Adventures of a First Year

I am from the USA, studying music composition at Victoria University’s New Zealand School Of Music. I’m coming near the end of my first of three years here at Victoria, and it’s been an incredible experience!!! I’ve met amazing people - both lecturers/faculty and students, embraced a new and beautiful country, and have learned so much this year. This first year has been an amazing journey.

For starters, Wellington is a fantastic city for Uni students generally, and Victoria University’s location here is truly ideal. You can get practically anywhere you need to by foot, and should you need to travel further, public transportation options are abundant. There are plenty of scenic places to go as well as shops, cafes and restaurants students frequent. I have loved the flexibility I have to get up and go whenever I need to and get everywhere I need to easily. There are, however, LOTS of hills and if you’re not accustomed to that (I wasn’t at first) it can be daunting. But you get used to the terrain very quickly - just take it slow in the beginning!!

Victoria has multiple campuses in Wellington, and I spend most of my time at Kelburn. The facilities at the school have really impressed me - they’ve modernized different sections among older buildings that have been there since the start of the school’s existence and it makes for a great atmosphere. Though the campus is big enough for the many students it houses, it’s still quite easy to find your way around once you familiarize yourself with it.

I fully recommend taking advantage of VUW’s halls of residence for your first year in Welly, especially if you’re new to the area. I’m at an alcohol-free section of a catered hall and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experience living here.

I know I’m just scratching the surface of the good things I have to say about Victoria - but I’m truly glad I made the decision to come here for university, and am genuinely looking forward to my second year!!