The University of Canterbury was the first NZ university to receive 5 Stars rating in 2011 by the international ranking agency QS and has maintained its 5 Stars status since then.
QS also ranked the University of Canterbury 214 in the 2016-2017 World University Rankings. The University is the third ranked University in New Zealand. The University of Canterbury has 19 subjects ranked in the world’s top 200 (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016).
Christchurch is undergoing a period of major transformation and is home to a number of creative projects and innovative buildings.
A city reimagined. The blueprint for the new Christchurch promises a world-class city that embraces creativity and innovation.
Innovative architecture. Transitional developments are popping up all over the city including the Re:START retail precinct which features over 30 shops in vibrantly coloured shipping containers.
Creative public art. Christchurch has seen an influx of innovative public art and hosts a number of art festivals.
Innovative community projects. Christchurch has become a mecca for creative urban regeneration initiatives.
Services for new students
Get the most out of life as a student at UC. Here you will find information to help you settle in, and find your way around the essential services on offer.
Mentoring programmes
Get advice from a mentor through one of UC's mentoring programmes. Make a successful start to your studies, connect with fellow students and find out about all the awesome things about UC.
UC Pathways
UC Pathways is a developmental programme designed to assist your transition to degree study.
Email and IT services
Students receive free email accounts and associated email storage quota, accessible on the web or with a mobile device.
Student ID card
Your student ID card, known at UC as your Canterbury Card, is your formal identification for around campus.
Health services
A range of high quality health services are available for advice and consultation to ensure you stay in the best possible shape.
Check your timetable with My Timetable
Using UC’s web app, Allocate+, you can make sure you don’t have any clashes and select your preferred lecture and tutorial times where there is more than one option.
More than 100 student-run clubs and organizations support the varied intellectual, artistic, cultural, social, and recreational pursuits of the UC community.
Cycling, driving and public transport
It is easy to get to campus from most parts of Christchurch by cycling, a short drive or you can take advantage of regular bus services.
Fitness and leisure
Maintain a healthy work-life balance with free membership at UC’s RecCentre.
Blog for students, by students
Find great flat recipes and share your experiences.
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Get outdoors in Canterbury
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps, the Canterbury region is packed with rolling hills, mountains and waterways waiting to be explored.
Canterbury is made for outdoor recreation
There is something for every energy and adrenaline level. It’s only a short drive to the rugged beauty of Banks Peninsula, the historic French town of Akaroa, the thermal resort town of Hanmer Springs, the mountains and bush of Arthur’s Pass National Park, and the seaside settlement of Kaikoura, famous for whale watching.
Walking and biking
Christchurch offers plenty of walking and biking adventures through varying landscapes. In the city you can walk, bike or even skate around Hagley Park. Within easy reach of the city, you can mountain bike or stroll through forest and discover native bush and wetlands by foot. You can head up to the Port Hills for fantastic views of the Southern Alps or to enjoy the walking trails and downhill bike paths.
Close to Christchurch is the beautiful Banks Peninsula with plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration. For something more challenging, visit Arthur’s Pass National Park with its high mountains, steep gorges and wide braided rivers.
Sea and surf
The coastline of Christchurch has much to offer for both recreational activities and as a diverse wildlife habitat.
The two main beaches in Christchurch are New Brighton and Sumner. Both beaches are great for relaxing and taking in the surroundings as well as swimming, surfing and even stand-up paddle boarding.
Skiing and snowboarding
Canterbury has more ski areas than anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. The largest ski area, Mount Hutt, is just an hour's drive from Christchurch. With ten ski fields within two hours' drive, whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you'll find locations to suit your ability and style.
Climb your way to the top
Canterbury is home to some of the best rock climbing in New Zealand. Within about an hour's drive are several of New Zealand's finest rock climbing and bouldering locations - Castle Hill, Flock Hill, Banks Peninsula and Hanging Rock.
There are hundreds of climbs - Castle Hill features five areas with around 250 climbs, as well over 1000 boulder problems and nearby Flock Hill has over 30 routes for climbers to enjoy.