One student has even started a petition to move all classes online to "protect student well-being".
It comes after Auckland and Massey universities made the call to stop face-to-face teaching and move lectures online.
A Q&A was live-streamed on the USCA - University of Canterbury Students' Association Facebook page on Friday.
The panel featured student association president Tori McNoe, vice president Katie Mills and finance officer Jack Whittam, as well as UC staff.
Student Josh Watson said the university's attempt at addressing the situation was "a mess".
He said it is unclear whether students should go to lectures or stay home and it seems like the institution is unprepared.
"I understand they're not legally obligated to close, but it seems like that's what the students want for their own safety and they're not doing it," he said.
Large lectures will be offered online, while smaller classes, group labs, tutorials and workshops will keep running.
"What was frustrating for me and everyone I have talked to was that it seemed like their general advice was to continue attending lectures," Mr Watson said.
"Because they haven't fully shut it down those smaller classes still just go on.
"We're not comfortable going to them but they're not streamed, so what happens then?"
He said the other issue is that areas like the library and cafeteria, which are often crowded with hundreds of people, remain open.
Other students shared similar frustrations on a post to the USCA noticeboard Facebook page, with some calling it "appalling" and "ridiculous".
Said UC assistant vice-chancellor professor Catherine Moran: “We’re taking a calm, balanced and organised approach to this evolving global event.
"Most of our students want to successfully complete their studies and of course, we’re taking every precaution.
“We’re intending to keep teaching and researching at UC as normally as possible, for as long as possible.
"If Government advice changes and we need to do things differently, we will do that."
