The University of Auckland

I wish I’d known that it’s common for students to crash the lectures of different courses in the first week or two of the semester, to help them decide if they would like to enrol or drop particular courses. This is great as you’d get to meet the course instructors and be introduced to the course content, before deciding to commit the whole semester!

If you want to be very frugal, it’d be good to bring your own snack or lunch when you have long days in school. Food in uni is not bad, but eating out too often can hurt a student’s wallet! I used to think it’s ok if I just grab quite bites and drinks in school everyday, but I figured out later that it’s better if I save the money and treat myself to a nice meal in school when I’m with friends or when I’ve just completed a difficult assignment.

Another thing I wish I had done before starting uni was to really understand my degree planner. When I first started I did not really take the time to look at my degree planner and plan out what my upcoming semesters would look like. This made me unaware of the subjects that I would need to take in the next year or semester which could have been avoided had I went through my planner thoroughly.

I wish I had known about choosing the right papers for my major. I struggled choosing the suitable papers in my first semester. Also, I wish I’d known about the competitions and programmes hosted by the University such as start-up programmes or case competitions.

Cheesy: but don't be afraid to ask for help. Professors, student support, and potential new friends are always willing to help.

I wish I’d known how to look for my classrooms on campus! The building and room numbers can be a little confusing for someone who’s new to the University but once you learn the system, it is super easy!

I wish I had known that there were lots of studying spaces all around campus. Initially I thought only the library was available, but after exploring more parts of the campus I have found multiple comfortable study spaces around the University.

Auckland is an outdoor-lovers dream! My favorite way to spend my free time is in one of the many parks in Auckland - particularly the Domain. The Domain less than 10 minutes walk from campus and is home to many great walks, a duck pond, and the beautiful Auckland War Memorial Museum (which is free to Auckland residents!) It is the perfect place to take in city views and connect with nature, you would never believe you are right in the city. Additionally, checking out one of Auckland’s many delicious food spots is the perfect way to end the day 😊

I have few study tips that always help me whenever I have a big exam coming up. Firstly, whenever I study I always try to find a quiet space with no distractions such as quiet space in libraries or not busy cafes, listening to music is distracting for me as well that’s why I need a space that is quiet and not crowded. Secondly, when I study I try to focus on things that are most challenging for me first and then at the end cover the material that seemed easy to comprehend during lectures. I also like to do a plan what things I will cover during specific days and try to stick to that plan or adjust it based on how the studying is going. Lastly, I think what’s most important when studying especially in my medical program is that you should try not to get overwhelmed with all of the material you have to go through and even if it seems impossible at first, step by step stay focused and stick to your study plan. Always stay positive even if it might take you longer to remember some concepts than you thought it would and try to look at the bigger picture to keep your motivation! ❤️

There are a few general tips that can be useful for any type of studying. First, set aside a dedicated time and space for studying (the Pomodoro technique is a very useful time management technique that involves working in short, focused bursts of time, with regular breaks). Second, try to study in different ways, such as reading aloud, making notes, and summarising key points. And more importantly, find ways to reward yourself after a successful study session!

There are lots of different types of events and activities all year round in Auckland. Concerts, musicals, exhibitions, parades - you just have to do a search on the internet or head to Auckland Council website to check out the listing and details. There are also lots of cultural activities - I remember that during Lunar New Year (something I celebrate back in my home country), there were lots of happenings in the city, such as a huge event with performances and stalls selling food and crafts. Many things to do here in Auckland, and some of these events are free to attend as well! Tip: if events are ticketed, check if there are student prices as sometimes students get quite a huge discount.

I love that my courses are very practical and hands-on. We get to use and be familiar with industry tools and templates, as well as doing assignments that perfectly replicate real-life situations. There are also frequent industry guest lecturers, who give me a lot of valuable insights into the New Zealand market!

Studying economics at an international university has been extremely rewarding and has broadened my perspective considerably. I have grown to know many people in my lectures, as classes tend to be smaller in the economics department, so creating friends within the programme has been helpful when it comes to studying! I feel that my programme is very broad and that the opportunities available to me after graduation will be plentiful. The skills I have attained are transferable in many areas, so I feel very prepared by the uni and my professors.

New Zealand is super multicultural. As a result, there is a huge variety of food you can find here. For me, I was able to find lots of Asian food all over Auckland (quite yummy ones too!). It was also a great experience to seek out and try out food that are unique or quintessentially Kiwi, such as pavlova and meat pies. Tips: some places may offer special deals for students so do check out beforehand and always have your student ID card with you when you are out; some places offer discounts to students who are part of student clubs at the uni so join some clubs as you get to meet new friends there as well; some places offer deals if you sign up as a member e.g. on their app so make full use of that.

As someone who moved from Guangzhou to Auckland, I found the weather differences quite noticeable. In Guangzhou, the climate is typically subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild, relatively dry winters. Summers often see temperatures exceeding 30°C with high humidity, making the heat feel even more intense. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C. Auckland, on the other hand, has a temperate maritime climate. Summers are warm but not excessively hot, with average temperatures around 24°C. Humidity levels are moderate, making the summer more comfortable compared to Guangzhou. Winters in Auckland are mild and damp, with temperatures usually ranging between 8°C to 15°C. Rain is frequent throughout the year, particularly in winter(June-September), which can feel much cooler due to the dampness. To cope with these differences, I had to adjust both my wardrobe and daily routines. In Auckland, layering became crucial due to the variable weather. A typical outfit includes a light jacket or sweater, which can be added or removed as needed. Rainproof gear, such as waterproof jackets and sturdy umbrellas, is a must-have due to frequent rain showers. Unlike in Guangzhou, where lightweight, breathable clothing is essential to combat the heat and humidity, Auckland’s cooler and wetter climate requires more versatile and weather-appropriate clothing. The change in weather also influenced my outdoor activities. In Guangzhou, I often sought out air-conditioned environments during the hot summer months or enjoyed outdoor activities during the milder winter. In Auckland, the milder summers and scenic landscapes encourage outdoor activities such as hiking, beach outings, and water sports like sailing and kayaking. However, the frequent rain means I always need to be prepared for sudden weather changes, so activities often require some flexibility and planning.

Coming from Delhi, I'm used to extreme weather. Auckland has pleasant weather, but the sun can be strong. In summer, the sun stays light until 8:30 PM, which can make you lose track of time. Even when it's warm, air conditioning or fans aren't usually needed because of the cool breeze. It's important to wear sunscreen because the UV rays are strong and can cause sunburn. Rain in Auckland is frequent and can happen anytime. Often, it's just a light drizzle, which is refreshing for a walk. Rain here often brings beautiful rainbows, sometimes even double rainbows. Winters in Auckland feel colder because the city is close to water. It rains heavily and often without warning, so carrying a raincoat or umbrella is essential. Although the cold isn't too harsh, I always wear a jacket outside and use heating at home to stay comfortable. A big difference I've noticed is the clear change of seasons in Auckland, unlike in Delhi, where seasons often overlap. Auckland's lack of humidity is also a relief. In Delhi, the humidity makes it uncomfortable to be outside, and summers can reach up to 50-51°C, often causing heatwaves. In Auckland, the weather allows for more outdoor activities without extreme temperatures or humidity. The pleasant weather in Auckland is great for hiking, beach visits, and exploring parks. Mild summers are perfect for barbecues and outdoor gatherings, while the rainy season is good for indoor activities like visiting museums or reading a book. When it rains, I often take walks to enjoy the fresh air and occasional rainbows. To cope with the weather differences, I suggest wearing light clothing and sunscreen in summer, and using a raincoat, umbrella, and warm layers in winter and on rainy days. Adapting to Auckland's weather has been easy because it is milder compared to Delhi's extremes.

The lecturers are actually really friendly in both the commerce and the law schools!! They know that students have many submission deadlines,so they try their best not to pressure the students more and encourage a lot of questions from students. Most lecturers have office hours but if students cannot make it, they are always free to leave an email to arrange a different time (online or in person) or just email whatever questions or feedback they have!! In my opinion, lecturers are quite open to listen to students’ opinions and questions so please don’t be shy to ask!! 😊

As a social work student, I find our lecturers have the very skills and traits that are required of this profession: patient, empathetic, supportive and understanding. They help form up an inclusive cohort which me and my classmates just appreciate so much. One of the lecturers organises weekly catch-ups at the beginning of her classes to build up a warm sense of community; another lecturer is a PhD student himself so he could relate to many of our pressure and challanges, so he always responds to our needs and quests with respect and understanding. I feel I am so lucky to have these lectures and so grateful that I choose a profession of aroha.

I think the team of lecturers at UoA is ethnically and culturally diverse. Their lecture patterns are equally diverse. Regarding one of my favourite lecturers, his slides have only a few keywords and pictures per page. He tends to adopt an interactive dialogue approach with students to inspire their independent logic. The lectures are always full of interesting conversations and critical thinking. This approach allows me to combine professional concepts with my own life experience.

My favorite lecturer so far at University of Auckland has been my Anatomy professor who taught us about the Musculoskeletal System Module, I really enjoyed his classes because every single time he would talk about this subject I could feel how passionate he is about it and how much he enjoys teaching others about that field. His approach really helped me with understanding some very difficult aspects of muscle and bones anatomy!

It is certainly hard moving away from home, especially when you are from a different culture or has no connection with the new place. Everything will be new and strange, it will take some time to get accustomed to the new city, and you will get homesick at some point. You will be on your own most of the time, and you will eventually start enjoying this new kind of freedom. You will also meet some fantastic new people, learn to deal with problems, and experience a lot more things. You will grow, for sure. For me, moving away from home has its ups and downs, but I don’t regret the journey.

I like that it’s super cosmopolitan! It’s really easy to find a wide range of cuisines in the city, and people here come from diverse cultures. There are a lot of international students studying at the uni, so you’ll get to interact with them and learn about their cultures (and share yours too!).

I like the many green and open spaces that are located throughout the city. These spaces are easy to get to and provide a nice setting to enjoy nature and relax.

I love being by the ocean and seeing mountains in the distance. No matter what type of outdoor activities you like, adventure awaits.

Nearly three years living in Auckland city, there are two things I particularly enjoy about it. The first thing is nature and its green outdoor spaces. I usually describe it as having nature right at my backyard as I can easily hop on a ferry or a bus to enjoy the beautiful nature, from the beaches to the mountains ⛴ 🚌 All of my best getaway trips with my friends have been trips that involve hiking and having a picnic in the mountains or by the beaches. Some of the locations I have been to are Rangitoto Island, Takapuna Beach, and One Tree Hill ⛰🏝🌳 I also became more aware of the importance of nature as I immerse myself in it 😍 The second thing I love about Auckland is its diverse culture. I got chances to explore and learn about so many cultures, especially cuisines from all over the world 🥟🍕🍔🌮🍜😋 I learned how to respect and appreciate different values, cultures, and make friends with people from different backgrounds 🥰

The other thing I enjoy about Auckland city is its thriving and vibrant nightlife scene. From arcade games, escape rooms, bars with waterfront views, restaurants, to night markets. There is always something to do during night time 🌃✨

By studying at the University of Auckland, you are studying at one of the top universities in the world with highly accredited staffs and many bright students. This will be beneficial for students after they graduate because then they would have built many meaningful connections which could ease the job-hunting process. The university does well to prepare its students to enter the workforce by giving them real life cases to work on.

University of Auckland is located in the heart of the Auckland city in New Zealand. There are many courses across various programs where industry experts and practitioners are invited for guest lectures and student interactions. You get to be a part of a number of networking events happening in organisations of your interest and this gives you a great opportunity to grow your career. Also CDES, which stands for Career Development and Employability Services, is a service offered by the University of Auckland that helps you prepare you for a career after your studies at the University of Auckland. They help you by reviewing your CV, conduct workshops that improve your employability skills. Some of these workshops are specifically designed for international students who can get a better perspective of the NZ job market. It also organises Career Expos at the university where companies from around the country are welcomed to the university premises. Students get to interact with professionals from the industry. An interesting fact is that CDES also helps students for 3 years after the graduation, which is quite amazing!

Make sure to use the university library - the library database contains a lot of readings, books, academic researches. All of those resources are essential during the process of completing studies. You can also save a lot of money by just finding required readings instead of buying physical books.

There are a lot of clubs at the university. There are academic ones that help you connect with people and improve your skills, cultural ones that allow you to explore cultures and find a piece of home, and social and special interest clubs that suit your hobbies. Even not, you can start your own club. At the beginning of each semester, there will be a Club Expo on for a few days. You can sign up to be a member of a club. Otherwise, the university’s website also has a list of clubs and where to find them!