Congratulations, you're on your way to UCOL! We look forward to meeting you.
Pre-departure guides
Download one of our handy pre-departure guides to help plan your trip. Also, see New Zealand government advice on
the Get Ready website.
Living in NZ
Plan your move to New Zealand
To help plan your move to New Zealand, consider using
Immigration New Zealand's handy online tool. Simply answer a few questions and receive helpful advice with a customised 'to do' list.
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 a variety of 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
You'll have a limited luggage allowance. See
Study in New Zealand's tips for packing for a 30kg luggage allowance.
Living in Palmerston North
If you're planning to study at UCOL Manawatū, find out about the city and surrounding Manawatu region by taking a look at
the official tourism website for Manawatu.
Living in Whanganui
If you're planning to study at UCOL Whanganui, find out about the city by taking a look at
the official tourism site for Whanganui.
Accommodation
UCOL doesn't arrange accommodation for international students, but we can provide some options nearby campus for you to consider. See our
Accommodation Options page.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in New Zealand is comparable to what you'll find 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. UCOL provides international students free SIM cards so you can get a New Zealand phone number.
Doctors
In New Zealand,
registering for a doctor (general practitioner or GP) is free and easy.
For medical attention after 5pm and on weekends, there are after-hours medical centres and services available to all students across New Zealand.
If you have medical questions or concerns while in New Zealand, you can call Healthline on 0800 611 116. Healthline is a free 24-hour telephone health advice service funded by the government's Ministry of Health. This service is operated by registered nurses who will assess a person's condition and health needs, and recommend the best course of action to be taken. They can also provide general health information and location of services.
For all emergencies, call 111.
International Student Discounts
UCOL Te Pūkenga 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
2022 Global Peace Index Report, which compares 163 countries for the risk of personal violence, New Zealand was ranked as the world's 2nd safest country. Regardless, international students must take necessary precautions to keep 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
UCOL offers
a free airport pickup service from Palmerston North and Whanganui Airports.
In Palmerston North, you can ride the inner-city buses for free, using your UCOL identification card.
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
Immigration New Zealand's or
New Zealand Tourism's website.
Driver's license
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
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
UCOL Campus Maps
Working in NZ
Rules and regulations
You may be entitled to do some paid work whilst studying in New Zealand depending on your student visa conditions. To be able to work, you must meet one of seven requirements. The most common requirements are:
- your study programme is for at least two years
- the study leads to a New Zealand qualification that gains points under the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category; or
- you are taking an English language course that meets conditions approved by Immigration New Zealand
In addition to
the UCOL information on working while studying, find out more about the
work rules for students.
Job search websites
The
Careers NZ website can be used as a resource for researching jobs in your field of study and how to apply for jobs in New Zealand.
Paying tax
If you intend on working while studying in New Zealand find out about your tax obligations on Inland Revenue's website.