I've really enjoyed my time traveling and studying in Wellington. It's one of the most beautiful and charming cities that I've ever lived in, filled with so much life and community. I've found that the accessible public transport and the city's landscape layout make it one of the most walkable and convenient areas to travel around in the North Island.

It's an incredibly safe environment to be in, and I'd especially recommend studying here for first-time exchange students and travelers.

One of my favorite aspects of living here has been the community of friends and students I've been able to surround myself with. The Sunday Market along the harbor is also a really affordable way to get weekly groceries and a charming part of the city.

Wellington is an incredibly cool city. The public transportation is well-organised, making it easy to explore a significant portion of the city and its surrounding nature. The school has a wonderful campus, and student support is taken very seriously. There is so much to do, including fun bars and clubs, walks in the bush or on the beach, lots of restaurants, and so much more. The most shocking thing is how steep everything is. While the walks to and from school can be brutal, it also means that the views are incredible.

I studied at Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka through Arcadia University's study abroad program (US-based) during trimester 1 and had the most incredible experience! It was lovely traveling all around Aotearoa, but I loved Wellington, and if I could do it all over again, that is definitely the city I would have chosen to live in. It is quirky and artsy and fun, and the public transit (buses and trains) was super affordable and reliable. I made lots of friends and got to feel a sense of home in the city. I especially recommend this study abroad program for creative writers (although everyone would enjoy it) because of the International Institute of Modern Letters, which offers incredible creative writing courses you can apply to! I took two IIML courses during my trimester and learned so much, in addition to making lots of friends. Wellington and VUW were definitely the right choice for me, and I'd strongly recommend it as a place to study abroad!

I had an amazing time abroad in Wellington! I met so many incredible people and had so much fun doing various activities and exploring all over New Zealand. I recommend this to anyone interested in branching out and widening their social circles! It was so easy to make friends and connect with new people - and then to go on and create awsome memories with them. If you can, go to Abel Tasmin! I loved going there, hiking, and kayaking! But I have to say I definitely recommend Wellington, it’s the perfect blend of city and country!

VUW was awesome!! I loved living in Wellington and having housing close enough to walk downtown while still being in a quiet neighborhood. VUW was much, much bigger than my home school, so it was really fun and different getting to attend a school with such a different culture and feel. My classes were pleasantly challenging and had a really fun mix of undergraduate and auditors. There were tons of resources that VUW offered and sooo many clubs. I really enjoyed my time there. There's a lot of really artistic and interesting people who were fun to get to know. It was great going to a school with such a big international population, too. Shoutout to the Ramsey House for hosting all us crazy international students!!!

Studying abroad in Wellington at Vic has been an incredible journey! The international orientation made me feel at home right away, connecting me with like-minded people from all over the globe. Moving across the world was daunting, but the warm and friendly staff created a supportive environment, making the transition smooth. Wellington's vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and endless activities have enriched my experience. From exploring the captivating museums to hiking the picturesque hills, every moment here is an adventure. I've grown academically, personally, and culturally, and I can't help but cherish this amazing chapter of my life. Wellington is a truly remarkable city that embraces diversity and leaves an indelible mark on your heart!

Awesome home base for an exchange experience! Staff for university was typically easy to contact and resolved problems well. Staff for housing a little less accessible but were great and quick to resolve issues when they were available. Wellington is a very cool city and a great place to be around. Also good for jumping off to explore either island of NZ. Loved the many people I met there who came from many different backgrounds. Overall a great experience and I have absolutely no regret in choosing VUW!

I’m very grateful to have been a student living in Wellington from Feb-June. I had an incredible time meeting new people, making new friends and immersing myself in the culture of New Zealand. VUW had a lot of clubs that I was able to join, including meditation club and tramping club, in which I made some fun memories. These activities helped me be more mindful as well, and I’ll continue to pursue these hobbies in my home country. I still keep in touch with the people I met after moving back and I hope to keep those wonderful connections.