The University of Canterbury are confirming a 20-year old man arrested and charged with possession of an offensive weapon was at a hall of residence.
The police say they were called to the address in Ilam in the early hours of Thursday where the man was later taken into custody and assessed in hospital.
The university said the incident involved a person at Tupuānuku hall of residence, and no one was harmed.
Police said they seized ammunition and weapons and no firearms were located at the scene. They would not release any further details on what was found as the matter is before the courts.
The man has also been charged with unlawful possession of a restricted weapon and will appear in the Christchurch District Court this week.