappoint you.
- In Kaikoura you will be able to see one of the giants of nature from a very short distance: a whale watching experience is not to be missed. If you are an animal lover, don't forget to go for a dolphin or seal encounter too!
- The thermal hot pools in Hanmer Springs are the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the surrounding carefree atmosphere.
- Possibly the bluest waters you will ever see in your life, Lake Tekapo is a top destination if you are keen on water sports, mountain biking or if you just love nature and beauty.
- If astronomy is one of your passions, Mt John Observatory will take your breath away with the wonders of the southern night sky.
- Discover the unique flora and landscape of Arthur's Pass. Walks, hikes and kayaking adventures are waiting for you.
Check out our Canterbury events calendar and see what else is going on.
Ara-branded clothing & merchandise
A range of quality, affordable, Ara-branded clothing and merchandise including hoodies, jackets, shirts, tees, coffee cups, drink bottle, stationary and more - specially created for Ara staff and students.
Ready for purchase at the Pop-up shop opening in the Atrium, City Campus on the following dates
Fridays, 12pm-1pm
- 24 August
- 7 September
- 21 September
- 19 October
- 2 November
- 23 November
- 7 December
Eft pos available
Accommodation
One of the most important choices you'll make when coming to Ara is where to live.
There are lots of accommodation options around Canterbury. You might want to live in student accommodation in Christchurch, go flatting, private board or live in a home-stay.
Accommodation options
Find a flat
If you're going to flat in Christchurch make sure you give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect spot. Areas close to Ara are Addington, Beckenham, Central City, Linwood, Opawa, Phillipstown, Riccarton (near Hagley Park), Somerfield, Sydenham and Waltham.
Check out the these websites for flat listings:
Campus maps
Ara Institute of Canterbury have five campuses throughout the South Island.
We offer nationally recognised and highly regarded certificates, diplomas, degrees and graduate qualifications.
Explore our campus maps below and download printable PDFs.
Campus events
Student Events
To stay in the loop with events around Campus, please sign-up to our weekly newsletter.
February 2019
Photography Competition
START/END
19th Feb 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesPhotography Competition
START/END
20th Feb 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesWhakatau - Woolston campus
START/END
20th Feb 2019 9:30am-10:30amLOCATION
Woolston campusVE Open Space
Photography Competition
START/END
21st Feb 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesPhotography Competition
START/END
22nd Feb 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesPhotography Competition
START/END
25th Feb 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesWhakatau - City campus
START/END
25th Feb 2019 9:30am-10:30amLOCATION
City campus(Whareora/North Green)
Note: dependent on weather
Photography Competition
START/END
26th Feb 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesPhotography Competition
START/END
27th Feb 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesWhakatau - Timaru campus
START/END
27th Feb 2019 9:30am-10:30amLOCATION
Timaru campusTe Whare Poutama/Gym
STI’s & Pies
START/END
27th Feb 2019 10:00am-3:00pmLOCATION
Woolston SSB Nurses StationPhotography Competition
START/END
28th Feb 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesMarch 2019
Photography Competition
START/END
1st Mar 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesPhotography Competition
START/END
4th Mar 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesPhotography Competition
START/END
5th Mar 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesStudent Services Carnival
START/END
5th Mar 2019 11:30am-1:00pmLOCATION
North Green, Ara City Campus, ChristchurchPhotography Competition
START/END
6th Mar 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesBen Hurley and Justine Smith
START/END
6th Mar 2019 7:30pm-9:30pmLOCATION
The Piano: Centre for Music and the Arts, 156 Armagh Street, ChristchurchSTD’s & Smoothies
START/END
6th Mar 2019 10:00am-3:00pmLOCATION
Madras Health Centre, Ara City Campus, ChristchurchPhotography Competition
START/END
7th Mar 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesWorld Cereal Day
START/END
7th Mar 2019 8:30am-9:30amLOCATION
Rakaia Atrium, Ara City Campus, ChristchurchPhotography Competition
START/END
8th Mar 2019 9:00am - 5:00pmLOCATION
All Ara CampusesGraduation (Christchurch morning ceremony)
START/END
29th Mar 2019 10:00am-12:00pmLOCATION
Christchurch Town HallGraduation (Christchurch afternoon ceremony)
START/END
29th Mar 2019 2:30pm-5:00pmLOCATION
Christchurch Town HallJuly 2019
Whakatau - City campus
START/END
22nd Jul 2019 9:30am-10:30amLOCATION
City campusWhareora/North Green
Note: dependent on weather
Whakatau - Timaru campus
START/END
24th Jul 2019 9:30am-10:30amLOCATION
Timaru campusTe Whare Poutama/Gym
August 2019
Whakatau - Woolston campus
START/END
7th Aug 2019 9:30am-10:30amLOCATION
Woolston campusVE Open Space
Canterbury Events
February 2019
Willie's Open Mic
START/END
20th Feb 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
21st Feb 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
27th Feb 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
28th Feb 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchMarch 2019
Willie's Open Mic
START/END
6th Mar 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
7th Mar 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
13th Mar 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
14th Mar 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
20th Mar 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
21st Mar 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
27th Mar 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
28th Mar 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchApril 2019
Willie's Open Mic
START/END
3rd Apr 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
4th Apr 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
10th Apr 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
11th Apr 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
17th Apr 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
18th Apr 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
24th Apr 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
25th Apr 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchMay 2019
Willie's Open Mic
START/END
1st May 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
2nd May 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
8th May 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
9th May 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
15th May 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
16th May 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
22nd May 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
23rd May 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
29th May 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
30th May 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchJune 2019
Willie's Open Mic
START/END
5th Jun 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
6th Jun 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
12th Jun 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
13th Jun 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
19th Jun 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
20th Jun 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
26th Jun 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
27th Jun 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchJuly 2019
Willie's Open Mic
START/END
3rd Jul 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
4th Jul 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
10th Jul 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
11th Jul 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
17th Jul 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
18th Jul 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
24th Jul 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
25th Jul 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
31st Jul 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchAugust 2019
Casa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
1st Aug 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
7th Aug 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
8th Aug 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
14th Aug 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
15th Aug 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
21st Aug 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
22nd Aug 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
28th Aug 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
29th Aug 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchSeptember 2019
Willie's Open Mic
START/END
4th Sep 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
5th Sep 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
11th Sep 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
12th Sep 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
18th Sep 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
19th Sep 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
25th Sep 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
26th Sep 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchOctober 2019
Willie's Open Mic
START/END
2nd Oct 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
3rd Oct 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
9th Oct 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
10th Oct 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
16th Oct 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
17th Oct 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
23rd Oct 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
24th Oct 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
30th Oct 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
31st Oct 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchNovember 2019
Willie's Open Mic
START/END
6th Nov 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
7th Nov 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
13th Nov 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
14th Nov 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
20th Nov 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
21st Nov 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
27th Nov 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
28th Nov 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchDecember 2019
Willie's Open Mic
START/END
4th Dec 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
5th Dec 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
11th Dec 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
12th Dec 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
18th Dec 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
19th Dec 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
25th Dec 2019 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
26th Dec 2019 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchJanuary 2020
Willie's Open Mic
START/END
1st Jan 2020 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
2nd Jan 2020 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
8th Jan 2020 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
9th Jan 2020 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
15th Jan 2020 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
16th Jan 2020 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
22nd Jan 2020 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
23rd Jan 2020 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
29th Jan 2020 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
30th Jan 2020 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchFebruary 2020
Willie's Open Mic
START/END
5th Feb 2020 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
6th Feb 2020 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchWillie's Open Mic
START/END
12th Feb 2020 7:00pm - 11:00pmLOCATION
Sullivan's Irish Pub, 291 Lincoln Rd, ChristchurchCasa Publica Salsa Nights
START/END
13th Feb 2020 8:30pm - 1:00amLOCATION
Casa Publica, 180 Armagh Street, ChristchurchFood
There are heaps of café and restaurant options, both at and near our campuses.
There are also plenty of indoor and outdoor places where you can sit and eat if you choose to bring your own food. Our student lounges in the CPSA at the City campus and the student services building at the Woolston campus have microwaves available for your use.
City campus
We have three cafés and a restaurant at our City campus in Christchurch. There is also a food court and several other cafés opposite the campus, or within a five minute walk.
Café X
Café X in the Rakaia Centre is a great place to meet for breakfast, snacks, lunch or coffee.
Open from early in the morning they have a range of food, from sandwiches, wraps, pies and sushi to delicious slices, muffins and biscuits.
Cafe X stock a variety of cold and hot drinks. Pick up a coffee card and get it stamped each time you order a coffee, to get your tenth coffee free.
There is plenty of seating available.
Hours
Open term time:
- Monday - Thursday: 7:30am to 6pm
- Friday: 7:30am to 4pm
Term break:
- Monday - Friday: 7:30am to 3:30pm
Compass Café
Compass Café in the CPSA is our deli café, offering a selection of hot and cold snacks and meals. There are daily lunch specials such as burgers, potato bake or fried rice.
Pick up a coffee card and get it stamped each time you order a coffee, to get your tenth coffee free.
Hours
Open term time:
- Monday – 7:30am to 3:30pm
- Friday – 7:30am to 2pm
The Pantry
The Pantry is our delicatessen café where food is prepared and packed to sell by our chef and bakery students. We offer great value food for snacks, lunches and dinners and make coffee to go.
As the pantry is used as part of our teaching, you will find different choices each day. Come in and see what's on offer.
Check out the Visions on Campus Facebook Page for updates on what's available.
Hours
- During term time: Monday - Friday from 8am to 4pm.
Visions on campus restaurant
Visions on Campus is a fully licensed restaurant which is open timetabled hours only. You'll find awesome food at great prices - perfect for a flat breakfast or dinner with friends.
Woolston campus
We have one Café in the Student Services Building at Woolston campus, with other food venues close by.
DeliMarche Café
Open from early in the morning to early afternoon, DeliMarche stocks a variety of cold and hot food. Come and try one of their morning teas with speciality garlic and chilli bread being a favourite. The hot lunch menu changes daily.
Pick up a coffee card and get it stamped each time you order a coffee, to get your tenth coffee free.
There is plenty of seating either at tables or more comfortable seating within the Student Centre.
Hours
Open term time:
- Monday - Thursday: 8am to 3:30pm
- Friday: 8am to 1:30pm
Paid student teams
Ara offers a range of part time, on-campus job opportunities to students. It’s a great way to earn money while gaining skills and adding all-important work experience to your CV.
Jobs are available with the following teams:
Student Ambassador Team
Share your passion for Ara by sharing your positive experiences of being a student here. You’ll help out at open days, career expos, campus tours and school presentations. Click here to find out more.
- Required at - City, Woolston and Timaru campuses
- When we recruit - February to April
- Contact - engagement@ara.ac.nz
Student Communications Team
RECRUITING NOW! Register your interest and the Student Voice Coordinator will be in contact with you.
Can you spin a good story? Are you a born communicator? Do you have a flair for design? If so, put your talents to use by joining the Student Comms team in 2019. You’ll be part of a creative, professional team producing our social media and various student publications. It’s not only it fun, it’s a great way to add valuable experience to your CV – so what are you waiting for? Applications are invited from all campuses. Contact studentvoice@ara.ac.nz to find out more.
Recruiting will start asap for end of 2018 in the hopes that newbies get training from current Communications team.
- Required at - All campuses
- When we recruit - Throughout the year
- Position description (PDF 0.1MB)
- Contact - studentvoice@ara.ac.nz
Register your interest to join the student communications team
Student Events Team
As a member of the student events team you can have a hand in conceiving, planning, promoting and staging events on all campuses. You’ll also help gather feedback from students at events or on campus so we can continue to improve our event offerings.
- Required at - All campuses
- When we recruit - Throughout the year
- Position description (PDF 0.1MB)
- Contact - studentevents@ara.ac.nz
Register your interest to join the student events team
Student Library Assistant Team
As a student library assistant you can help students and staff access the books, information and library resources that support and enhance teaching, learning and research.
- Required at - City campus, Timaru campus.
- When we recruit - Throughout the year
- Position description (PDF 0.1MB)
- Contact - Joe Kuntz - joe.kuntz@ara.ac.nz
Register your interest to join the student library assistant team
Student Recreation Team
The student recreation team works to ensure a safe, fun and healthy environment at Ara for students, staff and the community. As a member of the team you’ll help to deliver a calendar of sports and recreational activities.
Please note we are not currently offering paid student positions. However, we do have volunteer opportunities available.
- Required at - City campus, Timaru campus.
- When we recruit - February
- Position description (PDF 0.1MB)
- Contact - Savanna Ornsby - reccentre@ara.co.nz
Register your interest to join the student recreation team
Student Notetaking Team
As a student note taker, you’ll provide copies of your class notes to Disability Services to help support students with a disability. Notes must be completely legible if hand written or they must be typed, and they must accurately reflect the lecture content. Notetakers are contracted for the provision of their notes only ($15 per lecture).
Notetakers are required throughout the year for specific courses. We ask that students submit an indicative sample of their course notes as part of your Registration of Interest. We review your sample set of notes and, if there is a need for notes from a course in which you are actively enrolled, we’ll get in touch.
- Required at - All campuses.
- When we recruit - Throughout the year
- Position description (PDF 0.1MB)
- Contact - disability@ara.ac.nz
Recycling
At Ara we produce 1.5T of daily waste and recycle 42% of this.
Our bins around campus are to help keep waste to a minimum:
- Red or grey bins are for waste.
- Yellow are for your recycling.
- Blue are for any paper.
Student groups
Do you want to find out what groups you can join? Here's some info to help you out.
Disclaimer: We take all reasonable steps to ensure we list groups that promote your wellbeing. Groups listed here are not Ara run so we cannot take responsibility for how they operate, just have it in good faith they'll do the right thing! Ara is a secular and non-political institution and there are some groups we will not accept or promote e.g. hate groups.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Ara is concerned about the welfare and achievement of all students. To create and maintain the best possible teaching and learning environment, you are protected by basic rights and are expected to respect the rights and responsibilities of others. We are committed to "delivering what we promise to a recognised standard."
Useful contacts:
Independent Student Advocate: Duncan Dunbar. email: duncan.dunbar@actionworks.org.nz / m: 027 2736 246
Student Voice Coordinator: Angus Howat. email: studentvoice@ara.ac.nz / m: 021 955 560
Your rights as a student
Ara will protect your right to fairness:
- Open and accurate information
- Fair evaluation and assessment
- Have any problems handled as quickly as is practical and with "natural justice"
- Support, representation, and advocacy
Ara respects your right to:
- Academic freedom, defined as freedom, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, put forward new ideas and state controversial or unpopular opinions (Education Act 1989)
- Freedom from any form of harassment or unjust discrimination
- Respect from personal, social and cultural differences
- Representation in the development, implementation and review of policies
Ara will protect your right to standards:
- Study programmes that meet internal and external standards of approval and registration
- Have competent and effective teachers
- Appropriate support services delivered in a professional manner
- Facilities and resources that meet or exceed Health and Safety legislation
Complaints
Your rights will be upheld by Ara management. If you think they have been infringed, please contact your Head of Department, Programme Leader, Student Advocate, Registry Manager, or one of the harassment contact persons.
Your responsibilities as a student
As a student here, Ara expects you to:
Behave safely:
- Take care when using equipment and facilities
- Wear suitable clothing
- Follow health and safety guidelines and instructions
- Not endanger yourself or others
Respect others:
- Be sensitive to personal, social and cultural differences
- Respect the needs, rights and freedoms of others
- Help to uphold the integrity of Ara qualifications by discouraging/reporting dishonest practices
Observe Ara rules:
- Know what is expected of you as an adult student
- Behave appropriately for a tertiary education environment
- Seriously attempt to meet all course requirements
- Be honest when completing assignments or other assessments
- Follow Ara policies and regulations
Unacceptable Behaviour
The following are not acceptable behaviours for anyone (staff, students and visitors) at Ara:
- Any form of cheating (including plagiarism and other dishonest practices)
- Misuse of technology, software, hardware, or any communication systems provided by Ara (refer Code of Conduct for Users of Ara Computing Facilities)
- Any form of harassment or unjust discrimination
- Unacceptable sexual behaviour (e.g. sexual harassment, accessing pornography/other restricted material)
- Misuse of alcohol, drugs or other substances
- Smoking on Ara campuses or in Ara vehicles (Ara is a smoke free campus)
- Violence or threats of violence
- Vandalism or other abuse of facilities and buildings
- Breaking any New Zealand law (e.g. assault, theft)
- Disruptive behaviour in class (e.g. arriving late, use of cellphones, interfering with the learning of other individuals)
Ara takes this Code of Conduct seriously. Your marks, reports and references may include an assessment of your behaviour, as well as your educational achievement. Serious infringement may lead to probation, suspension, or cancellation of a current enrolment and/or refusal of a future enrolment (see relevant policies).
Student Behaviour in class / Classroom maintenance
No food or drink except a water bottle is permitted in all teaching areas. You must ensure any cell phone or pager you have on you or in your bag etc. is diverted, not set to ring, or switched off. Both staff and students have a responsibility to ensure this happens.
Dress code
There is no written dress code, but you are expected to attend classes dressed in a way which is generally acceptable. However, you are expected to be "dressed for the occasion" when going on a side visit or undertaking a Cooperative Education Project. You may be prevented from going on site visits if the staff member is of the opinion that you are not dressed for the occasion." In specific courses, a "dress code" and standard is required. These will be detailed in the Programme Handbook and Course Outline.
Vandalism
Vandalism of equipment or property and/or theft, will result in the expulsion of the person involved.
Student voice
Having a say and being able to inform and affect decisions about Ara is a vital part of making Ara a place you are proud of.
Compulsory Student Services Levy
What is it?
Tertiary organisations can charge a Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) to help fund the costs of delivering student services. These services are listed under specific categories:
- Advocacy and legal advice
- Careers information, advice and guidance
- Employment information
- Counselling services
- Financial support and advice
- Health services
- Media
- Childcare services
- Clubs and societies
- Sports, recreation and cultural activities.
The CSSF does not cover services like academic support/learning services, disability services, library or targeted support for youth, Maori or Pasifika students. These areas get separate funding from the government.
There are some students who do not pay the CSSF, these include fully distant students/online delivery, levels 1&2 courses, or youth specific programmes.
Why do I care? How does it affect me?
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) require institutions to report on how these fees are determined, prioritised and spent. This information is available in the institutions annual report.
Institutions must include students or their representatives when deciding on the following:
- maximum fee that students will pay
- types of services to be delivered
- procurement of these services
- method for authorising expenditure on these services.
In order to do this Ara consult with your Student Council (a body of nominated representatives from your programme/class reps and targeted student groups). Your student council is keen to get a bigger picture on such an important matter as to how your funds are spent so are talking to your class or programme representatives for more feedback.
To find out more, or if you want to contact your student council rep, contact studentvoice@ara.ac.nz
Ara seek feedback from yourselves (students) on the quality of services. Through many channels; student voice, student experience survey, satisfaction surveys and face-to-face feedback through the individual aspects of the service.
Past, current and future Fees
As proposed by the Ara Student Council, the 2018 fee has been set at $250 (same as 2017). With the emphasis to still focus on the following areas:
- City campus – healthcare, events and recreation, childcare support for placement students, employment information.
- Woolston (Trades) campus – employment and support with apprenticeships, financial advice, flexible appointments (including evenings), student groups and activities during the day.
- Southern campuses – childcare, pastoral/counselling support, subsidised healthcare for all students, enhanced advocacy services.
This is in addition to the full range of services currently available across all of the region and sites.
For information on how this fee was distributed across these services in 2017, please click here.
The 2019 fee has recently been set by the Student Council at $270. In increasing the fee the Council has requested that Ara put $10 towards overall service provision across all campuses, $3 towards an orientation pack or more promotion of existing services, and $7 towards counselling and wellbeing services.
(July 2018)
Student Magazine and communications
'Waha Kōrero' student magazine - every 2 months
Check out the latest Student magazine here
The next Magazine will be February 2019.
- Oct-Nov 2018
- Aug-Sept 2018
- June-July 2018
- April-May 2018
- Feb-Mar 2018
- Oct-Nov 2017
- Aug-Sept 2017
- June-July 2017
- April -May 2017
- Feb-Mar 2017
'Ara you in the know' 2016 student newsletters
Created By Students, For Students. Some hard copies available in Student Centrals.
Student page - for events and things happening through our student lens check out student plug in. Run by students
www.facebook.com/arastudentplugin
Ara main facebook page
www.facebook.com/AraCanterbury
New Zealand Broadcasting School (NZBS) - what our students get up to each day on top of assignments and study. This is their study. http://metronews.co.nz/
News
www.nzbs.com/metronews Check out Canterbury wide news brought to you by our very own NZBS students. For hour by hour bulletins and current affairs, this is where it's at.
www.nzbs.com/refuel students from Ara Media Communications course are developing www.refuel.ac.nz to bring you news and events from around campus
Basement FM Radio - every year students pitch and launch a new radio station on 96.1FM.
Podcasts
www.plainsfm.org.nz community radio station. Also host our Refuel station, tune in every Friday 4pm to hear our latest student podcasts
In the Vault - some awesome projects from the past but worth a look all the same!
www.nzbs.com/ondemand research project that began in 2011, working on content students want to see
Fruit and Vege Co-op
ORDER 7KG OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR JUST $15!
Place your order at:
- City Campus - Student Central between 8am-4pm Mon-Thurs
- Woolston - Student Services Building between 2-4pm Mon and Tues
Collect on Campus the following Wednesday.
Also, make sure you check out our Student Recipe Book 2016 to find out what affordable and nutritious meals you can make on a student budget.
Transport and Parking
There are several ways you can get to and from campus. We encourage you to walk, bike or bus if you can but other options are available like driving and carpooling. Details are provided below, and you can get further information from student services.
Find out what the Christchurch travel survey results have told us. Read the Ara Christchurch transport survey results.
The City campus now offers a free bike share hub to provide a convenient and environmentally friendly transport solution for students and staff. Learn more about our Bike Share Hub.
Online orientation tool
The online orientation is a customised tool to help you find out about Ara facilities and student services. It’s a great way to get fast, handy information.
The tool was created by computing and design students as their major project in 2016. It’s mobile-friendly, student-focused and accessible to anyone. You can even personalise it to your campus and your needs.
Enjoy using it and if you have any feedback, send it to
orientation@ara.ac.nz
So what are you waiting for? Check it out and get orientated!
Student experience survey results
Here’s what you said! –Student Experience Survey 2016
2016 was a big year for the newly created Ara Institute of Canterbury and 38.8% of you took the time to give feedback on your experience this year! We want to say thank you for taking the time to complete the Student Experience Survey 2016 and sharing your thoughts. Your views are important to make sure that we continue to improve Ara for students.
What’s making you happy?
This year 64.6% of you are satisfied with social interaction, an area that is increasing significantly year-on- year, up from 59.3% in 2015 and 46.8% in 2014. In particular, 14.7% more online students felt well-integrated into life at Ara and 5% are more satisfied with the student events and activities on offer. We were listening and, based on your feedback, we hear the request for more of a student life outside of class. The increased social media presence, student communications, and activities over the year seem to be more to your liking, and we hope to continue to increase your satisfaction in this area! As always, your feedback is key to helping Ara get where you want us to be.
You are also feeling more encouraged to contribute in your classes or online learning. Getting involved in your learning is one of the keys to success, so we are glad you’re feeling this way! We were listening when you asked for more industry contact and networking opportunities, that you enjoyed the ‘hands-on’ approach to learning and wanted us to improve the quality of workbooks, so we have been making sure we deliver. Your confidence to contribute in the learning environment is growing!
Also, more of you are satisfied with the technologies provided (5.4% increase) and student services available (3.0% increase) to you throughout your study.
We also have seen an increased average in overall satisfaction for Māori & Pasifika, International and under 25 year-old students.
What do we need to work on?
This year we noted small, but not insignificant, drops in satisfaction in a number of areas. More of you have rated areas in the “Slightly Agree” and “Slightly Disagree” categories which suggests that whilst we are delivering in a number of areas, there is room for improvement to really make you satisfied.
A number of these areas are related so, if we can improve a few things, we hope to increase your satisfaction universally. The increased number of different learning options seem to be appealing to you but, on the other hand, sometimes you miss working with peers. So Ara has some work to do in bringing you more blended learning opportunities to ensure that those social ‘soft skills’ are developed, supporting you to be work-ready.
Improvements in general organisation including: course structure, timely feedback, meaningful assessments and the timetabling of exams for more evenly distributed workloads and assignment management, is something we are continually working towards. Your feedback in this area gives us new ways of approaching assessment and new methods to try, so please keep it coming!
Getting all the balances right is an ongoing process and, with your feedback, we will continue to work on making your experience here at Ara the best it can be!
What now?
Now we share your feedback with staff and students! Staff will be working hard to make the necessary improvements to make your experience here at Ara the best it can be.
Look out for a new series of “You Said, We’re Doing!” posters coming soon so you can see what we’re up to on your behalf.
A full report will has been released to individual departments. If you would like to see this report, please contact department staff.
Wellbeing support
Learn about the 5 ways to wellbeing
Keep Learning
TedTalks link – find all sorts of videos from thousands of inspirational speakers at https://www.ted.com/talks
Learn how to create flax flowers here.
DIY sustainable products – Coffee Scrub
Ingredients –
- ¾ cup of coffee grinds (ask your local café if they have used coffee grinds they are wanting to get rid of)
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil
Directions-
- Melt coconut oil and leave to cool but do not solidify
- Mix all ingredients together and store in an air tight container Keep in the fridge and use 1-2 times per week.
DIY Sustainable products- Bath salts
Ingredients-
- 1 cup of Epsom salt
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1 table spoon of coconut oil
- 5 drops of essential oil ( more or less depending how strong of a scent you want)
Directions –
- Melt coconut oil, let it cool but not solidify.
- Place all dry ingredients into a large bowl and mix
- Add coconut oil and mix lightly
- Add essential oil and mix lightly
- Put bath salts into an airtight container and store in a cool place
Give
The following links contain a variety of volunteer opportunities, listed under one website. This can range from helping out your council, local stores or community charities.
- https://msc.volunteermatch.org.nz/ (Mid-South Canterbury)
- https://volcanmatch.com/ (Canterbury)
Time banks can be found all over New Zealand. A time bank works by giving your time and skills that can earn ‘time credits’. Time credits are used instead of money and can be used to ‘buy’ another person’s time and skills for a task you may need to complete. Check out http://timebanks.nz/timebanks
The Red Cross has stores, offices and events all over New Zealand that can always do with volunteers to help out at! Look up your local Red cross on their website and see what events or stores you can help out at https://www.redcross.org.nz/
Take Notice
For tips on living green and noticing how living green affects our environment, check out https://raw-alignment.com/pages/living-green
The following apps may be helpful in taking notice of your mood, learning to meditate and learning how you can improve your mood.
- HeadSpace
- Insight Timer
- Live Happy
- My Mood Tracker
- Mindshift
- Neuro Sculpting
Be Active
Check out these five fitness Youtubers that have easy to follow videos for beginners. Each channel runs a different type of exercise that you can complete from the comfort of your own home!
- Yoga with Adriene
- Cary Williams (boxing coach)
- Aerobic dance
- Power Music
- POPSUGAR fitness
If you live in Christchurch or Timaru check out the Recreation Centre Campus Life page for information about Recreation Services available. Or check out The Zone if you are in Christchurch.
Connect
Ara has a variety of student groups that you can join and/or start. Check out the student groups page to find out more!
Connect with other people and your environment through community groups that volunteer and help our environment flourish (Christchurch)
Fale Pasifika O aoraki is not only a support system but also a community group for the Pasifika community located from Ashburton-Oamaru. This group allows you to connect with your Pasifika community and improve your wellbeing
Connect with your community by visiting your local farmers market and supporting local businesses
Student Experience Survey 2018
Grand Prizes $500 Prezzy Card at the end plus there will be weekly draws of $50 Pak’n’Save vouchers handed out for the four weeks the survey is run.
The sooner you enter, the more chances to win
Check your student mail inbox from 8th October for your online survey invite.
If you have any queries regarding the Student Experience Survey please email surveys@ara.ac.nz
Student Life
Wellbeing support
Learn about the 5 ways to wellbeing
Keep Learning
TedTalks link – find all sorts of videos from thousands of inspirational speakers at https://www.ted.com/talks
Learn how to create flax flowers here.
DIY sustainable products – Coffee Scrub
Ingredients –
- ¾ cup of coffee grinds (ask your local café if they have used coffee grinds they are wanting to get rid of)
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil
Directions-
- Melt coconut oil and leave to cool but do not solidify
- Mix all ingredients together and store in an air tight container Keep in the fridge and use 1-2 times per week.
DIY Sustainable products- Bath salts
Ingredients-
- 1 cup of Epsom salt
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1 table spoon of coconut oil
- 5 drops of essential oil ( more or less depending how strong of a scent you want)
Directions –
- Melt coconut oil, let it cool but not solidify.
- Place all dry ingredients into a large bowl and mix
- Add coconut oil and mix lightly
- Add essential oil and mix lightly
- Put bath salts into an airtight container and store in a cool place
Give
The following links contain a variety of volunteer opportunities, listed under one website. This can range from helping out your council, local stores or community charities.
- https://msc.volunteermatch.org.nz/ (Mid-South Canterbury)
- https://volcanmatch.com/ (Canterbury)
Time banks can be found all over New Zealand. A time bank works by giving your time and skills that can earn ‘time credits’. Time credits are used instead of money and can be used to ‘buy’ another person’s time and skills for a task you may need to complete. Check out http://timebanks.nz/timebanks
The Red Cross has stores, offices and events all over New Zealand that can always do with volunteers to help out at! Look up your local Red cross on their website and see what events or stores you can help out at https://www.redcross.org.nz/
Take Notice
For tips on living green and noticing how living green affects our environment, check out https://raw-alignment.com/pages/living-green
The following apps may be helpful in taking notice of your mood, learning to meditate and learning how you can improve your mood.
- HeadSpace
- Insight Timer
- Live Happy
- My Mood Tracker
- Mindshift
- Neuro Sculpting
Be Active
Check out these five fitness Youtubers that have easy to follow videos for beginners. Each channel runs a different type of exercise that you can complete from the comfort of your own home!
- Yoga with Adriene
- Cary Williams (boxing coach)
- Aerobic dance
- Power Music
- POPSUGAR fitness
If you live in Christchurch or Timaru check out the Recreation Centre Campus Life page for information about Recreation Services available. Or check out The Zone if you are in Christchurch.
Connect
Ara has a variety of student groups that you can join and/or start. Check out the student groups page to find out more!
Connect with other people and your environment through community groups that volunteer and help our environment flourish (Christchurch)
Fale Pasifika O aoraki is not only a support system but also a community group for the Pasifika community located from Ashburton-Oamaru. This group allows you to connect with your Pasifika community and improve your wellbeing
Connect with your community by visiting your local farmers market and supporting local businesses