Doctoral wellbeing and community

• Feeling overwhelmed? Contact Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care, who run a safe, confidential, free service that supports the health, wellbeing and safety of everyone at the University.
  
  
• Not sleeping well? Desiree Dickerson says if you can change only thing in your life, it should be sleep: "Prioritising your sleep is the greatest gift you can give your wellbeing," she says. Read more about sleep and mental health on the Sleep Well, Be Well page, and find out more about getting a good night's sleep.
  
  
• Hungry or struggling to eat healthily? The best way to help your brain and body achieve is to eat nutritiously and regularly. Learn about eating to stay well. You can buy affordable, healthy fruit and veg at Mission Grocer in Albert Park.
  
  
• Concerned about your health? Enrol in University Health and Counselling Services and find out what they offer to domestic and international students, including a wide range of health services and counselling services.
  
  
• Wanting to start exercising? One of the quickest ways to release stress is through exercise, which makes you fit and healthy at the same time. Visit the University's recreation centre, Hiwa, or even just take a walk in the fresh air.
  
  
• Worried about money? Financial worries can weigh heavily. Visit the University's financial wellbeing page for advice and support. You can find out how to access free period products on the Got your period? page. You can also reach out to TRK-AUSA via https://ausa.org.nz for advice on food and emergency needs.
  
  
• Learn more: Once a year, the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) runs a special month-long focus on doctoral wellbeing, with lots of events featured on our Doctoral what's on web page. In the meantime, you can find out about the many other ways the University provides personal support and advice about how to be well.

• Join development opportunities: We encourgae you to attend doctoral workshops and morning teas, where you can grow your skills and knowledge, and make friends across the University. Visit the Doctoral what's on page to find out more.
  
  
• 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. Find out more on the Discover clubs and get involved page.
  
  
• TRK-AUSA: Te Rōpū Kahikatea | Auckland University Students' Association (TRK-AUSA) runs events, arranges support services, and has a buddy system for new international students. If you'd like to get in touch with the postgrad reps in your faculty/LSRI, you can contact TRK-AUSA's Postgrad Education Vice-President and Postgrad Student Officer. Learn more at https://ausa.org.nz. 
  
  
• Sport: Join the UNIM8S Social Sport Leagues and be part of a fun, low-pressure basketball, futsal, volleyball or netball team.
  
  
• 3MT: Sign up for the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, where you'll be part of a supportive group of doctoral candidates who are on a journey to becoming outstanding communicators of their research.
  
  
• 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).
  
  
• International students: The University's International Office offers a wide range of support to international students, including practical advice and English language support. Learn more on the International student support page and contact the team at int-questions@auckland.ac.nz.
  
  
• 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 Expression of Interest: PhD Parents Group form. You can also read about the parenting support and childcare offered by the University, including breastfeeding spaces and early childhood services.
  
  
• Faith: Want to find others who share your faith? The University has many ways to support your spiritual wellbeing, no matter which faith you belong to. You can learn more about the chaplaincy services available on campus on the Spiritual wellbeing - Taha wairua page.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Rainbow: Visit the Rainbow Student Support page to learn about the various networks, resources, opportunities, and safe spaces available to rainbow students on campus.
  
  
• Disabilities: Find out about how to access assistance and connections, no matter whether your challenge is visible or invisible. Find out more on the Student Disability Services page.
  
  
• Staff Networks: If you start working as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Graduate Teaching Assistant (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 SGS, ten grants of up to $300 each are available to doctoral candidates each year. Apply by filling in the Creating Connections Grant application form.