Congratulations, you're on your way to UCOL! We look forward to meeting you.
Pre-departure guide
Preparing for your move to New Zealand? Our pre-departure guide is here to help! Download it for essential information on what you need to know before you leave your home country, and get tips on living and studying in New Zealand.
For a personalised experience, visit the NZ Ready website. Answer a few questions to receive a tailored checklist of everything you need to do before you depart.
Explore NZ Ready
Food
A complete range of fresh meats, poultry and fish is available in New Zealand. Fresh fruit and vegetables are plentiful, and you can get the best variety and prices at specialty vegetable shops.
Ethnic foodstuffs are available from most supermarkets in their international section and at specialty stores.
All of the UCOL campuses are located within close walking distance of restaurants and food outlets catering to various cuisines.
If you plan on bringing food from your home country,
research what is allowed under New Zealand law.
Clothing to bring
New Zealand has four seasons and changeable weather. It's recommended that you bring:
- Woollen jerseys
- Waterproof jackets
- Covered shoes with rubber soles
- Sports shoes
Living in Palmerston North
If you plan to study at UCOL Manawatū, visit the
official tourism website to learn about the city and surrounding Manawatū region.
Living in Whanganui
If you plan to study at UCOL Whanganui, find out about the city by looking at Whanganui's
official tourism site.
Accommodation
UCOL can provide advice on finding accommodation close to your campus; however, you will need to contact the accommodation provider directly to book your place, or you can talk to your agent about this. See our
Accommodation Options page for full details.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in New Zealand is comparable to that in any OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) country. Use Study in New Zealand's
cost of living advice to compare prices and the New Zealand Government's Sorted
budgeting tool to work out a detailed budget.
Mobile Phones
We understand how important it is to stay connected with friends and family. That’s why UCOL provides international students with a free 2 Degrees SIM card on arrival so that you can easily obtain a New Zealand phone number.
Doctors
Registering for a doctor (general practitioner or GP) in New Zealand is free and easy.
There are after-hours medical centres and services available to all students across New Zealand for medical attention after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
If you have medical questions or concerns while in New Zealand, call
Healthline on 0800 611 116. Healthline is a free 24-hour telephone health advice service funded by the government's Ministry of Health. Registered nurses assess a person's condition and health needs and recommend the best course of action. They can also provide general health information and the location of services.
Health service provider in Whanganui
If you are a student at UCOL’s Whanganui campus, you can access free health services provided by
Whatever, a youth-oriented health organisation. UCOL students of all ages are eligible for these services. You will need to show your student ID card.
Visit whatever.org
For all emergencies, call 111
International Student Discounts
UCOL international students receive many community and retail benefits. Here are a few of our key sponsors:
- Steve Parsons Travel - Travel agent
- Office Max - Stationery and computer supplies
- 2 Degrees - Mobile phone and Internet provider
Keeping Safe
In the
2024 Global Peace Index Report, which compares 163 countries for their level of peacefulness, New Zealand is ranked as the most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region and is ranked fourth globally. Regardless, international students must take the necessary precautions to stay safe. You can read some helpful tips in the
New Zealand Police's Guide to Keeping Safe (available in several languages) and water safety in New Zealand.
In the event of an emergency, please call the following numbers:
- Fire/Police/Ambulance - phone
111
- the UCOL 24-hour International Student Support Emergency number – phone
021-242 7625
Legal Rights
Police in New Zealand do not routinely carry guns and are friendly and helpful. Anyone who is arrested will be permitted to speak to a lawyer. If you want to know more about your legal rights in New Zealand, make sure to ask at your Orientation.
Transport
Airport pickup
UCOL offers a
free airport pickup service from Palmerston North and Whanganui Airports.
Urban bus service
As a student at UCOL, you can travel on the Palmerston North and Whanganui urban buses for free by showing your Student ID card to the driver. You can check when the next bus will be arriving with real-time tracking using your mobile phone.
View Bus Timetable
Full-time students at UCOL’s Wairarapa campus are eligible for discounted trips using Metlink bus services. See
metlink.org.nz for more information.
Driving in New Zealand
Students must know the New Zealand road rules before driving in New Zealand. In general, you can drive using your overseas driver’s license for up to 12 months, but after this time, you must convert your license to a New Zealand driver’s license. Read more about the rules and regulations from the New Zealand Transport Agency,
nzta.govt.nz.
National public transport
New Zealand’s national public transport system includes buses, ferries and trains. Students planning a tour throughout New Zealand can obtain special student travel passes. Discount fares are also available for plane travel if booked early.
Read more on New Zealand Tourism’s website.
UCOL Campus Maps
Working in NZ
Rules and Regulations
With a student visa, you may be entitled to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on your visa conditions. Always check your visa to confirm your study and work rights in New Zealand.
You can learn more about the rules for working in New Zealand by visiting the
Naumai NZ website.
Job search websites
Visit the
Careers NZ website to explore job opportunities related to your field of study and learn about the job application process in New Zealand.
Working part-time while studying is a great way to support your living expenses. Many employers offer short-term or casual work suitable for students. One of the easiest ways to find these opportunities is through Student Job Search (SJS). Whether you are currently studying at UCOL, have applied for the next semester, or have recently graduated, you can register with SJS to find jobs in your area.
Register with Student Job Search to start exploring opportunities now.
Paying Tax
If you intend to work while studying in New Zealand, you will need to apply for an IRD number and pay tax on your income.
Visit Inland Revenue’s website to find out about your tax obligations and how to apply for an IRD number.