Studying at Vic – a great experience!

I really enjoy my time at Victoria University. Both students and teachers are very friendly, helpful and supportive, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The courses I’m taking (Spanish and English studies and New Zealand flora and fauna) are very interesting. They come with an average workload, not too easy and not too demanding – I’m having the perfect mixture of studies and leisure time to enjoy the life in Wellington or to go on weekend trips. The midterm break was perfect for a trip down to the South Island. The library is a great place to study in the quiet zones or to work with friends in the many comfy working areas. The view over Wellington is amazing!

The Victoria International office offers a free airport pick up service including a welcome packet with useful information and a sim card. There were two days of international orientation with introductory courses, final enrolment and course adding/dropping. The latter took a little too much waiting time. The third day was an optional trip which was lots of fun and perfect to get to know better the other internationals. The Vic International team is always friendly and will help you with problems and sorrows, just go there and talk to them. They also organize fun events now and then.

Other people’s reviews here mention problems to get to know kiwis – for me that was no problem. I chose one of the cheaper catered halls which means that it is not directly next to campus but also that there are less international students but more kiwis living there. The distance to uni is no problem at all, there is a free shuttle service which takes about 8-10 minutes to Kelburn campus. The hall offers a great community and many activities, events and trips. So just pick a hall that is not likely to be every international student’s first choice and you will probably live with both - internationals and kiwis.