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UOC Student Care Hub

UOC Student Care Hub

The Student Care Hub provides a single point of contact for your requests for support and information and is available to all students enrolled at UOC, regardless of your course of study, or where you are located.

You can request support from the UOC Student Care hub by completing a request form. Our email is UOCStudentCare@otago.ac.nz. You are welcome to email us at any time. Please be aware that for non-urgent requests, we will reply to you within 2-3 working days.

Sheila Mark is our Student Care Hub coordinator who will receive your email requests and coordinate a response with our UOC team. Sheila has a background in counselling support and is independent of your academic course teachers.

The UOC Student Care hub is designed to be available to you in addition to your existing support contacts. We can help you by text message, phone/video call, email or by meeting with you in person – whatever works best for you and your situation.

The types of requests include:

Your request will be coordinated and involve the most appropriate staff members at the University. All requests will be managed in the strictest confidence.

 

GP Scheme

The Christchurch Doctors provide a General Practice service to full-time domestic students at the University of Otago, Christchurch.

International students can visit the Christchurch Doctors as a casual patient, and lodge a claim with their insurance provider.

Visit the Christchurch Doctors website

Other General Practitioners

Other General Practitioners may be used by full-time postgraduates located in Christchurch on a case-by-case basis with approval by the relevant Associate Dean.

To organise this, please contact: alice.lepetit@otago.ac.nz for approval

Community Services Card

If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident you may be eligible for a Community Services Card.

Visit the Work and Income website for more information on the Community Services Card

International students are not eligible for a community services card and should request a receipt and lodge a claim with their health insurer.

Non-subsidised services

The following services will not be subsidised by the UOC but are available from the health centre:

For after-hours medical care or pharmacy:

24-Hour Surgery
401 Madras Street
Tel +64 3 365 7777
Visit the 24-Hour Surgery website for information

In an emergency, ring an ambulance by dialling 111, or proceed straight to the Emergency Department of the Christchurch Public Hospital, 2 Riccarton Avenue.

Puawaitanga – Online Counselling

Puawaitanga is a phone and web-based service to support Kiwis to improve their emotional well-being – their hauora. The service is an alternative to face-to-face counselling for Kiwis who are struggling but face challenges in accessing traditional counselling. All staff are trained professionals and counselling sessions are private, confidential and free. Enrol here.

Flu vaccinations

The University of Otago, Christchurch, offers free vaccination clinics in April/May.  Information will be sent to your student email.

External emergency support agencies

View the list of Emergency Services, Christchurch

Discounted Gym Memberships

University of Otago, Christchurch students are eligible for ‘friends of UC’ gym membership to the University of Canterbury Rec Centre

Please see eligibility criteria and evidence required.

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS 12 MONTHS     3 MONTHS
Full Access membership $619     $165
Off-Peak membership $369     $105
New Member Joining Fee $49
Replacement Card Fee $15

Prices are subject to change, please see the University of Canterbury Rec Centre for up-to-date prices.

UOC Student Pantry

Due to increased food costs, and the burden that has placed on students, the Department of Medicine, supported by all UOC staff established a Student Food Pantry. The pantry will include lunch and breakfast basics to support our students. Common items that will be available include toast bread and spreads, as well as cheese and tinned foods to make toasted sandwiches. There will also be a supply of breakfast cereals and fruit.

The food pantry is open to ALL UOC students 24/7 in the lower ground common room, 2 Riccarton Ave, and during business hours in the level 5 kitchen, 2 Riccarton Ave.

For more information, contact sheila.mark@otago.ac.nz

Prayer Room

UOC offers a prayer and meditation room for people of all faiths and none. It is located on level 7 of the main UOC building, at 2 Riccarton Ave. The room is mostly for quiet prayer and meditation.

Additionally, there is a Chapel that welcomes all faiths located in the main Hospital building. To find the chapel, exit the UOC building through the doors near the Nicolls centre and turn right.

Dunedin-Based Student Support

Disability Information and Support

If you have a disability, impairment, injury or medical condition that affects your ability to study, Disability Information and Support can help you.

Disability Information and Support is a student support service, that is proud to work in an environment that values diversity and respects your individuality.

Māori Centre – Te Huka Mātauraka

The Māori Centre Te Huka Mātauraka offers a home away from home for students of Māori descent, from pre-enrolment, Turāka Hou – Māori Orientation – through to pre-graduation celebrations, graduation and beyond.

Pacific Islands Centre

Make the most of your time at the University of Otago. The Pacific Islands Centre can help you with academic assistance, scholarships and accommodation, legal and immigration matters – and more.

International Office

Otago is committed to providing international students with the most rewarding study, campus and life experience. Our International team is here to support you to make your time at Otago memorable.