Supporting residents

We prioritise the wellbeing and safety of our resident community—with staff and students working together to ensure our halls are an enjoyable place to live.

As a resident of our halls or flats, you’ll be a valued part of an inclusive community where the culture is centred around respect, responsibility, fairness, integrity, and empathy.

Students, staff, parents and whānau all have a part to play to ensure our halls provide a safe and positive living environment.

You can expect a high standard of care that sets you up well for your studies while living in our accommodation. You’ll be supported by our dedicated staff and have access to the University’s range of academic support services, as well as counselling, health, and recreation services.

Pastoral Care Code

The University is committed to continual improvement in our accommodation service. We are always working to incorporate best practice and to align with New Zealand’s Pastoral Care Code for domestic and international students.

Read more about our commitment to pastoral care.

Living in our community

Each of you will bring your own vibe to your hall and each hall has its own unique culture.

As a young adult living in a residential community, you’ll need to take responsibility for both looking after yourself, and being mindful of others—ensuring your actions don’t negatively impact on other residents, staff, or our neighbours. Being part of a residential community means following the University’s hall rules and expectations.

Looking after yourself

An important part of hall life, particularly in first year, is learning to be proactive about your health, mental health, and wellbeing. You’ll be given information about student support services, and it’s important that you reach out for help if you experience difficulties or would just like to talk.

We put on a large number of events throughout the year—designed for you to have fun, connect with others in our accommodation whānau, make new friends, and to build your community. We encourage you to attend as many as possible, and to join in your floor, hall and inter-hall activities.

You can share any particular health or wellbeing needs when completing the 'Getting to know you’ questionnaire before you move into your hall.

Learn more about taking care of yourself in a hall of residence.

Parents and whānau

Parents and whānau have a vital role to play in your young adult’s first year of university and right through until graduation. You’ll receive a regular newsletter about hall events, support services, and key dates, as well as other important University notices. We encourage all our residents to keep regular contact with their family and whānau.

Handbooks

For more details on support available to residents, see the following:

• pdf4.2MBStudent Hall Handbook
• pdf3.3MBIndependent Living Student Handbook
• pdf2.0MBWhānau Guide

Staff roles

Accommodation staff know the realities of living in a hall or flat and they will be there to support you as you navigate your way through the university environment while living with others.

Residential advisers

Residential advisers (RAs) are senior students employed and trained by the University to support residents. You’ll be assigned to an RA, who will often be your first point of contact if you need help. RAs are very approachable and are available to answer your questions and chat with you about any concerns. They organise hall events and can arrange study groups.

RAs live on site and duty RAs work with the Night Manager to deal with issues that need a response in the evenings.

Our halls are restorative communities. This means:

• every member should feel valued and that they belong
• everyone contributes to the common good
• conflict is handled in ways that promote accountability and repair.

Throughout the year, your RA will invite you to participate in ‘connection circles’ to strengthen relationships and improve communication on your floor.

Head of hall

The head of hall is responsible for the leadership and management of the hall. All hall staff report to the head of hall, who ensures they are supported to respond to and manage the academic, health, wellbeing, and safety needs of all residents.

Deputy head of hall

The deputy head of hall works with the head of hall to provide leadership and management within the hall environment. Their role includes assisting the coordination of the RA team, managing responses to resident behaviour and contributing to restorative and/or disciplinary processes.

The deputy head of hall plays an essential role in building a sense of community and individual culture within a hall. They also help connect residents to the University's support services.

Night managers

Night managers work on-site outside regular office hours, supporting the management team in the running of the hall. Their focus is on the health, welfare and safety of residents, as well as ensuring the security of hall buildings. The night manager will work in conjunction with the RAs to assist with duty rounds and address any incidents that may occur.

Accommodation Wellbeing Advisers (AWA)

Each hall is assigned an Accommodation Wellbeing Adviser—a registered health professional who is part of Mauri Ora—Student Health and Counselling. They can provide confidential counselling and help you to connect with a range of University services. They are available from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Our AWA team are experienced in helping students manage the demands of studying and living away from home. They liaise with faculties, student support services, and community services to ensure residents can get the support they need to reach their potential and achieve academic success.

They also work closely with hall staff to ensure residents’ health and wellbeing goals are understood and being met.

Find out more about accommodation wellbeing advisers.

Office administrators

The friendly office team work in the hall during the day and manage all hall administration. They can help students with things such as mail and directions, and they communicate with residents about their hall fee instalments and setting up payment plans. They also help respond to maintenance requests.

University-wide support

Explore our range of counselling, health, and recreation services:

• Mauri Ora—Student Health and Counselling
• Counselling appointments
• University Recreation Wellington
• Physiotherapy Clinic

Te Amaru—Disability Services provides advice, expertise, and support to students. They are committed to leading the University to be an inclusive education provider and eliminating barriers for people with disabilities.