As we begin our second semester, the UC campus is back on track!

There are new and comfy learning spaces in Kirkwood Village, the Central Library is open (yay) and the campus has a vibrant atmosphere with a range of fun activities aiming to keep you warm at heart through these chilly winter weeks.

Kia Kaha Christchurch

You all deserve praise and massive thanks for sticking with Christchurch as we work as a community to reshape our city. You will be able to look back in years to come and be proud of the role you played in helping Christchurch in this time of need.

Welcome from the VC

The Vice-Chancellor, Rod Carr wanted to welcome you back this semester so check out this special message on YouTube.

Winterlude

To kick off this semester your Students’ Association (UCSA) has worked with the University to pull together a programme of events called “Winterlude”. Take the opportunity to relax into your studies by playing some Slow Motion Pong or perhaps some Giant Cricket?

Exchange and Study Abroad students

A big “SHOUT OUT” to the students that took the Adelaide exchange opportunity last semester. It’s great to have you back in town ready to experience student life at UC again.

Also a big "WELCOME" to new Study Abroad students that have joined us this semester. We hope you enjoy New Zealand and the experiences that UC has to offer! 

Rugby winners

A massive "WELL DONE" to Luke Whitelock who recently captained the NZ Under 20 rugby team to victory in the U20 Rugby World Cup. Luke plays for the UC Rugby Club and as a UC student has made us proud!

Mid-year Orientation

Today the University held the first of two orientation sessions for new students. A range of information sessions and tours make it easier to settle in to study mode by allowing new students to quickly find their feet. Today's activities will be repeated on Thursday so if you're new to UC check out the programme and come along.

Campus Parking

Parking permits are now on sale for semester two from the Security Office - located on the Science Road car park side of 114 Ilam Road. These handy permits cost $55 and allow students to park in the designated marked parking areas on the campus for the remainder of the 2011 teaching year.

Please note parking enforcement has commenced. All offences from this date onwards will incur a $50 clamp. More info is available on the Campus Parking website.

Phoenix Poetry - Rising from the Rubble

12.30–1.30pm Friday 22 July
University Bookshop

This year’s National Poetry Day is especially vital for re-establishing literature as a means of communication and celebration here in our shaken city. The event will include a Poetry Wall where people are encouraged to come and add a poem of their own or one they love to a dedicated wall within the shop.

Tea and coffee is provided. No fee. Bring your lunch and join in the celebration of the word.

Big scholarship boost for current students

For those of you who are interested in travelling to a UC partner institution to study as part of your UC degree, a new mobility award has been established in 2012 for students who have completed at least one year of study at UC. Up to 50 students who are nominated to study on exchange for one semester or a year at one of UC’s partner institutions will receive an award of up to $5000 in cash towards their exchange. The UC International Mobility Outbound Exchange Award is a great opportunity for students to experience what some UC students have already benefited from in semester one this year at the University of Adelaide and the University of Oxford, and some of the other best universities in the world.

Check out the Scholarships website to find a scholarship that suits you.

New students

If this is your first year at the University of Canterbury join New to UC on Facebook for key information and to connect with other newbies.

You should also know about the Current Students website. This has links to support services and tools that you will use as a student here at UC. The tools area provides quick links to your student email, Library account, IT account and Learn .  Learn is an online environment that many lecturers use to  put your course info and materials so be sure to log in and check it out.