Get ready for a busy year
Nearer the start of semester, we'll send you key information that you need to know and also give you more guidance at Herea tō waka | Orientation Day - so don't stress over the holidays about not knowing how to view your timetable or get a student ID card. We'll give you this information in February when you are fully enrolled and need to know it.
Things you can do now to prepare for UC
- Talk to our Liaison team if you need course advice
- Do the tasks listed on this webpage
- Get those key dates in your diary
- Take care of your health and wellbeing
- Relax in different ways
- Prepare academically if you need to
- Get exercising
Take care of your health and wellbeing
- Meningococcal vaccines
Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria. It can develop in just a few hours and lead to two serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses – meningitis and septicaemia. Young adults living closely with others are at high risk.
The UC Health Centre strongly recommends students are vaccinated before arriving at their residential hall or student flat – there are two vaccines available.- Menactra/Nimenrix protects against strains A, C, W and Y, and is free for all domestic students up to 25 years living in/about to enter halls of residence.
- Bexsero protects against strain B meningococcal disease.
Contact your GP or the UC Health Centre for more information
- Covid-19 vaccine
We strongly encourage staff and students to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. When you get vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re also reducing the risk of passing Covid-19 to your whānau, friends and community.
- Check you've had the full MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination – or get a free catch-up shot
- Be physically active
- Get outside and soak up some sun and fresh air
- Go for a walk, go to the gym, catch up with friend, do some exercise
- Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques
- Stay home if you are unwell
- Try to maintain regular sleep patterns with these sleep hygiene tips
Relax in different ways
- Spend time with friends and family
- Enjoy a good meal
- Read a book for pleasure
- Try a new activity or hobby
- Watch the video above for other student suggestions
- Visit somewhere around Aotearoa that you haven't been before
Prepare academically if you need to
UC's Academic Skills Centre runs a pre-semester programme from 7-16 February. Free workshops and seminars include Effective Note-Taking, Time Management and Introduction to Essay Writing. Many of these are also available during semester, but if you think you need some support before you start, check out what's on offer
Tips to get exercising
- Drink a glass of water – this can revive you as tiredness can be caused by dehydration
- Put some workout clothes on – the simple act of changing clothes can be motivating
- Run on the spot for 1 minute – this can release happiness hormones like dopamine
- Put on some tunes – as music is motivating
- Be kind to yourself – even a short walk is a good start
