Transformed Hall of Residence endorsed by ALAC

24th October, 2012

Transformed Hall of Residence endorsed by ALAC

It’s been a challenging time for the team at UC Accommodation Student Village (UCA) in Christchurch, who house upwards of one thousand tertiary students. “Our lack of reputation (pre-quake) combined with earthquakes has been a big challenge for our team to turn around,” says General Manager, Nik Webb-Shephard candidly. He refers of course to the Canterbury quakes and UCA’s former lack of identity as a leader of student accommodation in Christchurch. “Despite the fact that we were left untouched by the quakes, many people seem to be under the impression we (in Christchurch) are still living in rubble and there’s nothing going on,” remarks Webb-Shephard. Since the quakes, applications for first year accommodation across the board at Canterbury have reduced significantly – although there are still around 400 living on-campus at UCA.

UCA is made up of three sites: University Hall, Ilam & Sonoda Apartments and is managed by global student accommodation specialists Campus Living Villages who manage properties in Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North and Christchurch. Campus Living Villages ‘live, learn, grow’ programme supports young people with their social and academic goals at university.

Post the Canterbury Quakes, UCA took time-out to examine and scrutinise itself deciding to make some serious changes. Once known as ‘the party hall’ former residents at University Hall were reportedly causing mindless damage to the buildings, acting unsociably and generally up to ‘high-jinx’.

The approach from UCA was twofold. From mid-2011 the team worked to revitalise spaces so residents developed a sense of pride in their hall. Those that chose to misbehave and cause wilful damage were swiftly reminded that there were consequences to actions. “We have a great learning community now, it’s important to protect that. While we work with our residents to encourage positive behaviour we recognise that some young people aren’t suited to our environment and for the sake of others we will ask them to leave if their behaviour doesn’t improve,” says Webb-Shephard.

UCA has also worked exceptionally hard to normalise drinking behaviour by encouraging students out of their rooms and into refreshed social spaces. With an emphasis that drinking isn’t something to be done in secret UCA have encouraged moderation when drinking, keeping an eye on your mates and community engagement. As a result, the hall has seen a dramatic reduction in damage, happier and more successful residents and an extra bonus: positive recognition from the wider community.

Residents at University Hall are encouraged to focus on fun hall activities and community spirit rather than boozing every weekend. “We are under no illusions that our residents aren’t drinking, our intention isn’t too eradicate drinking because that won’t work, the culture is so ingrained but we have noticed a vast improvement in their attitudes, academic results and overall health and well being”. When asked, how UCA is different from other halls, Webb-Shephard says, “we work with our residents not against them, we ask questions, we listen and we get to know each and every one of them, we also ask for support from community agencies.”

As a result, University Hall has received recognition from both the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) and the Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) for their approach to normalising drinking behaviours in a community environment which is seen as a reflection of the team. “It is always fantastic when an agency who is involved with youth is pro-active in finding ways in which to mitigate alcohol related harm and to begin to change alcohol consumption behaviours,” says Ana Macadie, Community Promotion Health at the CDHB.

UCA have created an environment that is fun, reflective and relevant for young people. Residents at UCA are not permitted to drink alone in isolation instead the team put on events that get everyone together where they can be managed and supported into a more mature approach to alcohol. “We’ve provided our pastoral care team with further training and guidance so they are better equipped in recognising ‘problem’ drinkers and how best to address these issues.” says Webb-Shephard.

A 2009 study, applying a methodology endorsed by the World Health Organization, estimated harmful alcohol use cost New Zealand $4.9 billion in 2005/06. While the residents at UCA enjoy a vibrant hall community, the team work to create awareness around dangerous situations and behaviour.

For the remainder of the University academic year, UCA residents will be putting their heads down in preparation for final assessments and exams while the support team reflects on an amazing year. “We are always looking for ways in which we can best meet the needs of today’s students so there will continue to be growth and change at UCA”, says Webb-Shephard. Macadie remarks, “we will continue to support UCA in their efforts to reduce alcohol related harm and commend them in taking steps towards changing the ingrained student drinking culture.”

ENDS

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