Te Pātaka | Student Services Hub

Te Pātaka, UC’s student services hub, is the first place to visit if you’ve got a question or need help with something while you’re studying at UC. Te Pātaka is located in the centre of Ilam campus on levels 2 and 3 in Puaka-James Hight Central Library.
Just like pātaka (storehouses for food, goods, and other valuable resources), Te Pātaka is a one-stop-shop of resources for tauira (students) that is visible from the moment you enter the Central Library. Te Pātaka offers an abundance of resources, support and information that will ensure you succeed and excel throughout your academic journey at UC.
Not on campus? You can contact us via phone or email – check out the links in the What support can I get? section below for contact information.
You can visit Te Pātaka for help with a range of things, including:
- Study and course related matters – talk to your Kaitoko | First Year Student Advisor for advice on degree planning, changing courses, timetable clashes and navigating life at UC in general. You can book an in person or phone/Zoom appointment with your Kaitoko.
- Enrolling at UC, applying for courses, scholarships and student fees – Te Ratonga Ākonga | Student Services can provide advice and help.
- Support for Māori students - UC Māori offers support, advice and guidance for ākonga Māori studying at UC. You can book an appointment to talk to one of our Kaiurungi.
- Support for Pasifika students – the Pacific Development Team are available if you need advice, guidance or just someone to talk to. Get in touch with a Pacific Advisor.
- Library help – access support for your learning and research from the UC Library. You can talk to expert staff about your study and research needs in person, or chat to library staff online.
- IT Help and LEARN support – visit the IT Help Desk for support with things like using LEARN, accessing WiFi, using your student email and finding computer rooms with the software you need for assignments. You can also call 0508 UC IT HELP (0508 824 843) or log a job through the self-service portal online.
- Accommodation queries – the Accommodation team can help with information or advice around your accommodation options while studying at UC. You can book an in person or Zoom meeting with an Accommodation Advisor or ask a question online.
- Study and exam advice – Pokapū Pūkenga Ako | Academic Skills Centre is a free advisory service and resource hub that focuses on writing and study strategies to help you achieve at UC. Check out the workshops and seminars or book a consultation.
- Advice for international students – talk to the International Relationships Office about international opportunities available to you, as a UC enrolled student. Learn about UC Global Exchange, and if you’re an on-campus international student you can get advice and support (including Manaaki scholars).
Atawhai Ākonga | Student Care
Falling behind in your studies? Having problems with your landlord? Feeling like it's all a bit of a struggle? Student Care Advisors are your support team. The service is free to access and available to all students at UC, including off campus (distance) students. Whether you are a domestic or international student, we can talk with you about your situation, help you to figure out your options, and work out the best way forward. Contact Student Care.
Rainbow students
The University of Canterbury (UC) aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment, and recognises that belonging is important for everyone. UC supports LGBTQIA+ students and staff with assistance on and off campus, and celebrates sexual and gender diversity on campus. Find out more.
Te Ratonga Whaikaha | Student Accessibility Service
Around 20-25% of students at UC have some form of visible or invisible disability. Te Ratonga Whaikaha | Student Accessibility Service is here to provide support services, assistance and advice to ensure that you make the most of your time here and achieve your academic goals. Find out more.
Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers
Visit Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers a range of services and advice, including career consultations, seminars and workshops, online interactive and print resources, and an online student and graduate jobs board. Find out more.
Come and visit us at Te Pātaka Level 2, Puaka-James Hight.