Study Abroad at the University of Auckland, NZ

Over the weeks of being at Auckland I have taken multiple little 'adventures' around the vibrate city and discovered many of it's quirks and found little pockets of beauty in the busy urban jungle. On one quite warm (and dry) evening I ventured out from my where I'd working hard on an assignment to grab some much needed fresh air and a warming hot chocolate from a cafe open late. After finishing, me and my friend rather foolishly ventured to the top of the domain where we stood under the Museum looking out across the city. A foolish but well-needed wander. At night the museum is lit up in the grandest way possible and provides a breath-taking backdrop for the city. The CBD on the other hand, whilst not as grand, twinkles in the distance before the view expands into a deep blue where the harbour extends out to sea. When standing there in the mix of all the lights, I felt something important: I was one amongst many. I was one person amongst over four million living in Auckland, I was one amongst thousands studying at the University of Auckland. The day I arrived I felt (as most study abroad students do) very alone and on my own, but standing there I realised there was a city full of people to make my year at Auckland the best yet. The university may have the best academic departments in NZ but what sets it a part from all the rest is the city it finds it's home in. A city that promotes community and friendliness. A place where dispite being as far away from home as possible I feel at home.

What impressed me most are the well-rounded help service, such as workshop and international center, and friendly staff as well.
There are many workshop in the university of Auckland. And all of them are really useful. I benefit a lot from the career workshop and the talk to local workshop. I learned a lot, not only in the aspect of skills, but also in mind.
The staff are all very friendly. And there are sufficient time for office hours.

I've been here for 2 months, and the life here surprised me! The life here is comfortable and I enjoy it very much. I enjoyed the weekends that went outings with my friends to explore the magic culture, the fascinating view and share with each other. I enjoyed the moments with the people of different nationalities or with the people that have the similar experience. Living far from home made me become independent and taught me to overcome challenges. I love the life here.

I was SO existed to come to Auckland. It had been my dream for many, many years. The plane ride was just 24 hours of pure excitement and when the plane landed I realized that I had just made it: the dream was coming to life.
The first week was just tiring because my sleeping hours were from 6pm to 2am: YAY jet lag! But once you have put the clocks on time the real fun can start.
The thing that really struck me was how chill people acted on the street, at the supermarket or even at the bank! Man, they have music here at the bank!
After settling in, I started having my local routine and after a few weeks only, I could call it my new home.

I love that University of Auckland gives its students so many opportunities to be social. It's very easy to meet new people and make new friends with so many different events happening on campus, as well as through group fitness classes. This also extends to the residence halls. I live in Grafton Hall, and I met many people I consider good friends through the different social events Grafton Hall held during the first month of the semester. The Grafton Hall Facebook page also allows residents to post when there's a movie or a rugby game on TV, and so people with the same interests get to meet each other. I think my favourite room in Grafton Hall is the games room, because my friends and I play pool downstairs almost every day and I also get to meet other residents who are relaxing in the games room also. What I've enjoyed the most about my study abroad experience is that I've met a lot of students from a variety of countries, and through them I've learnt so much about their cultures and how they differ from mine.

After living in an isolated bubble that is my home Uni, I was ready to get out into the world. Coming to Auckland Uni has given me the chance to feel like living in a city without having to deal with the actual problems that a big city offers. Living in town, and studying so close to the center of everything is an amazing experience and I'm so thankful. There's nothing better than finishing a late lecture and hopping over to Queen Street for food & drinks, or taking a shopping break in the middle of the day between class.

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.