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Our Story

Arcady has a long, rich history that starts with the foundation of the Hall, then-Bishop Julius in 1917. Read about 'Our Story' below.

A Timeline of Events

1917

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The Hall was founded by Churchill Julius, the second, Anglican Bishop of Christchurch.  The "Bishop’s Hostel” opened on 23 August for young women studying teaching at the University. Originally, there were only 15 students and the experience was relatively formal. Students couldn't be out past 9pm and they were waited on by maids. 

1974

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The Hall moved to the Ilam campus close to the University. The first "residents" were Commonwealth games competitors who stayed in January 1974 for those games.

1924

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Bishop Julius Hall moved to 10 Cranmer Square. Students began to help with cooking and cleaning since domestic staff were hard to come by during the Great Depression and WWII. 

1993

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The (almost) inevitable happened; it became impossible to fill the Hall with women. So the Hall opened its doors to male residents, starting with just 12 men. Bishop Julius has been a co-ed Hall since 1993 and there is now an even mix of female and male students. 

2022

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, The Hall rebranded itself as Arcady Hall. ‘Arcady’ comes from the word Arcadia, meaning 'rustic paradise' or 'pastoral harmony'. We can’t think of a better way to describe the hall than a a place that is caring, accepting and fun, with a mix of traditional, new and exciting events. Arcady is more than bricks and mortar, it’s home!

Vision

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‘Arcady Hall: where students thrive'

Mission

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To foster a caring community that celebrates diversity and values academic success

Values

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Inclusiveness, Community, Academic Success

Throwback Photos

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