Studying abroad is the big decision of life. That is why, taking guidance from experts of Apply Board becomes crucial because they not only help students to choose the right college but courses too. In fact, before starting to study, international students should pay attention to the local living conditions and habits in order to better integrate into the local area and successfully complete their studies. In order to help you grasp this part of the problem more comprehensively, this article has made a comprehensive study on the food, clothing and housing behavior of studying in New Zealand.
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Stay
Choosing different kinds of accommodation will have a greater impact on the cost of living. The more economical way is to share a house with others, share a kitchen, a laundry room, etc. However, students with better financial conditions can choose the following methods:
– Student Hostels: Student hostels generally located on campus or near the school. There are single rooms and/or double rooms, usually equipped with public fitness facilities. The student hotels in most schools provide three meals a day for students, and some schools do not provide lunch on weekends. The cost is roughly 180 to 200 New Zealand dollars per week (including meals).
– Homestay: Homestay means that you live in a New Zealander’s house. This kind of accommodation provides students with a separate room. Breakfast and dinner will be offered. But on weekends and holidays, only lunch will be provided. Students are like members of a host family and can participate in various family activities. The homestay helps to quickly improve the students’ English level and understand the life of New Zealanders. It is especially suitable for middle school students. All host families are carefully selected. The cost is roughly one hundred and sixty to two hundred New Zealand dollars per week (including meals).
– Apartment/Flat: Apartments are suitable for college students. Many colleges and universities can help international students find apartments. An apartment generally has two to four rooms and each student has a room. Students communal kitchen, laundry room and other facilities. The cost is approximately 70 to 100 New Zealand dollars per week. Students need another 30-40 New Zealand dollars for food and other living expenses.
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Insurance
Students with a valid visa for study for two years or more can enjoy New Zealand public health services. Those with less than two years are not eligible for this treatment and must pay for their own medical expenses. Therefore, the Immigration Department strongly recommends purchasing medical insurance during the new period. The cost of one-year student insurance (including travel/medical/property) is approximately 500 to 800 New Zealand dollars.
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Clothes
The clothes you need to bring to New Zealand vary greatly depending on the season and length of time you study. In summer, casual attire is sufficient. However, in winter, warm clothing such as thick woolen sweaters, waterproof jackets and warm jackets are necessary. New Zealand’s lifestyle is very casual, and formal dressing is not required for most occasions. International students are encouraged to bring their own clothing to participate in social events organized by public organizations.
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Bank
All cities and towns in New Zealand have banks. Usually there are banks in or near the educational institution where you are studying. Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Opening an account in a bank is easy, and most students who plan to study for more than 3 months should have a bank account.
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Food
New Zealand has a wealth of local and imported foods. New Zealand is the main supplier of lamb. Venison, beef and dairy products are abundant and cheap. Almost all fruits can be found in stores. New Zealanders usually have a meal with vegetables and a main course of meat or fish. Dinner is usually served as a main meal. There are all kinds of restaurants, cafes, and fast food restaurants in New Zealand, from extremely expensive high-end restaurants to ordinary eateries. In the same way, students can also find international and national flavors from New Zealand food.
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Other
Small shops and shopping malls are usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and open until 9:00 p.m. on Friday. Now more and more shopping centers are open until 9:00 p.m. Thursday. Many shopping centers in big cities and tourist areas are open all day on Saturdays and Sundays. New Zealand offers a wealth of choices for shoppers, including fashion, outdoor clothing and equipment, handicrafts and international restaurants.
Most major cities have churches, temples, mosques and other religious venues open to international students. New Zealand observes most Christian holidays and most people are Christians. For students with special religious dietary rules, host families and hotels will ensure respect for them.
Except for national public holidays, educational institutions are usually closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The main school holiday is from mid-December to the end of January. There are also shorter holidays in April, July and September.
These are some tips for studying in New Zealand. If you need more information about studying abroad in the country, please visit CatEight, a comprehensive platform for studying abroad.
