My community - social wellbeing
Taha whānau is your social wellbeing. It relates to the connections you form with your family, relatives, friends, classmates or anyone who matters to you. Others play an important role in your own wellbeing, both in the way they affect your life and the role you play in theirs.
Your whānau
Your whānau is your inner circle. They are the people you connect with each day, who share your personal space and know you best. They play a key role in your wellbeing and support you in ways no one else can.
These close relationships can also be complicated because they matter enough that you can’t just brush off conflicts when they happen. It is common to have disagreements with loved ones, it is how you get past them that matters. Find the right place and time and talk it out honestly and respectfully.
Whānau relationships are not one-sided. The affection, trust and respect you give, you can expect to receive in return.
Make sure that you live in an environment that allows you to be yourself and be happy. Talk to someone if that’s not the case. If you do not feel safe at home, get support immediately.
- Counselling and mental health support at AUT
- Report an incident of sexual harm or domestic violence
- For immediate support outside of AUT, contact HELP Auckland
24/7 helpline on 0800 623 1700
Financial wellbeing
Money is a significant source of conflict in relationships, especially when a child, partner or parent is studying at university. Find out how to take ownership of the decisions you make.
Your AUT community
When you start university, you become a part of a new community. It may be the first time that you live away from home and the only familiar space you have ever known. It may be very different from the community you grew up with and make you feel out of place. It is normal to feel homesick and lonely at times, but you shouldn’t feel that way all the time.
Start a conversation with your classmates, join a club or study group, learn a new hobby. University is about forming your own path, discovering who you are and creating bonds with people.
The AUT community is reflective of New Zealand, it includes people from a wide range of cultures, life experiences, ages, genders, beliefs and opinions. You will have a lot in common with some and find yourself at odds with others.
Forming life-long friendships with your peers is one of the best ways to make your time at university a positive experience. Learning how to form strong relationships with people who are different from you is an essential life skill.
- Rainbow student support
- International student support
- Te Tari Takawaenga Māori – Māori Student Support
- Pacific student support
- Scholarship student support
- Elite athlete support
- Disability support services
Get help from students who’ve been there. Look out for RUOK advisors in teal RUOK t-shirts on campus around lunch time. They're current AUT students who you can talk to about anything that’s on your mind. They can help you find your way around, connect with student services and resources, or feel like you belong.
RUOK advisors
RUOK advisors are senior AUT students from different backgrounds and programmes who can relate to your experiences. Follow them on their social pages and connect with them online if you need someone to chat with.
Your wider community
Belonging somewhere
Your neighbourhood, your city, your country are part of who you are. Understanding how you belong to your wider community is important for your sense of identity. Whether you are helping a neighbour, supporting a local business, participating in a community event, your wellbeing is improved when you are part of something bigger than yourself.
Finding purpose through volunteering
Participating in meaningful activities is essential to human health. While your studies give you a sense of intellectual purpose, it is important to keep your heart engaged as much as your mind. Choose a cause that matters to you – cleaning beaches, planting a community garden, advocating for a cause, supporting elders or looking after abandoned animals – there are many opportunities for you to contribute to your community and grow.
Whether you want to gift your talent or your time, make it a one-off thing or a regular engagement, it will make a big difference to the life of those who receive it. The pride and sense of belonging you get in return is invaluable. Ask the staff in the Employability Lab for ideas. If you're keen to help fellow students or participate in AUT events consider becoming a student ambassador or joining the AUTSA Events Activation Crew.
Te Āhuru Recreation Centre
Leadership and volunteering
Student Hub
Hauora/wellbeing support
Make a booking with a qualified student advisor to discuss your wellbeing. They will help you assess your needs and direct you to other campus services if required.
Kete Kōrero
Group conversation circles
Group conversation circles with Bright Side’s Dr Dana Toogood
Held fortnightly in the Bright Side space (WZ building behind Mojo Café)
