OPEN DAY | Rā Tōmene

FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER 2025

Principal Address -

Jo Morrow

Ashby House Dining Room - 11:00am & 2:00pm

Registrations for the University of Canterbury Open Day 2025 are now open. Open Day is a great opportunity for you to familiarise yourself with life at the University of Canterbury.

Rochester and Rutherford Hall will be open for viewing, and staff members will be available to meet and answer your questions. This is always an exciting day where our campus is available for those who are considering the University of Canterbury, and life at a UC Hall.

Our Principal, Jo Morrow will be taking the opportunity to address our prospective students and their family/whānau at two occasions throughout the day. This address has been prepared to share more about life at Rochester and Rutherford Hall, and an opportunity to ask questions on culture, expectations and the application process.

The times below will be hosted in the Ashby House Dining Room, followed by an opportunity to walk around our grounds and facilities.

Principal’s Keynote Address: 11:00am - 2:00pm Ashby House Dining Room

Matthew Brett

Hall President 2024 

The most common reflection from others who had attended R&R, was about the people.  It was described as a close community where you make excellent contacts with students from all over New Zealand.  While it's a competitive hall to get into, I'm glad I backed myself for the process of selection, and now getting the opportunity to see it for myself. 

Hall Applications for 2026 are here, and we could not be more excited.

From August 1st, 2025, students can start the enrolment process! This is an exciting journey, but often one that comes with a lot of uncertainty and questions.

As you prepare, we would love to help equip you with some guidelines to help you nail your application and put your best foot forward. Essentially, we want to know more about you and how you will be able to contribute to our Hall community. Our Principal takes the time to read every application we receive, and has given some tips below for you to consider when writing your application:

  • Brief run down on you and your family (Community)

  • Someone who has inspired you to be who you are today (Respect)

  • What you enjoy doing with your downtime (Balance)

  • What do you enjoy with learning and extra-curricular (Opportunities)

  • Community service and other contributions outside of learning (Support)

Some further considerations for your application are the following:

  • Put Us First: Consider listing Rochester and Rutherford Hall as your top choice for a thorough application review.

  • Tap into Past Residents' Experiences: Reach out to former residents for valuable insights into hall life.

  • Make the Most of Open Days and Tours: Attend events and tours to immerse yourself in the hall's environment and atmosphere.

Please watch the video below and have a click through our website to learn more about Rochester and Rutherford Hall and our values. This will help you decide if we are the right fit for you. We are not the only ones making decisions - you are too!