Your Study
Overview
Studying is exciting - you're on your way to where you want to go! It can also be tough, especially if you're new.
We're all about making study work for you so you can do your best. Keep at it and don't be afraid to ask for help - there is heaps of it available at Ara. It will all be worth it when you get that graduation certificate.
Academic Records
Need official records of your results? Head to Academic Records.
Academic Records can help you with:
Questions about results.
Questions about NZQA.
Official results transcripts at any stage of your study. Transcripts are useful when applying for jobs before graduating. They show which courses you have completed and your final official results.
Providing final qualifications after graduation. If you're not graduating in person you can pick up your qualification from Academic Records after your graduation date or arrange to have it sent to you anywhere in the world.
Remember that you can also check your results via your Student Portal.
Bennetts Bookstore
Bennetts Bookstores specialise in academic textbooks.
Once you have your book list, head along to Bennetts and they will help you with everything you need. They can even order in specialised resources.
Visit Bennetts at our City Campus in Christchurch or online for:
- Textbooks
- Stationery
- Art supplies
- Medical instuments
- Other study materials
- Mobile top-up cards
- iTunes vouchers
- Greeting cards
- Confectionery
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.
Click here to contact us.
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 register with Disability Services you need a report from an appropriate professional, which is less than 3 years old. The report should give relevant information about your disability or health condition and describe how this may impact on your study.
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.
Disability Information Sheets (PDFs)
- Disability Services Information
- ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Autism spectrum - Including Asperger Syndrome
- Blindness and vision impairment
- Brain injury
- Deaf students using NZ sign language
- Dyslexia
- Hearing impairment
- Mental health
- Medical conditions
- Physical impairment
- Specific learning disabilities including dyspraxia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia
- Temporary impairment
Assistive Software and Equipment (PDFs)
Student Exchange
Dreaming of studying overseas? Well - you can!
Ara offers 6 -12 month student exchange programmes at over 25 partner institutions around the world.
You can learn about another culture, gain new skills and widen your employment opportunities, all while earning credits towards your Ara qualification.
Can I go?
To be eligible for a student exchange you need to be studying full-time towards a degree at Ara.
How it works
When you go on an exchange you remain enrolled as a Ara student and pay your normal study fees to Ara. You don't have to pay extra to study your courses at the exchange university.
The courses you study overseas can in most cases be credited towards your Ara degree.
You will live with a host family or in a hostel, apartments, or student accommodation.
You'll need to pay for flights and have money saved to support yourself overseas. Financial support may be available through scholarship funds.
Get started
Contact our international exchange coordinator to enquire about student exchange. They can talk you through your options and the process for applying, including the application form.
You also need to seek permission from your tutor or head of department to go on an exchange programme.
Our partner institutions
Where do you want to go?
Computer labs
Computer Labs
We have several computer labs at our City Street Campus in the Rakaia Centre for all students to use.
There is also a lab in the Student Services Building at Woolston campus.
Computers in TG101, TG102, and Te Whare Poutmata are available at the Timaru campus
You can access these computers using your network login.
Hours
City Campus: The Library Pod in L130 is open 24 hours – convenient for those late night study and assignment sessions. You'll need to go to the Security Office, next to the Library entrance, to have access rights and a pin added to your Student ID Card to use this.
If the pod is full you can request through security to open up a classroom in ALX block. 03 940 8076
Woolston Campus: Computers are in the Student Services Building
Timaru Campus: TG101 and TG102 are open Monday-Friday through to 10pm. Also Saturday and Sunday 8am-10pm. You need to request access via your tutor or registry, who will put it on your student ID card for access, no pin required.
If you need to contact security out of hours call 027 439 0383. You can also call 0800 242476 anytime.
All other computer labs across the campuses are open normal business hours:
- Monday - Thursday: 8am–6pm
- Friday: 9am–4:30pm
Accessibility
Every computer at Ara has 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 suit your individual needs when using a computer.
Graduation
So you've finished your study? Next step - Graduation. Congratulations!
Graduation is our official celebration for all students who have successfully completed a qualification at level 4 or above.
It's an exciting time to celebrate with your friends and whānau. Make the most of your big day and attend your graduation ceremony.
Note: If you have just completed a course in levels 1-3 check with your tutor if department organised celebration is available.
Ceremony dates
We hold several ceremonies a year. These are streamed live on the Ara website. See the live streaming requirements page for technical specifications.
How it works
If you're eligible to graduate you will receive a letter by Ara advising you of this. You will then need to complete the online graduation form and read the graduation guide.
Make sure you let us know:
- Whether you want to attend in person or graduate in absentia (not attend and be sent your qualification)
- How many friends or whānau members you want to bring. You are guaranteed 5 tickets but you can request extra
- If you or anyone else has special mobility or access needs, or if a Sign Language interpreter is needed
When we receive your submitted graduation form indicating your graduation choice, we will send you a letter confirming we have received your application and include your requested guest tickets. Extra tickets requested will be posted approprimately two weeks before the ceremony, if these are available.
Graduating at the ceremony
If you're coming along we will send you a graduation guide with all the details you need for the day, including your tickets. If there are spaces available, we'll post out your extra tickets two weeks before graduation.
If you have questions about any of the information in your guide please get in touch with Ara on 0800 24 24 76 or email info@ara.ac.nz.
Graduating in absentia
If you choose not to attend a ceremony you can pick up your qualification from Academic Records with ID after your graduation ceremony date or arrange to have it sent to you.
Graduation live streaming requirements
Technical requirements
Windows requirements
Windows users can simply click on the link to view the live streaming. However, some Windows users may need to install Silverlight to enable streaming
iPad requirements
• iPad, iPad2, or iPad3
• iOS 4.3 or later
• Apple Mobile Safari™
• Wi-Fi or cellular data connection (3G or higher)
iPhone/iPod requirements
• iPhone 4.0 or later, iPod Touch 4th generation or later
• iOS 4.3 or later
• Apple Mobile Safari
• Mediasite iPhone/iPod app (free download available from the Apple app store)
• Wi-Fi connection
Blackberry requirements
(on-demand playback only)
• Blackberry devices running Blackberry OS 7.0 or later
• Playbooks devices running QNX
• Blackberry browser
• Wi-Fi or cellular data connection (3G or higher)
Android requirements
(on-demand playback only, Mediasite 6.0.2 or later)
• Android™ 4.0 or later
• Android browser
• Wi-Fi or cellular data connection (3G or higher)
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
LSAC
Learning English? This is the place for you.
The Language Self Access Centre (LSAC) is where you can come and practise.
There are resources at all levels to help you learn at your own pace.
As well as English resources, there are materials for learning Japanese, and Maori.
Bring your Ara Student ID to access the LSAC.
Useful resources
The LSAC Facebook Page has great lists of useful resources which you can use to improve all your English skills; reading, speaking, listening and writing, and also learn how to learn more vocabulary and grammar.
The LSAC Moodle site has many excellent exercises that you can do to improve your English.
Library
The library offers an extensive range of resources. Search for books, ebooks, CDs, DVDs and journal articles by entering keywords into Primo Library Search.
In Primo Library Search you can :
- Request books (PDF)
- Renew books (PDF)
- View and print from ebooks (Proquest Ebook Central) (PDF)
- Access Safari ebooks (PDF)
- Find articles in your recommended reading list (PDF)
- Find articles in databases (PDF)
Please note that overdue books incur fines. Ara students are also eligible to borrow from other tertiary libraries.
Distance students can have library books posted to them using the off-campus request system.
If you know the name of the database you need, go to Databases A-Z.
If you are not sure which database has journal articles on your topic, go to the Subject Guides to find the recommended databases by subject.
For more downloadable information on using our resources go to the "How Do I" guides.
You can also book a group study room in the Library or Learning Commons at Timaru, Manawa and Christchurch, Madras Street campuses.
Like us on Facebook to keep up with what's new in the Library and follow our Library blog.
Try our online chat service called Ask Live, to ask us a question during opening hours.
If you can’t find the book or journal article you are looking for please email the APA reference citation for the article or book to library@ara.ac.nz . If we don’t own it, we can usually get it for you from another library. This is called an interloan and is a free service which can take a week or more to supply.
Our opening hours
City campus, Madras Street, Christchurch
Monday to Friday 7am – 8pm
Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 12pm – 5pm
Manawa campus, 276 Antigua Street, Christchurch
Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
Saturday to Sunday Closed
Woolston campus, Ensors Road, Christchurch
Monday to Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 4.30pm
Saturday to Sunday Closed
Timaru campus, Arthur Street, Timaru
Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday to Sunday Closed
Contact us
Phone: 03 940 8089 or 0800 24 24 76 and ask for the library
Email: library@ara.ac.nz
Address: Library, Ara City Campus, Madras Street, PO Box 540, Christchurch 8140, NZ
Our locations
City campus, Christchurch
Find the Library in the Rakaia Centre atrium (L block) at the City campus on Madras Street. Librarians are available to help you find resources. Look for our red lanyards.
Manawa campus, Christchurch
Find library support in the Learning Commons (Ground floor) at the Manawa campus at 276 Antigua Street.
Woolston campus, Christchurch
Find the Library in the Student Services building at Woolston campus. There are no library staff at Woolston campus but you can issue your own books using the self-issue machine. See the Student Services reception if you have any problems and they can contact the library to help you or ring us directly at 0800242476 and ask for the library.
Timaru campus
Find the Library in A Block, on Arthur Street. Staff are available to help students in the Library on Timaru campus.
Oamaru and Ashburton campuses
Oamaru and Ashburton campus students and distance students may make an off-campus request using the Primo Library Search. Your requests will be posted directly to your home address. The Library also supplies a label for freepost return of library materials.
If you have any questions or need help finding resources for your assignment please contact us at library@ara.ac.nz or phone (03)940 8089. We are open 7 days.
Scholarships
The below scholarships are available to currents students to help with funding your studies.
Scholarship | Value | Application close date |
---|---|---|
Beca Scholarship | $2,500 | 31 March 2019 |
Untouched World Charitable Trust for Waterwise Scholarship | Covers cost of field trip | Friday 1 March 2019 |
Childcare Scholarship - Māori or Pasifika This scholarship is to assist fully enrolled Māori and Pasifika students at Ara while their programme of study is in progress with the unsubsidised portion of their childcare costs at any licensed childcare centre or facility. | Up to $500 | Ongoing |
The Park Road Post – Ara Foundation Awards The New Zealand Broadcasting School, Park Road Post and the Ara Foundation have partnered to offer selected second-year Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications (Screen and Television Production) students the opportunity to attend a 10-day industry intensive master class at Park Road Post each year. | $3,000 | Enquire with department |
2019 Programme information documents
2019 Programme information documents are available below by subject area.
If you would like the 2018 programme information click here.
Student ID Card
Your Ara student ID card is your formal identification and access to services on campus.
You can also use your card to claim awesome student discounts on things like tickets, movies, food and clothes at heaps of stores throughout NZ.
You may also want to sign up at Studentcard for additional deals whilst you are studying.
On campus use your Student ID to access:
- Students' association services
- The Health Centre
- Library
- Learning Services
- LSAC
- After-hours access to the campus and 24 hour computing suites
- Photocopiers
Getting your ID Card
At our City campus, on your first day, take your student ID number to the security office in the Rakaia Centre and ask for a Student ID card. If you are at Woolston campus, go to the main desk in the Student Services building. At the Timaru campus, you can get your card at Registry in A Block or staff can post it to you.
Staff will verify that you are enrolled, take your photo and provide you with your ID card. If you want access to the 24 hour computing suite at the City campus, you need to ask to get this added.
See Student ID card for more information.
Lost or stolen cards
If your card is lost or stolen firstly report this to the admissions team at your campus. Your old card will be cancelled and a replacement card issued by Security.
Credit your ID card
You can credit your card to pay for things such as photocopying using the information kiosk computers at your campus.
Your Study
Graduation live streaming requirements
Technical requirements
Windows requirements
Windows users can simply click on the link to view the live streaming. However, some Windows users may need to install Silverlight to enable streaming
iPad requirements
• iPad, iPad2, or iPad3
• iOS 4.3 or later
• Apple Mobile Safari™
• Wi-Fi or cellular data connection (3G or higher)
iPhone/iPod requirements
• iPhone 4.0 or later, iPod Touch 4th generation or later
• iOS 4.3 or later
• Apple Mobile Safari
• Mediasite iPhone/iPod app (free download available from the Apple app store)
• Wi-Fi connection
Blackberry requirements
(on-demand playback only)
• Blackberry devices running Blackberry OS 7.0 or later
• Playbooks devices running QNX
• Blackberry browser
• Wi-Fi or cellular data connection (3G or higher)
Android requirements
(on-demand playback only, Mediasite 6.0.2 or later)
• Android™ 4.0 or later
• Android browser
• Wi-Fi or cellular data connection (3G or higher)