UPDATED 4.18pm: The sudden death of a woman student at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch last night isn't being treated as suspicious.

Police say the sudden death at the Rochester and Rutherford halls of residence in Ilam has been referred to the coroner.

A post-mortem had been carried out on the student earlier today.

Since last night, security guards have been at the student accommodation, where residents are still in a state of shock.

They say they have been told by the University not to comment on what happened.

One student who lives nearby, and did not want to be named, said that when she walked past about 7.30 the front entrance had been cordoned off by police.

She also saw five or six police cars and an ambulance.

She said it was clear that something very serious had happened.

Dr Hamish Cochrane, the acting Vice-Chancellor at the University, said in a statement the community is "grieving with the family of a bright wonderful student".

He said the University is very mindful it has occurred in the lead up to exams and end-of-year assessments.

 

"We will continue to support our students with extensive support from our staff, senior tutors, chaplains, the University’s Student Services and Victim Support," he said.

The University has a wide range of support services available. 

Are you affected by an issue in this article? Here's where to get help:

Lifeline - 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. Text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email [email protected].

0800 WHATSUP (0800 9428 787), Open between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day at www.whatsup.co.nz.

Healthline - 0800 611 116
For more information about support and services available to you, contact the Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service on 09 623 4812 during office hours or email [email protected]

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.