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Get the most out of your time in New Zealand
Setting goals
Want suggestions for setting goals to make the most of your time here?
Want to know about the city or town you'll be living in?
Learn more about your New Zealand home. There's always something new to see or do!
Planning on exploring our mountains, beaches, lakes or rivers and want to be prepared?
New Zealand is famous for its beautiful landscapes. It's exciting to get out and explore! However, Kiwis sometimes call our weather 'four seasons in one day' because it can change rapidly. Learn how to be prepared for the New Zealand climate and seasons.
Want to know the dates of public holidays so you can plan a trip?
Find out about New Zealand's public holidays, and daylight saving time, when we move our clocks forward an hour in spring and back an hour in autumn.
Get the most out of your study
Want to know how to prepare for New Zealand’s learning and teaching styles?
There is a lot to learn when you study in New Zealand, especially if you’re not used to Kiwi teaching styles. Here’s what you need to know.
Want advice for writing assessments?
A big part of completing your course will be doing assessments. Find out about the types of assessments you're likely to get while studying in New Zealand. Also, get ahead by learning about referencing and how to avoid plagiarism (copying).
Want to understand what your place of study must do to support you?
Your place of study must make sure all international students studying there are well informed, safe and properly cared for. This is known as 'pastoral care'. Here’s what you need to know.
Make friends and be social
Want help learning how to make friends?
Moving to a new place can be tough, especially if you don’t know anyone and things are unfamiliar. Here’s how to meet new people and make new friends while you’re studying in New Zealand.
Want to learn some common Kiwi words or phrases?
Even native English speakers have trouble understanding the New Zealand accent sometimes! Here’s why Kiwis have such a unique way of talking. Learn about New Zealand slang and some words and phrases in New Zealand English that will help you understand our culture better.
Want to learn how to say things in te reo Māori (the Māori language)?
Te reo Māori (the Māori language) is one of three official languages in New Zealand, along with English and New Zealand Sign Language. Find out how to pronounce it, where to learn it and some common words.
Want to understand the New Zealand drinking culture and learn how to drink alcohol safely?
What is the drinking age in New Zealand? To be safe and have a great experience, you must follow the alcohol laws while you’re studying here. Find out what they are and how to drink alcohol responsibly.
Want to know how to keep safe when you're going out?
New Zealand is known as a relatively safe country to live and travel in. However, when you're here it's important to be as careful as you would be at home. Here’s how you can stay safe in New Zealand.
Help if you're having a difficult time
Feeling lonely, homesick or depressed?
Living and studying in a new country can be hard, even if you’re excited about your new adventure! It’s normal to feel homesick or lonely. Some students may feel depressed. However, there are things you can do to improve your wellbeing.
Having problems flatting?
Renting a flat or a room in a flat while you're studying in New Zealand can be a great experience if you know your rights and responsibilities. When renting a property, you need to have a good understanding of tenants’ rights (or renters' rights). Find out what to do if there is a problem when renting in New Zealand.
Feeling bullied, harassed or discriminated at work?
New Zealand is a great place to work because it's fair and safe. All employees have the same rights. In rare cases, employers don’t follow the rules. Find out how to get help with bullying and harassment in the workplace.
Support if you're working
Need to set up a bank account?
You're about to start your New Zealand adventure! To make sure you're prepared, here are some travel tips for moving to New Zealand such as suggestions for what you should bring.
Want to know about working while you're studying or need to find a job?
Working while you study in New Zealand is a great way to get job experience, make new friends, and help with living costs. Just make sure you follow the work conditions on your student visa and find the right balance between work, study and socialising.
Want to know how to send money home? Or find out about exchange rates?
Dealing with money in New Zealand is safe and simple. Learn about the New Zealand currency and money culture before moving here to study.
Need an IRD number and tax code to pay tax?
Getting paid the right amount of money and paying tax is important when you work in New Zealand. Learn about the different ways you might get paid, minimum wage and salary rules, and paying tax and tax rates when working on a student visa.
Essential organisation
Looking for somewhere to live?
Choosing a place to live is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when you start studying in New Zealand. Here’s what you need to know about the different housing options available for international students.
Need to find where to practice your religion near you?
Religion in New Zealand is as diverse as the culture. It is important people feel welcome and comfortable living here. Find out about religions in New Zealand, including Christianity, Hinduism, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism, and where to find places near you to practice these religions.
Need to get a doctor, dentist or sexual healthcare advice?
International student healthcare is important. How does healthcare in New Zealand work? Find out what to do in an emergency, how to get a doctor and more.
Need to set up a bank account?
You're about to start your New Zealand adventure! To make sure you're prepared, here are some travel tips for moving to New Zealand such as suggestions for what you should bring.
Need help managing your money?
What is the cost of living in New Zealand? Find out about prices for groceries and entertainment, and learn about student living costs.
Want to find out how much things, food or rent costs in New Zealand?
What is the cost of living in New Zealand? Find out about prices for groceries and entertainment, and learn about student living costs.
Want to check what you need to use your laptop, phone or appliances in New Zealand?
You're about to start your New Zealand adventure! To make sure you're prepared, here are some travel tips for moving to New Zealand such as suggestions for what you should bring.
