Which University Is Best For You?

You may know exactly what you want to study, that’s great and we envy you! However not everyone is so lucky, and if you know you definitely want to study, but are not entirely sure what, there are a few things you can ask yourself. What’s your dream job? What did you study at school? What are your interests? If you know what you want to be in a few years time, but don’t know how to get there, check out www.studylink.govt.nz. They have information on jobs in the workforce and the degree that will help you get that job.  

Depending on what you have decided you want to do, some universities specialise in different areas, for example Massey in Palmerston North is where most people go if they want to be vets, Otago is popular for health and sport science, while AUT is know for its Communications department. If you want to study something more generalised, you may have many options of where you can study and that’s when you need to ask yourself another question; stay close to home or move away?

There are positives and negatives for both, and again you need to ask yourself what is right for you. Going to university in another town allows you freedom and gives you a great change of scenery, on the other hand you will have to deal with more responsibilities, such as paying rent and bills. You may be eligible for a student allowance or loan to help you out. Click here to visit Studylink's handy website to find out if you are, and get applying!

Obviously if you are living in a smaller town, you probably will have to move no matter what you want to do, but again that can depend! Distance learning is growing and it’s not just through the Open Polytech anymore. Most universities offer courses that can be done by correspondence, so you can stay home to help on the farm or stay in full time employment and just study in the evenings.   

 

All the main cities have universities. Here's a lowdown of the most popular ones...

 

Auckland
University of Auckland: One of the country's biggest universities, AU offers over two dozen undergraduate degrees. Located in the biggest city in New Zealand it is a melting pot of cultures and you will probably feel a little like just a number, but what comes with the being the biggest university is that the learning facilities pretty much lead the way in the country.

 

Auckland University of Technology: With a strong focus on practical as well as theoretical learning, AUT has two campus’, one in the central city and one on the North Shore. AUT offers a wide range of graduate diplomas, degrees, diplomas and certificates.

 

Massey University - Albany Campus: Located in Albany on Auckland’s North Shore, Massey University is a very modern establishment surrounded by heaps of student living (and right next to the new big Albany shopping development - maybe not to good when you are a poor student!). 

 

Waikato
University of Waikato: A great location for a university – so close to the mountain for winter snowboarding, Raglan and other awesome surf beaches in summer, and big old Auckland is just an hour away.

 

Palmerston North
Massey University - Palmerston North campus: Think Palmerston North is a bit of a strange place to have a university? Well, too bad, because there is one there and it is becoming a very popular place for students. Cheaper living costs makes it very attractive and again, it’s not too far away from the snow!

Victoria University: New Zealand’s self-proclaimed creative capital is host to wonderful Victoria University. It has some beautiful old buildings for its classes, and you have an amazing view from the campus which is right up on the side of Wellington (if you are down in the city, the Cable Car will probably be your transport of choice! ). Fun fun!
 

Christchurch
University of Canterbury: Fast becoming a rival to its closest neighbour (Otago University). It offers some great degrees without you having to feel like one amongst thousands and thousands!

 

University of Otago: Probably New Zealand’s most well known University (because of some extensive campaigning and some great facilities and degrees). Dunedin is the student city because basically the whole city revolves around the University – a great place if you really want to get involved with the University life.

 

Obviously this is just a snapshot of the universities in New Zealand and you need to find out a lot more information about each before deciding what works best for you.

 

Once you've decided what you want to do - it's time to get the finances sorted! Studylink can help you to figure out exactly what you need and are eligible for when it comes to financial assistance. They have information on the sorts of things you should think about in choosing the right course of study. For more information on jobs in the workforce and the qualification that will help you get that job check out the Career Services website, www.careers.govt.nz.