Auckland is a great place to live as an international student. Although it might be a little pricey at times, there is always plenty to do and see for a reasonable price. This article gives you a brief rundown of what life is like as a student in New Zealand's biggest city.
International student organizations and support in Auckland
If you are feeling a bit daunted on arrival, remember that the international student community in Auckland is also supported by various organizations and resources. For example, the universities often have dedicated support services, such as international student centers, that provide assistance with a range of issues, including immigration, housing, and academic support. Additionally, there are various local organizations and charities that support international students and provide resources to help them navigate life in a new country.
Student accommodation in Auckland
While Auckland's universities do offer student housing, it is often cheaper to go flatting (living in a shared home with others). Generally, students that are flatting prefer to live closer to the center of Auckland, where the universities are. Kingsland, Grey Lynn and Parnell are all areas that tend to have a lot of large homes that have been converted into long-running student flats.
Wherever you end up, you can expect to pay NZ$200 - $350 for a room, plus bills including internet and power. This option is generally more affordable than university-provided housing and means you will have more independence. Flatting also offers the opportunity to live with people from different cultural backgrounds, which can be a valuable cultural experience. However, flatting can come with added responsibilities, such as household chores and rent payments, that may not be present in university-provided housing.
If you are keen on a student accommodation experience, both the University of Auckland (UoA) and Auckland University of Technology (AUT) do have options. The benefits of university-provided housing include convenient locations, security, social opportunities, and support services. However, the cost can be higher compared to off-campus options.
UoA residence fees range from NZ$340 - $520 per week. These rooms come with residential support, and meals are included if you are in the catered halls. AUT's fees start at NZ$300 per week for the smallest rooms, and they also have support and events throughout the year. Both are fully furnished, so you only need to bring your belongings, and both include power and internet.
Living costs in Auckland
After rent, food will be your biggest expense of living in Auckland. You can mitigate a lot of this expense by cooking your own meals. Although fresh produce can cost quite a lot, frozen veggies are a great alternative and easy to come by in supermarkets. Buying seasonal and going to farmers' markets or Asian supermarkets can also allow you to find good deals on produce. The usual student fares of pasta, rice and noodles are also easy to come by.
If you are flatting, your share of internet and power will vary depending on how many people live with you, but on average, expect about $25 - $40 a week for both, with a little more in winter when the heaters come out.
Transport is another big expense in Auckland. Although you can get cheaper public transport as a student (see below), it is still important to fit it into your budget. If you are traveling to and from university every day, you might spend NZ$30 a week on buses and trains, depending on where you are living. If you have a car, there are also gas, maintenance, and inspections to consider.
Students discounts in Auckland
While Auckland can be an expensive city to live in, there are quite a few advantages that come with being a student in the city. Get ready to stretch your dollars further because there are loads of student discounts waiting for you.
- Transportation: No need to break the bank to get around the city because you'll be able to snag discounts on bus, train, and ferry rides just by flashing your student ID. Information can be found on the Auckland Transport webpage about discounts and how to access them.
- Food: Treat yourself to a delicious meal without digging too deep into your pockets. Many fast food chains and restaurants in Auckland offer sweet student discounts, like a free drink with your meal or a generous chunk off your total bill. These will usually be advertised, but it never hurts to ask.
- Retail: Some stores in Auckland are known to have student discounts, especially on clothing, electronics, and books.
- Entertainment: You'll be able to save big on movie tickets, theme park adventures, and other forms of entertainment. Just keep an eye out for those student discounts when booking.
- Fitness: Many gyms, pools, and fitness centers in Auckland offer discounted memberships for students.
- Travel: If you're planning a trip, some travel companies have got your back with student discounts on flights, tours, and activities. Ferry services often offer a student option, as do some tours and sightseeing options.
Making the most of student life in Auckland
Auckland is known for its exciting student life, offering international students a range of opportunities to make the most of their time in the city. Here are some of the things that make student life in Auckland unique:
- Natural beauty: Auckland has a beautiful harbor and stunning coastline, providing students with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. There are numerous parks, beaches, nature reserves, and hiking trails in and around the city, providing a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you are from a more urban part of the world, you might enjoy exploring some of New Zealand's famous natural beauty that is surprisingly easily accessible from the city center.
- Cultural diversity: Auckland is a culturally diverse city with a large population of immigrants from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in the city's food, music, arts, and festivals, providing students with a rich cultural experience. And if you're homesick for some cuisine or culture from your home country, you are more likely to find it represented in Auckland than in New Zealand's other cities.
- Sports and adventure: Auckland is a sports-loving city, with many opportunities for students to participate in and watch a variety of sports. Additionally, the city is surrounded by rugged landscapes, offering plenty of opportunities for adventure sports such as kayaking, surfing, and rock climbing.
- Nightlife: Auckland has a lively and vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, theatres, and live music venues to suit all tastes. Whether it's a quiet drink with friends or a night out on the town, Auckland has something for everyone. Student bars often come with cheaper drinks and generally put on affordable shows and events.
- Career opportunities. Being a student isn't just about having fun. Auckland is a thriving business hub with numerous opportunities for students to gain valuable work experience and build their careers. Whether it's internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering, students in Auckland have many opportunities to build their skills and make valuable connections.
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