Study Abroad at the University of Auckland, NZ

Sure, coming here going to a big university, exploring nature, travel to Queenstown and do the world biggest swing, making new friends and living life somewhere new is all fun and exciting. But, the most important thing to me has been the focus I have had on myself and how to become an even better version of who I am today. Coming to such an active and social place has really put me on the right track when it comes to being interested in working out, eating healthier and enjoying the little things. Of course some stress occurs now and then, but with the student gym's yoga classes and my healthier snacks I know I will pull through. Also, a party now and then doesn't really hurt - besides my head the next day..

I've spent the last month and a half at Auckland uni, following courses I never thought I would take. The diversity here is amazing, in courses but also in the people and the food. The city is close to the university and there is always something happening. I've not traveled far yet, but I've walked the waterfront and found a new favourite bookstore, even if I mostly borrow stuff from the many libraries the university has. It's far from home but it's so beautiful and wonderful that I'm glad I get to spend 12 months here.

Let me start by talking about the preparation I did before I came to Auckland. The process of enrollment is explained very clearly and the videos I found on the Internet were very helpful. That makes it easy for international students to get the enrollment done before they arrive in New Zealand.
My overseas experience started with planning my study abroad which included my visa application, insurance, accommodation, etc. It was not always easy to plan all these things on my own but when it was all done I was very proud of my accomplishment. During the study abroad you become self-sufficient, because there are always many new things you have to handle.
When I arrived at the University of Auckland I really appreciated the orientation week during which I learned how to use the Internet system, where I can go if I have any problems, and which possibilities I would have during my studies at the University. Furthermore, the orientation week was a really good opportunity to get to know other students and make friends. However, some parties for overseas students would be another good idea to meet new people and make friends.
The teaching system at the University of Auckland is really different from the system in my home country, but I really like it. Some courses have group work/discussions, and the lecturer always points out the important things in various ways so that the students do not get bored. In class there is always communication between the lecturer and the students and this is the best way for international students to practice their oral English. The teacher’s English is usually easy to understand, but sometimes it is a bit difficult to understand the students’ answers because of the speed they speak at. After a while I got used to it and I understood more and more.

All in all, my study abroad at The University of Auckland is an experience I would hate to have missed. I will always think about my nice time here after having finished my study abroad at the UoA.

Studying abroad here in Auckland has been fantastic. I'm not a massive fan of the city however, and to me the draw of New Zealand has definitely been being able to get away for weekend trips or longer during breaks. The University provides some trip opportunities through the international student club, but it is crucial to go out and get your own experience; things definitely won't just come to you. Make sure you go to the club fair on campus, and work on finding your own ways to build relationships and make travel plans, or else it can feel a little lonely in the city with the routine of class.

My favorite thing about the University of Auckland is the amount of clubs. One club that I joined and absolutely love is the scuba diving club. I had never scuba dived before in my life, but I have always wanted to try it. The people in the club are incredibly cool and nice. Joining the club helped me meet more people than I otherwise would have. I was also able to get certified to go scuba diving with the course they provide.

The University of Auckland is a great place to study! Being so close to the city centre there's always events going on! There really is something for everyone here, whether its museums, adventure activities or beaches!

The classes are good, and the lecturers are really helpful and knowledgable. The flexibility of papers makes choices of what to study easy! The work load isn't too heavy and is spread out throughout the term!

Only downside is that clubs/bars are average and pretty expensive, as is everything else in auckland (groceries, activities etc)

When my flight landed I didn't arrive at my flat until early morning of Saturday, 2 am to be specific. After catching up on my sleep i headed out to town to explore. I didn't have any data and I was all on my own. Wandering the streets I asked multiple people for directions to Queen St. or to a market, everyone was so nice and really helpful. I cannot describe the experience of being on your own and exploring a city on your own, it a beautiful thing. Thank you University of Auckland, for some of the best experiences of my life I have received so far.

Choosing to study abroad in Auckland was a bit of a snap decision for me, since I already was abroad during the semester before the one in which I would have to do my semester in Auckland in order to graduate on time. Nevertheless, the application process went unbelievably smoothly from UoA's end which was amazing for me since I was away from my home institution during the process which could have made things really complicated.
Once I got there, the entire semester was great. The classes are challenging but fair, and the lecturers approachable. I chose a combination of Stage 3 courses in my major (Statistics) and other courses that were of interest to me. I very highly recommend taking a class in the history of New Zealand as my time here has emphasized over and over how little my education thus far had covered New Zealand history or Pacific history in general.
The campus is very well situated to give students easy walking-distance access to the CBD, and is well connected to the bus lines. Student housing is also well placed within a short walk from campus, and has a very friendly and helpful staff.