Doctoral Communities

1. Join development opportunities: Attend a selection of doctoral workshops and morning teas where you can grow your skills and knowledge, and make friends across the University.
   
   
2. Clubs: Join one of the University's clubs, societies and associations. There are more than 250 to choose from, so you'll be sure to find your tribe. The clubs fall into the following categories: academic and specialist; causes; cultural; special interest; spiritual and religious; and sports and recreation. 
   
   
3. TRK-AUSA: Reach out to Te Rōpū Kahikatea – Auckland University Students' Association (TRK-AUSA) at https://ausa.org.nz. They run events, arrange support services, and have a buddy system for new international students. If you'd like to get in touch with the postgrad representatives in your faculty/LSRI, you can contact TRK-AUSA's Postgrad Education Vice-President and Postgrad Student Officer.
   
   
4. 3MT: Sign up for the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, where you'll become part of a supportive group of doctoral candidates who are on a journey to becoming outstanding communicators of their research.
   
   
5. Māori and Pacific: Explore the wide-ranging support and communities available to Māori students and Pacific students at the University of Auckland. Find out about Te Fale Pouāwhina's Ngā Rangahau Kōtuitui and weekly talanoa for doctoral candidates, as well as writing retreats and other events organised by Kaupapa Māori professional network MAI ki Waipapa (previously known as MAI ki Tāmaki).
   
   
6. International students: The University's International Office offers support for international students, including international orientation, practical advice, English language support, and more. You can also contact the team at int-questions@auckland.ac.nz.
   
   
7. Parents: If you're a parent looking for support and community, you can join the PhD Parents' Group's Teams chat by filling in the PhD Parents form. You can also read about various parent support options offered by the University, including breastfeeding spaces and early childhood services.
   
   
8. Off-campus: If you're based off-campus or seldom make it onto campus because you're completing your doctorate part-time, you can connect with other doctoral candidates in your city or online by filling in the Regional Connections Form for Doctoral Candidates.
   
   
9. Rainbow: Learn about the various networks, resources, opportunities, and safe spaces available to rainbow students on campus.
   
   
10. Disabilities: Find out about how to access assistance and connections for students with disabilities, whether your challenge is visible or invisible.
    
    
11. Staff Networks: If you start working as a TA / GTA, you'll be able to join the University's staff networks.

Create your OWN community-building event with the Creating Connections Grant, which supports doctoral candidates in building inclusive research communities.

Funded by the School of Graduate Studies, ten grants of up to $300 each are available to doctoral candidates each year, to support the development of research communities. Apply here.