As Fun As You Make It.

Definitely a great place and it's made even better if you put in effort and make things happen.

Classes: I'm a science major so I can't speak from other degrees. All of my classes were at the Kelburn campus which is pretty centrally located. Business and Law classes are about a 30 minute walk away. Standard lecture classes and then you have "tutorials" that you sign up for and it's a smaller tutor led review session. This is where you'll have most of your "homework". Large assignments every 2-3 weeks. I also had labs that often overlapped lectures which is totally normal. Skipping lectures is a way of life here. Most professors will record them and post them online.

Housing: I recommend living in University Hall. Wai-te-ata is closest to campus and town, really nice interior, houses 5 but its also really loud when it rains because its a tin shack. Te Kotahinga is more traditional apartments. Uni Hall arranges alot of events which is why I recommend it. I also advise living with other internationals. Kiwis aren't as friendly. Other internationals are looking for friends too and it makes it alot better. Just do it. If you want to live in a catered Hall, Te Puni village is the best in my opinion. The rest are out of the way and run down.

Social life: Clubs exist but arent as big as they are in say the US. Drinking is still a college pastime here. But alcohol is also more expensive so be wary. $8 for wine, $20 /12pk, $40 for hard stuff. Bars are really cool and the people in them are mostly students or young people. Mish Mosh, The Establishment, and Boogie Wonderland are fun places. Lots of bars and restaurants have specials on Wed night so...do that. And remember, you're only abroad once so live it up! You'll remember and cherish this experience forever.