31 reviews
3.58 / 5 based on 31 reviews

Useful |
1
Eva B
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - My choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
First of all, having to flathunt gave me something to do when I arrived and helped me to get to know the city. Arranging viewings for flats in different parts of the city helped me to gain a quick understanding of my surroundings as well as being able to navigate my way around. I also enjoyed being able to have a choice as to where and who I wanted to love with.
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Personal comments
From what I gathered the university website their accomodation was extremely overpriced and maintainance was very poor. Wellington has a huge problem with damp housing and some of the university halls I saw had mould growing in them.
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Useful |
4
Eva B
Overall
I wish I had known...
The bad housing, highly expensive internet/ phone - the university does not provide free internet for student which, considering their geographical location, is crucial in order to communicate with the rest of the world. Newspapers are very basic - hardly any international news.
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In my opinion:
I loved it but I'm not sure everybody would.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Looking back I think I should have researched the university a bit more throroughly. I was not happy with some of the academic staff and the exclusion of international (esp. Asian) students. Integration seems to be a serious issue!
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
NZ is awesome for travelling (Magic bus is cheap and takes you to all the touristy as well as the more remote places). Wellington is very small and not very cosmopolitan so it was a huge shock for me having to deal with lack of good newspapers, nightlife and 'worldly atmosphere'. While the kiwis are very friendly on the surface, it is very hard to actually make friends.
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Useful |
3
Eva B
Academic
Course recommendations
I'm writing a research thesis and found that I was only given very little support. My supervisor is great but the rest of the department have been very reserved. So if you find it hard to work independently, a research thesis probably isn't the best choice!
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
I think the department could make a better effort to include new students, I'm the only postgrad student without a previous degree from Vic Wellington to study there and often feel excluded. In fact, I think I'm the only international postgrad in the department.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course

Useful |
0
Eva B
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Travel: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Nightlife, Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Cuba Street is always good, especially when the carnial is on. The Summer Festival in Wellington is also great as they are many bands playing for free and the atmosphere is amazing. Other than that I love Midnight Espresso on Cuba Street. It's a vegan/ vegetarian cafe (I'm neither but still really enjoyed the food) and the Kelburn cafe makes the best coffee I've ever tasted!
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0
“Find your zen in VUW”
Sofie d
Finland, Undergraduate
Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, 2019
Overall
VUW offers many interesting papers with the most amazing lecturers. The school also offers good volunteering opportunities to boost your understanding of the topic you have chosen to study. Top of all the aforementioned, you'll be completing your studies in the coolest little capital surrounded by amazing sceneries that help you to find your zen when necessary!
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Pros
Lecturers, volunteering opportunities
Cons
Student Health

Useful |
0
“Find your zen in VUW”
Sofie d
Finland, Undergraduate
Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, 2019
Overall
VUW offers many interesting papers with the most amazing lecturers. The school also offers good volunteering opportunities to boost your understanding of the topic you have chosen to study. Top of all the aforementioned, you'll be completing your studies in the coolest little capital surrounded by amazing sceneries that help you to find your zen when necessary!
Read more >
Pros
Lecturers, volunteering opportunities
Cons
Student Health