Welcome to 2009! Whether you're back at work or still on holiday we've got loads of goodies to help keep you feeling the summer love! Click here for a taste of what we've got...
You may have chosen a degree but do you know where you want to study? For some of you, your area of interest will determine where you study, for others there’s a wide variety of options and lots of things that need to be taken into consideration.
Whether you want to travel away or stay at home, live the quiet student life or have the full blown experience, here’s the breakdown of New Zealand’s main unis and the lifestyle that comes with them.
This is just a small snapshot of the many institutions offering courses in New Zealand, so it's in no way a full break-down of what's on offer from every uni and polytech around the country. Hopefully it gives you a general idea about some of your (many) options!
Of course before you can think about studying next year, you need to get your finances sorted. Did you know you can apply for your Student Allowance or Loan before you’ve even finalised your courses? You can apply now, so jump online here and get started.
University of Otago With a boutique, artsy café culture, a rugged backdrop, a reputation as a ‘rugby city’ and 1/5 of the population made up of students, this is officially ‘Studentville’ territory. Otago is renowned as the place for that full on University Experience (i.e. a lot of parties). Most people attending are from all over the country (or world) which means everyone’s in the same position and making friends will be easy. Otago also has courses in pretty much everything meaning that it’s an attractive option for people of all interests - just make sure you pack your woollies for the winter months because it gets coooold.
The University of Auckland Located in the heart of Auckland City, the University of Auckland is New Zealand’s most renowned university (it’s even ranked in the world’s top 50 universities - whoop whoop). This makes U of A a very popular choice for everything from BAs to medicine. In terms of student life, U of A is definitely vibrant with a large variety of clubs and events (think balls, drinking steins and well, anything goes). You can also take a trip up to the infamous Shadows Bar - Auckland’s most popular student drinking facility.
AUT University AUT University has the top communications programme in the country. It produces graduates in journalism, advertising, TV, PR, radio and creative industries. Its much publicised success within its fashion school is also something to be marvelled at - not only is it the only university to have its own show at Fashion Week, but an AUT student has won the prestigious Deutz Design Ambassador Awards for three years in a row. AUT has two campuses in Auckland and city one is located amongst it all meaning that the shops and eateries of Auckland’s CBD are only a step reach away.
Massey University With two campuses, one in Albany on Auckland’s North Shore and the other in Palmerston North, Massey is great for you more laid-back chicks out there. It is best known for its veterinary course and places are very restricted with about 220 students starting off, but only 75 applicants accepted into the next phase. In terms of your surroundings Albany has recently undergone significant developments with the addition of what’s going to be NZ’s largest mall and Palmerston North is small enough to feel cosy, but big enough to be interesting.
The University of Waikato The fair city of Hamilton may not have the coolest reputation, but it deserves a chance! The night life goes off, there are plenty of places to shop and lots of outdoor activities to do. At the end of the day it’s just a quick trip (an hour and a half) up the road to Auckland if you get bored on the weekends. Plus, if you like to surf, stunning Raglan is nice and close.
University of Canterbury Flat and easy to bike or walk around, as well as boasting affordable living (Christchurch has the cheapest cost of living of the major cities in New Zealand), the University of Canterbury is pretty attractive in the student budget stakes. Hot summers and snowy winters will make all year fun activity wise and add a thriving art scene into the mix and you’re set. Christchurch is also the South Island’s largest city (which is nice for fun loving students) and the university offers a wide variety of courses.
Polytechs and Wanangas Of course universities aren’t the only option for study and there are plenty of polytechs and Wanangas dotted around the country. They’re a great way to get both a tertiary qualification coupled with hands on experience.
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you study, for others there’s a wide variety of options and lots of things that need to be taken into consideration. 
a reputation as a ‘rugby city’ and 1/5 of the population made up of students, this is officially ‘Studentville’ territory. Otago is renowned as the place for that full on University Experience (i.e. a lot of parties). Most people attending are from all over the country (or world) which means everyone’s in the same position and making friends will be easy. Otago also has courses in pretty much everything meaning that it’s an attractive option for people of all interests - just make sure you pack your woollies for the winter months because it gets coooold. 
Located in the heart of Auckland City, the University of Auckland is New Zealand’s most renowned university (it’s even ranked in the world’s top 50 universities - whoop whoop). This makes U of A a very popular choice for everything from BAs to medicine. In terms of student life, U of A is definitely vibrant with a large variety of clubs and events (think balls, drinking steins and well, anything goes). You can also take a trip up to the infamous Shadows Bar - Auckland’s most popular student drinking facility. 
With two campuses, one in Albany on Auckland’s North 
Flat and easy to bike or walk around, as well as boasting affordable living (Christchurch has the cheapest cost of living of the major cities in New Zealand), the University of Canterbury is pretty attractive in the student budget stakes. Hot summers and snowy winters will make all year fun activity wise and add a thriving art scene into the mix and you’re set. Christchurch is also the South Island’s largest city (which is nice for fun loving students) and the university offers a wide variety of courses.