Auckland University of Technology

Adjusting to academic life at university, especially when studying abroad, can be both exciting and challenging. From my own experience, the key to adapting smoothly is combining good study habits with social connection and self-care. 1. Get familiar with the academic environment early University study can feel quite different, especially with the focus on independent learning. In New Zealand, lecturers expect you to take initiative by reading beyond the slides, attending tutorials, and managing your own deadlines. Reviewing your course outlines early and noting key assessments and exam dates will help you plan ahead and reduce stress. 2. Build connections from day one If you feel nervous about not knowing anyone, try arriving 10 to 15 minutes early to class. There will usually be one or two students already there, and it is a good chance to start a friendly conversation such as, “Hey, did you see there is a group project in this course?” This small step can help you meet new people and find group partners early on. 3. Use university support and resources Most universities offer excellent support services such as academic writing centres, peer mentors, and international student advisors. At AUT, the Student Hub, Library workshops, and AUTSA clubs helped me both academically and socially. Do not hesitate to reach out, as these resources are designed to make your transition easier. 4. Manage your time and wellbeing Balancing lectures, assignments, and personal life can be challenging. I found it helpful to create a weekly planner that includes study time, rest, and exercise. University is not just about grades; it is also about personal growth and maintaining a healthy routine. 5. Embrace the experience Feeling uncertain at first is completely normal. Studying abroad is a major step outside your comfort zone, but it helps you develop resilience, independence, and cross-cultural understanding that will benefit you long after graduation.

Auckland in particular is a melting pot of different flavours. Every week they host night markets where people set up stalls and sell things from clothes to electronics to, yes you guessed it, FOOD! Timetables vary and it’s a different destination every night. You also have a lot of food trucks, fusion flavours that really bring out the essence of what Auckland is about, a bustling city full of diversity. My personal favourite? I definitely recommend going to Tanz Kitchen in South Auckland for some feel-good delicious island flavours, or if you have a sweet tooth thethreewords is a cute little bakery in Ponsonby that has some amazing treats!

I am based in Auckland, and I can truly say that Auckland's food is so diverse and AWESOME 🤩 You can find so much amazing and diverse foods in Auckland and it is one of the main factors that helped me with my homesickness. I would say the CBD or City Centre has a lot of good options, as well as ponsonby, Karanghape road (or as we say it here, k-road), Dominion road, and Takapuna! I haven't tried every place in Auckland, but most of the place I tried haven't disappointed me 💗 My favourite place to eat always changes from time to time, but I am currently loving Bannsang, a Korean restaurant located in High Street, Auckland CBD.

Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky to explore some incredible places around New Zealand. Most recently, I went glamping in the Coromandel with friends, and it was such an amazing experience. Waking up surrounded by nature with the sound of the ocean nearby was so peaceful. The Coromandel has such a unique vibe, stunning beaches, and of course the hot water beaches where you can dig your own spa pool. I’m planning to go back again this year, especially now that Cathedral Cove has reopened, it’s a must-see! In the past, I’ve also visited Queenstown, which was such a highlight. It has such a lively energy, with beautiful lake and mountain views, and endless activities from hiking to just wandering around the town. I think it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Christchurch stood out to me for its mix of history and creativity, I loved exploring the street art and the botanic gardens. Wellington is another favourite, the waterfront is so fun to walk along, and I really enjoyed visiting Te Papa and experiencing the city’s food and coffee culture. Closer to home, Waipu was a lovely trip too. The beaches there are stunning, and the area has a relaxed small-town charm that makes it feel like a hidden gem. To keep costs low when I travel, I try to book accommodation early (glamping spots, holiday parks, or hostels) and split costs with friends. Packing snacks and groceries instead of eating out for every meal makes a big difference too. For day trips and shorter getaways, I’ve found that exploring nearby towns, beaches, or hiking spots is really rewarding and doesn’t have to be expensive. New Zealand has so many beautiful destinations, and a little planning goes a long way in making travel affordable.

In the summer, my family and I went to Taupō and Rotorua for a holiday. We stayed in a little bach by Lake Taupō, and it was really nice waking up to the view of the water every day. In Rotorua, we saw the volcanoes, bubbling mud pools, and steam coming out of the ground, which was really cool. We also went to the glow worm caves, and it felt like being under a sky full of stars, but underground. The whole trip was fun and it was nice spending time together as a family. New Zealand has a lot of natural beauty to explore and every part of New Zealand has something amazing to offer. This weekend I am visiting Raglan which is a beach town and its so beautiful! They have the cutest little Museum that helped me learn more about thr little town and the entry fee for adults was only $5!

Coming into uni as a first year, I wished someone would tell me that you can always take your own pace. Take your time to create a space that makes you comfortable in Uni, whether it be with friend groups, clubs, good study spaces, and good coffee spots :) There is amazing support around the Uni such as StudentHub and more. A consistent lifestyle is super helpful especially when you’re juggling different responsibilities, and as international students, we always have our families, our studies, and our futures at the back of our minds. I say this as a first-year international student; take your time.

Something I wish I would have known before joining AUT would definitely be all the opportunities I have come across since the beginning of my journey. I was super stressed before coming to university about making friends, finding jobs, passing papers and seeking help. I quickly realised that AUT has me covered and the stress was just me overthinking.

I wish I know how friendly and welcoming people are! When I first come to AUT as an international student, I was so nervous and anxious. However, I quickly found out that people are friendly and made new friends. New students should acknowledge that in orientation, there are a lot of like-minded students that want to make new friends and socialize - so my advice would be to mingle and let loose! University is often where people could meet life-long friends and build meaningful connection, so please go to your orientation 😀

Studying in Aotearoa New Zealand has opened my precious, narrow-minded perspective about the world, cultures and learning. Coming from a country Nigeria to NZ, at a young age (10) taught me lots of valuable lessons. For starters, I was able to interact in a multi diverse learning environment that encouraged critical thinking and practicality as a style of learning, rather than just memorizing to just pass. The use of BYOD devices in the classroom was also new to me, as I didnt even know how to operate a laptop before arriving here lol. I was taught, and quickly picked up, thereby allowing ne to diversify my digital soft skills which is so needed in the 21st century workplace. The culture and receptivity of Kiwis and just the country as a whoke is beautiful. The food is beautiful, the scenes are impeccable. From the sky tower, to the mountains in Queenstown and other beautiful attractions, New Zealand is an underrated gem with a vibrant culture, lovely people and world class edycation system. Literally!!! It is such a peaceful country, and absolutely rich in culture. The country has a good standars of living too, with part time job opportunities for international studenrs, allowing u earn some money on the side while studying. As an immigrant, I will absolutely recommend you studying here. What's not to love about NZ? 🤷🏾‍♀️ Just come for yourself and witness this beauty and the opportunities this country has to offer. 😁😁😁 You won't regret the choice.

One of the best things about studying in New Zealand is the incredibly welcoming and comfortable environment it provides. Unlike some places where the pace of life can feel overwhelming, New Zealand strikes the perfect balance—it’s a place where you can focus on your studies without the pressure of an overly intense academic atmosphere. The lifestyle here is relaxed yet productive, which helps students maintain their mental well-being and enjoy their experience. What truly stands out, though, is the people. New Zealand is a multicultural society where diversity is celebrated and embraced. As an international student, you’ll feel valued and included, no matter your background. The warmth and friendliness of the locals make it easy to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. From meeting classmates from all corners of the globe to learning about the rich Māori culture and traditions, every interaction adds to the sense of belonging. The multicultural environment also enhances the learning experience. Collaborating with people from various cultures helps broaden your perspective and prepares you for working in global settings. The focus on inclusivity ensures that everyone feels supported, making New Zealand a truly unique and inspiring place to study. Beyond the people, the natural beauty of the country complements the experience. Whether it’s enjoying a peaceful walk by the lakes, hiking through lush trails, or exploring vibrant city life, New Zealand offers something for everyone. I personally love Queenstown, it is truly such a beatiful place! The ease of access to nature and the friendly atmosphere in NZ make it a place where you can grow academically, socially, and personally.

Studying in New Zealand feels very different from studying in Sri Lanka. The education here focuses more on practical learning and critical thinking, rather than just memorizing. Many of the lecturers have worked in their industries, so they teach skills that are useful in the real world. The mix of people from all over the world creates a very open and welcoming environment, which is quite different from back home. Life here also feels more balanced, with time for both studies and enjoying the outdoors. The beautiful landscapes and friendly atmosphere make it an exciting and rewarding place to study. I enjoy travelling around Aotearoa in my free time, I visited Taupō last summer and it is now one of my favourite places. Did you know that the world’s coolest McDonald’s is in Taupō, where you can dine inside a refurbished DC-3 airplane?

The best thing about law so far is realising that legal issues require more reasoning then just the simple “its wrong so they’re doing something illegal” it requires a lot of logical thinking and its something I have enjoyed developing over the past few months, and I cant wait to improve in the years I have left.

I am majoring in Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) I find that having ample opportunities for clinical placement really makes a difference for my learning. While theory is also important, I feel that getting that hands-on experience is crucial in my learning journey as I can connect what I have learned in class to real life scenarios. I have also found a strong sense of community in this programme. People are supportive, look after one another, especially when placed in a clinical setting and encourage one another to succeed! There are also ample opportunities to try out different areas of nursing, such as mental health, emergency department, etc. So you can get a feel of each specialty and are well-prepared for your career journey!