Support For You
Overview
Whether you're new to study or into your final year - being a student can be a bit of a challenge at times.
There are all sorts of factors that impact on your student life - You might be finding classes difficult or have things going on in your personal life that impact your study.
We're here to help, no matter what, and we have a huge range of services available to you.
We also have special services for our international students, refugee and migrant students, as well as Māori and Pasifika.
Ara is a secular organisation that celebrates students of all beliefs. Ara supports students who want to worship, through the provision of space to do this. The Muslim Prayer Room can be found in M115 and M116. Christians on Campus also meet weekly. Details can be found on the students groups page.
Careers & Employment
Not sure on where you want to go with your qualification? Thinking of changing careers? Our Careers & Employment team can help you with your career plans. We also offer this service to potential students thinking of studying at Ara - so spread the word!
For all current and graduate students our service also covers all aspects of job search whether applying for part-time whilst studying, looking for work experience opportunities or for your graduate role.
Our Careers team can help with:
- Career information, advice and planning
- Career Assessment through:
- Career Voyage online programme, which includes two interactive questionnaires involving 80 job factors to provide links from your personal interests to the world of work
- Personality Puzzle and Values Cardsort activities
- C.V and Cover Letter preparation
- Job search strategies
- Interview techniques
- LinkedIn profile
Use Ara Online Career Resources
myGPS is an interactive Career & Employability app that will help you to improve and track your employability, from the start of study through to graduation and beyond, increasing your value in the job market.
CareerHub is your 'one-stop-shop' where you can: search and apply for work opportunities; register for career events and small group sessions; access and use career information and resources.
Find a job
CareerHub is your 'one-stop-shop' for gaining ‘experience’ and the best thing is that these opportunities are only advertised and available to Ara students! You can find casual, part time, temporary and full time job opportunities as well as work experience, internships and volunteer roles. Register on CareerHub through the Campuslife icon using your Ara network username and password.
Student Job Search (SJS) is another online job board where you can register and apply for work opportunities (available for students all across New Zealand). Check out their ad on Ara Student Plugin
Student jobs at Ara are offered through a range of part time, on-campus opportunities for students.
If you are an international student, find out more about working in New Zealand by reading our fact sheet.
Drop In
For C.V or Cover letter checks at:
City campus, Christchurch: Mon-Fri, 11.30am-1pm
Woolston campus, Christchurch: Tues 12-1pm, Thurs 12-1pm
Asburton, Oamaru and Timaru: (by appointment only)
Make an appointment
Careers & Employment are open Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm and available for face to face, skype, phone or email appointment and small group sessions.
To make an enquiry or schedule an appointment at any of our 5 campuses use our online booking form or contact us directly on careers@ara.ac.nz or 03 940 8720
Christchurch Job Vacancies
See below for a list of jobs that are open for application. All you have to do is login to CareerHub to apply.
Childcare
Want to have your tamariki close by while you're busy studying? We have two early learning centres at our city campus, including a bilingual centre. There are discounted rates for students but be sure to get signed up early - our centres are very popular!
Ara Early Learning Centre
Our early learning centre caters for children aged from six months to five years.
Get in touch with Robyn Ellen to arrange a visit if you are interested in enrolling your child.
Find out more including hours, fees and subsidies you may qualify for.
Te Waka Huruhurumanu ki Ōtautahi
Te Waka Huruhurumanu offers high quality early childhood education with a focus on te ao Māori me te reo Māori.
Get in touch to arrange a visit if you are interested in enrolling your child. Email tewaka@ara.ac.nz
Find out more including opening hours and fees.Disability Services
Do you need help to make study work for you?
Disability services provide information, services and equipment to help you make the most of study.
You may be eligible for services such as:
Note-taking support in class
Alternative exam arrangements
Exam reader/ writer
NZ Sign language interpreter
Course materials in alternative formats such as enlarged text
Specialised equipment and furniture
Software
To qualify for disability services you need documentation like a learning assessment or medical certificate.
Computer access
All computers on campus have Read and Write Gold literacy support software - ask how this can assist you with your reading and writing tasks.
Disability Services can also show you how to use Microsoft Ease of Access settings to make adjustments to computers to suit your individual needs.
Exam and test assistance
Come up and see us if you need assistance with exams. You'll need to book at least two weeks in advance.
Arrangements may include the following:
A separate room where you can take the assessment alone with supervision from inside or outside the room.
Extra time, usually 10 minutes per hour; or 15 minutes for a one-hour assessment.
Provide the assessment in alternative formats; eg. large font, electronic text.
Provide reading and/or writing support.
Provide ergonomic furniture or equipment.
Access to a computer to type your exam, rather than write responses.
To book assistance with your examinations, please use our exam booking form.
Financial Help
Student Finance
Our Student Finance Officer can help you with:
- Information on your study fees.
- Enrolment fee payment.
- Miscellaneous payments.
- Print top ups.
- Rec Centre memberships.
- MetroCard top ups.
Scholarships
Ara has many scholarships and prizes for students. You could be awarded a scholarship for your academic achievements, contributions to the community, or hardship. Ara scholarships support students into high demand areas like ICT, Applied Science, Engineering and Architecture, and Primary Industries.
Find out about scholarships for new and current students and get applying. You won't regret it!
You can also check out givMe which is a database of over 4,000 scholarship. You can access it for free from any Ara campus and most public libraries.
Emergency financial assistance
If you're struggling to continue with your study due to unforeseen financial issues you may be able to apply for assistance.
Call Storm Geldenhuis on 03 940 8677 to discuss your situation and find out what you could be eligible for.
Available grants
Health Centre
City Campus
As a student you can enrol at the Health Centre for a great range of health services at a discounted rate. Ring or visit to book an appointment. All Ara students can access this service.
Counselling
If you're feeling stressed, down or are having difficulties, our counsellors can help. You will see the same counsellor for all your visits. Each session takes about 50 minutes and as a student you can get three sessions for free.
General Practitioner (GP)
Our GP offers an affordable and confidential service . You might be eligible for a community services card to help with GP costs.
Nursing services
You can drop-in to visit our nurse or make an appointment.
Our nurse can help you with:
Emergency care for accidents or illness occurring on campus
Lifestyle, exercise, dietary and stress management advice
Health monitoring and screening for things such as asthma, diabetes, raised blood pressure
Sexual health such as contraception advice, cervical screening, pregnancy testing and emergency contraception
Wellness checks
Wart removal
Smoking cessation assistance
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
Treatment of minor illness
Vaccinations for Measles, Meningitis.
Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapy service uses in-depth knowledge of how the body works, combined with hands on clinical skills, for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of pain, injury or disability.
Treatment is available for all sports, spinal and musculoskeletal pain or injuries.
This service is available to you by appointment only and appointments are about 30 minutes.
Parents of babies
Students who are breastfeeding or wish to express milk are able to do so in the privacy and comfort of Ara Health Centre. If students need to store breastmilk, a fridge in the Health Centre is available.
Woolston Campus
A nurse is on site on Wednesdays and Fridays. Our nurse's office is in the Student Services Building.
Timaru Campus
Students can visit a doctor at 18 Woolcombe Street. On Tuesdays from 2pm-4pm, it is free for 16-25 year olds.
No appointments necessary.
Ph. / Text: 027-247-9301
How much does it cost?
Check out the price list below:
Doctor consultation | Price |
---|---|
Enrolled Student Non Enrolled High Use Health Card Non enrolled - CSC Sexual Health (enrolled only under 21 - free if subsidy available) International Youth (under 18) ACC Staff Minor surgery Medical | $30 $40 $25 $35 FREE $95 $25 $15 $50 $100 $100 |
Nurse consultation | |
Enrolled Students Non Enrolled International Sexual Health (enrolled only under 21) ACC Youth (under 18) Staff | $10 $20 $25 FREE $15 $15 $20. |
Repeat prescription | |
Enrolled student Non Enrolled Staff | $10 $15 $20 |
Physiotherapy charges | |
ACC covered: | |
Student first visit Student follow-up visits (each) Staff first visit Staff follow-up visits (each) | $20 $15 $30 $20 |
Non-ACC - Private | |
First visit Follow-up visits (each) Non cancelled appointment | $55 $45 $20 |
Staff are welcome to make an appointment to see the doctor on a casual basis, however students do have priority for appointments so occasionally, we may have to cancel and allocate your appointment to a student. We would then refer you to your own GP or another medical centre i.e. Moorhouse.
Mental Health
If you’re concerned about your mental wellbeing, or someone else’s, help is readily available from the following services.
Ara Health Centre - counselling
There are health centres located at the City and Woolston campuses. You can make an appointment to see a counsellor, nurse or doctor, or if you’re experiencing emotional distress, you can drop in and see a nurse as soon as one is available.
Ara Student Advocate
If you’re experiencing difficulties that are affecting your studies, the independent Student Advocate Duncan Dunbar can provide confidential support. He’s based in room X106 in the Rakaia Centre at the City campus.
Ara Student Hardship
If you’re struggling to continue your studies due to unforeseen financial issues you may be eligible for assistance. Contact Storm Geldenhuis to discuss your situation and find out what you might be eligible for. Learn more >
Youthline
Youthline provides a range of support services to young people, including counselling. Learn more >
Lifeline
Lifeline offers free counselling via its 24/7 helpline. Learn more >
Suicide Crisis Helpline
Operated by highly trained and experienced suicide prevention counsellors, the Suicide Crisis Helpline is a free nationwide service available 24/7. Phone 0800 TAUTOKO (828 865)
*If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 111 emergency services immediately, or if you’re on campus, call the Health Centre on 940 7566
Aviva - family violence services
Aviva helps individuals and families to become and stay free of violence. They work with children, women and men, giving each person the support they need, when they need it, to become safe and live free of family violence. Learn more >
The Low Down
The Low Down offers support and advice relating to anxiety and depression. Learn more >
Gayline - gay and lesbian support
Support and general information for people newly exploring their sexuality, plus information on gay organisations and gay-friendly services. Learn more >
He Waka Tapu - kaupapa Māori health and social services
He Waka Tapu works with whānau and individuals to achieve positive health and wellness outcomes. Learn more >
Depression.org.nz
Support, information and online tools for people suffering depression and anxiety. Learn more >
Mental Health Foundation
The ‘go to’ website for a wide range of trusted information on all aspects of mental health. Learn more >
298 Youth Health
Free counselling services and medical care for those aged 10-24 years old. Call or text to make an appointment. Learn more >
Alcohol and Drug Helpline
Friendly, non-judgemental, professional help and advice. Learn more >
HYPE Youth Health Centre
HYPE offers free and confidential mental health information for young people aged 12 to 24 years old. Learn more >
Presbyterian Support - couselling for students in Timaru, Ashburton and Oamaru
As an Ara student you’re entitled to three free counselling services with Family Works South Canterbury. You can speak in confidence to a qualified counsellor about any concerns you may have. Learn more >
Sexual Health
If you have any concerns regarding your sexual health, the following services offer help, advice and services.
Ara Health Centre
Sexual health services such as contraception, cervical smear tests, STI screening pregnancy tests and emergency contraception are available at Ara health centres. These are located at the City and Woolston campuses where you can make an appointment to see nurse or doctor.
Family Planning
Family Planning provides a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services. Visits are free for New Zealand residents under 22 years old. Learn more >
HYPE Youth Health Centre
HYPE offers free and confidential mental health information for young people aged 12 to 24 years old. Learn more >
Sexual Health Centre
This free service provides confidential, specialist sexual health care. Learn more >
298 Youth Health
The clinic provides free medical care (including sexual health) and counselling for those aged 10-24 years old. Call or text to make an appointment. Learn more >
Health and wellbeing
Health and wellbeing is supported at all stages along the student journey at Ara. All services, activities and events form part of the ‘Grow to Flourish’ programme, which encompasses principles from Te Whare Tapa Wha, Five Ways to Wellbeing and Maslow’s Hierachy of Needs.
Click on the links below to find out what’s available to help you enhance your health and wellbeing while at Ara.
Information and enrolments
Enrolment help
Our Admissions and Enrolments counters are the place to visit for help getting started. Staff can help you with:
- Applying and enrolling
- Re-enrolling
- Withdrawing or changing courses
- Course and programme information and resources
- Your student ID card
- Any other questions
International enrolments
We have specialised international admissions staff on hand at our city campus to help students with:
- Enrolling, payments, transfers and withdrawals.
- Student visas.
- Home-stay bookings.
- Student insurance.
- Any other enquiry or question you may have as an international student.
You can also contact our international student advisors for personal support during your time here.
Student information
Feeling a little lost? Have questions but not sure who to ask? There are a number of people you can visit.
If you are at our city campus, visit our student advisors in Student Central in the Rakaia Centre. These staff can advise you on the services we offer and point you in the right direction.
If you're at the Woolston Campus, you can ask for help at Student Central in the Student Services Building.
At our Timaru Campus, head over to Student Central.
International, Migrant and Refugee Students
International Students
If you're an international student, our dedicated team of International Advisors can help you adjust to living in New Zealand and with any study related issues. Bilingual advisors are available in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.
Ask them for help if you:
- Have a problem with your study, course work, assessments.
- Need some advice or support with accommodation, immigration etc.
- Are feeling lonely, isolated and worried.
- Are having difficulty understanding your tutors or other students.
- Don't know who to talk to.
- Have any other concerns or questions about anything.
International student activities
We run heaps of events specifically for our visiting international students. You can meet new people while experiencing what Christchurch and Canterbury have to offer. Check out the international events calendar on the international section of our website.
Refugee and Migrants
If you are a refugee or migrant student, our advisors can help you make the most of your study.
We can help with:
- General Advice
- Studylink
- Employment
- Housing
- Study Issues
- Work and Income (WINZ)
Muslim Prayer Rooms
City campus - M115 & M116 (pre fabricated classrooms on corner of Coventry and Barbadoes Street).
Available from 06.00am-10.00pm, 7 days a week including public holidays. Unavailable during summer break (Christmas/New Year) closure.
Woolston - First aid room in Student Services Building. Available 07.00-6.00pm.
To get access, contact security to put swipe access on your ID badge, or pop into Student Central on campus.
IT Help
Here is where you'll find all the information you need about our IT services as a student. You'll find out about how to change your password, information about your student email, resources you can use as a student, the cost of printing and our free WiFi service.
ICT Service Desk
Having computer trouble? Contact the ICT Service Desk, phone 03 940 8800.
Make sure you have as much detail as possible ready, including any error messages you get, the room number you are in and the asset number (looks like *12345* on a yellow or white sticker) of any computer(s) affected.
Location: The ICT Service Desk is located in T Block, City campus, Christchurch.
Monday to Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm. From 5:00pm to 8:00pm, you will find us in the City campus Library where our primarily focus in on evening class-delivery and classroom availability.
Friday: 8:00am - 4.30pm, with a break between 10:30am - 12:00pm for staff meeting. All phone calls are still attended to during this period so if the call is urgent, please call us.
Saturday/Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed
Learning Services
Learning Services offers a range of services to help you with your studies. Check out our specific services by exploring the tiles below.
New to tertiary study? To ensure you’re ready for study and to develop your skills in areas such as academic writing, come along to our free workshops and Q&A clinics.
More View GalleryPASS groups are weekly one-hour study groups, set up by Learning Services to help you succeed in particular courses.
More View GalleryDo you want to get into a regular study routine with access to Learning Advisors? Would you like to study alongside other Māori & Pasifika students?
More View GalleryWe have advisors available to help with maths support. Learn more about the support we offer.
More View GalleryAdvice and guidance to support Māori and Pasifika students’ learning and academic needs.
More View GalleryA guided pathway that will help you to work out what your preferred learning style is.
More View GalleryAre you a new International student at Ara? Learn more about teaching and learning at Ara, as well as useful study tips and support services.
More View GalleryLike us on the Library Facebook page to keep up to date or ask us a question.
More View GalleryMāori and Pasifika Support
If you're a Māori or Pasifika student at one of our campuses, pop into Student Central (at the City, Woolston or Timaru campuses) to meet our Māori and Pasifika Student Advisors. They’re here to help you succeed at Ara, and make sure you have fun while you’re here!
Contact student.central@ara.ac.nz if you need support during your time as a student. They have links to all the services within Ara as well as external agencies and groups.
Māori and Pasifika Student Advisors can help you with:
- Course and programme information
- Scholarships
- Language support
- Support groups
- Study and exam help
- Guidance
Ara also holds social events during the year such as karakia, BBQs, sports tournaments and hangi. You can bring your friends and whanau to many of these events.
Māori Trades Training
He Toki (Māori Trades Training) aims to encourage and support Māori students in trades training programmes through the provision of fees sponsorship and kaupapa Māori support. Students study full time towards trade qualifications at Ara with a view to gaining apprenticeships after completion of study. Students receive support from the Māori Student Advisors who are located at the City and Woolston campuses in Christchurch and Timaru. Māori Trades Training is led by Ngai Tahu in collaboration with Hawkins, Ara, He Waka Tapu and supported by TEC. Māori Trades Training programmes are open to anyone of Māori decent.
Pasifika Trades Training
Pasifika Trades Training aims to encourage and support Pasifika students in trades training programmes through the provision of fees sponsorship. Students study full time towards trade qualifications at Ara with a view to gaining apprenticeships after completion of study. Students receive support from the Pasifika Student Advisors who are located at the City and Woolston campuses in Christchurch and Timaru. Pasifika Trades Training is a collaboration with leaders from the Pasifika community, government agencies, Ara and Pasifika church ministers. Pasifika Trades Training programmes are open to anyone of Pasifika decent.
Rec Centre
The Ara Sport and Recreation Centre
The Ara Sports and Recreation Centre is committed to providing high quality sports and recreational experiences that benefit Ara students, staff and the wider community. Reflecting the varied health, fitness and wellness needs of our customers, the Recreation Centre provides extensive access to a broad range of recreational activities and services.
Gym/weights room
The City Campus gym/weights room can be accessed by purchasing a gym membership, allowing full access to a fully equipped gym, including a wide variety of weights machines, free weights, and cardio equipment including: treadmills, cross-trainers, rowing machines, spin bikes and a new state of-the-art Adaptive Motion Trainer.
The gym/weights room is available:
- Monday - Friday: 6.00 am to 9.00 pm
- Saturday: 8.00 am to 4.00 pm
- Sunday: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
Gym tours/equipment inductions are available Monday and Wednesday at 12:15 pm. Meet in the Whareora foyer area (outside the gym/weights room at City Campus). Tours will take approximately 20 minute and are for people who are interested in viewing the facilities and equipment.
Becoming a Gym Member
To join or renew your membership, follow the steps below:
- Complete a gym membership form, available from the Whareora building or Rakaia Centre Atrium (City Campus)
- Take the form and make your payment at the City Campus Student Finance Office. Payment can be made by cash or EFTPOS. Currently we do not have an online payment option.
- Go to the City Campus Security Desk to have your gym membership loaded onto your Student ID Card (you will be issued one if you do not have one already)
Student membership pricing:
1 month: $40
3 months: $105
6 months: $180
12 months: $300
*These prices may be subject to change.
Please email reccentre@ara.ac.nz for more information about this service.
Personal training
There is a personal training service available for those who desire specific one-on-one training advice. We have a range of services to cater to different needs.
If you are interested in personal training, fill out the Expression of Interest form here.
Sports Court
The Ara Sports Court (City Campus) provides the opportunity to play badminton, basketball, volleyball, netball, futsal (indoor football), indoor touch, kīorahi, and perform fitness testing.
The Sports Court is available for free use by Ara Students and Staff between:
- Monday - Friday: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm*
*Unless there is a class booked in/using the court.
The Sports Court also hosts many of Ara's Sports and Recreation events and activities throughout the year. To find out more information about student and community run social sports opportunities on campus, check out the Student Groups page.
Sports Court Rules
- Only non-marking footwear is allowed on the court (no street footwear permitted)
- No food or drink is to be consumed on the court
- No ball strikes toward the roof
Sports Equipment Hire
Sports equipment is available for hire to use in the City Campus Sports Court:
Where: A green equipment bin inside the sports court.
The following gym equipment is available for hire:
- basketballs
- netballs
- footballs
- volleyballs
Please note: there are volleyball and badminton nets, and netball hoops available, however we can not set these up given that the court is a multi-purpose shared space during this period.
Social Sports at City Campus
The sports court hosts many of our sports and recreation events and activities throughout the year. The following are student or community-run social sports opportunities which are free for you to join at your leisure (no sign-up is needed).
Day | Sport | Time | Fee |
---|---|---|---|
Monday | Futsal (Indoor Football) | 12.00 - 1.00pm | Free |
Tuesday | Netball | 12.00 - 1.30pm | Free |
Wednesday | Volleyball | 12.00 - 1.00pm | Free |
Thursday | Open Sports/Have a go day | 12.00 - 1.00pm | Free |
Thursday | Floorball (Indoor Hockey) | 7.00 - 8.30 pm | $2 |
Friday | Basketball | 12.00 - 1.00pm | Free |
Friday | Badminton | 4.15 - 6.30pm | $2 |
Fitness studios
Fitness classes
The Recreation Centre currently offers free boxing and yoga classes to all students. Woolston Campus classes are located in the Autobay area and all City Campus classes are located on the second floor of the Whareora building, in our two fitness studios:
- W224: Yoga - stress busting, strength building, flexibility enhancing, angst free yoga. Instructed by a qualified yoga Instructor. No experience necessary.
- W224: Yoga by Kotte - Flow and Yin classes available. Bookings essential – yogabykotte.com
- W224: Aerobic dance - a Latin-inspired cardio-dance workout that uses music and choreographed steps to form a fitness party atmosphere.
- W224: Chans Martial Arts (Kung Fu): Effective self-defence, flexibility, fitness, stress-relief, self-confidence, fun training. Contact chansmartialartsara@gmail.com
- W224: Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music. All levels of fitness and experience welcome. Contact sushicapoeira@gmail.com for more information.
- W224: Self Defence. Contact troy.odonnell@outlook.co.nz for more information.
- W223: Boxing - fitness class tailored for everyone, using equipment and techniques to get your heart pumping. Instructed by a qualified boxing Instructor. No experience necessary.
Class | Day | Time | Fee |
---|---|---|---|
Boxing Fitness (City) | Monday | 6.45 - 8.00pm | $7 Ara, $10 public |
Chans Martial Arts- Kung Fu (City) *Starting 9th April | Monday | 5.30 - 6.30pm | $7 Ara, $10 public (two sessions free) |
Yoga by Kotte (City) | Monday | 6.00 - 7.00pm | See yogabykotte.com for details |
Yoga by Kotte (City) | Monday | 7.00 - 8.00pm | See yogabykotte.com for details |
Student Yoga (City) | Tuesday | 12.00 - 1.00pm | Free |
Aerobic dance (City) | Tuesday | 5.00 - 6.00pm | Free |
Yoga by Kotte (City) | Tuesday | 6.00 - 7.00pm | See yogabykotte.com for details |
Yoga by Kotte (City) | Tuesday | 7.00 - 8.00pm | See yogabykotte.com for details |
Boxing Fitness (City) | Wednesday | 12.10 - 1.00pm | Free |
Yoga by Kotte (City) | Wednesday | 6.30 - 7.30pm | See yogabykotte.com for details |
Boxing Fitness (City) | Wednesday | 6.45 - 8.00pm | $7 Ara, $10 public |
Capoeira (City) | Wednesday | 7.30 - 8.30pm | $7 Ara student & staff, $10 public |
Student Yoga (City) | Thursday | 12.00 - 1.00pm | Free |
Boxing Fitness (Woolston) | Thursday | 12.00 - 1.00pm | Free |
Aerobic dance (City) | Thursday | 4.00 - 5.00pm | Free |
Self Defence (City) | Thursday | 6.00- 7.30pm | $10 student, staff, public |
Boxing Fitness (City) | Friday | 12.00 - 1.00pm | Free |
Boxing Fitness (City) | Saturday | 10.30 - 11.30am | $7 Ara student & staff, $10 public |
Location:
All City Campus facilities and classes are located in the Whareora building. Please refer to the Campus locations to know where to find us.
For more information, please feel free to contact the Recreation Centre Team at reccentre@ara.ac.nz or phone 03 940 8352 (Recreation Centre Manager).
Timaru Rock Climbing
Runs Wednesdays term two and three. Please refer to Timaru Rock Climbing page for full details.
Safety
In an emergency
In the event of an emergency, advise a staff member. If they're not available dial 111 and wait for it to connect - don't hang up the phone. The Operator will ask you what service you need: fire, ambulance or police and connect you to that service. Give your name, the type of emergency and where you are. Consider the nearest entrance to your location.
See more information about emergency procedures.
Evacuation process
In the event of an evacuation, refer to the yellow and green emergency signs displayed in the teaching spaces and throughout the buildings. In the event of an alarm, follow the green exit signage to the nearest exit. Note that assembly points in a fire or earthquake may differ.
Our Top Tips
Around campus:
- 'See Something, Say Something'. If you see a hazard, risk or want to report a security concern, please let us know. Fill out our See something, say something Report it Form , advise your tutor or email: facilitiesservicecentre@ara.ac.nz
- If you don't feel safe on campus give security a call 03 940 8076. If it is out of hours it may take a minute or so to connect, please stay on the line.
Personal safety
- If you've had an accident, tell us using the online accident reporting form or go to your tutor, any staff member or the student health centre to complete a report in person. If you've had an accident on a placement or internship you must let your tutor know.
- Keep your personal belongings on you. Don't leave items on the table in the library, keep them out of sight and on you.
- If your cellphone is stolen, ask the provider to block the SIM card immediately, then contact the police and make a police report.
- Lock your bike. Use the secure bike compounds on campus but remember you still need to secure your bike with a chain or cable.
- For police non emergency matters i.e Bike Theft, Car break-ins, call 03 363 7400 to report it direct, let security on campus know also.
Some general tips from us:
- Leaving campus late at night? Walk with a mate, or ask someone in the computer pod or classroom if they're heading out and go together. If there's no-one else around call security for a chaperone 03 940 8076 (Give them as much notice as possible).
- Having a party at your house? Don't upset the neighbours, police or get any unwanted guests – register it first with Good One www.goodone.org.nz
- If you're walking or cycling make sure to be seen. Reflective gear may just save you.
Our processes
Read about what to do in an emergency or lockdown and how we ensure our buildings at Ara are safe for you to enter.
Student Advocacy
If you're having difficulties at Ara or outside of Ara that are affecting your study, our independent Student Advocate and registered counsellor Duncan Dunbar can support you.
All meetings with our Student Advocate are confidential unless there are safety issues involved or permission has been granted from the student to release information.
Our Student Advocate can:
- Provide support with academic probation.
- Provide support concerning relationship issues with either Ara staff or fellow students.
- Liaise with tutors or head of schools regarding concerns you may have.
- Inform you on Ara policies and procedures.
- Advocate for the rights of a student individually, classes or the entire student body.
- Assist with problem solving.
- Provide advocacy and support with government and non government agencies, e.g. StudyLink or Work and Income NZ.
- Support you with everyday life issues.
- Support students to address alcohol and drug issues, mental health issues, family violence, housing issues and during court proceedings.
Student Central
Student Central (Te Tumu Hereka Waka) is your key hub of student support. Come and see our friendly student advisors to find out about our support and services.
Our advisors specialise in:
- Youth
- Māori & Pasifika
- International
- Refugees
- Migrants
- Scholarships
- Ōtautahi House
- Accommodation
- Foundation
- Unexpected Financial Hardships
Come in and say hi.
Support For You
Overview
Whether you're new to study or into your final year - being a student can be a bit of a challenge at times.
There are all sorts of factors that impact on your student life - You might be finding classes difficult or have things going on in your personal life that impact your study.
We're here to help, no matter what, and we have a huge range of services available to you.
We also have special services for our international students, refugee and migrant students, as well as Māori and Pasifika.
Ara is a secular organisation that celebrates students of all beliefs. Ara supports students who want to worship, through the provision of space to do this. The Muslim Prayer Room can be found in M115 and M116. Christians on Campus also meet weekly. Details can be found on the students groups page.