Student Life
Starting University
Welcome!
As a student at Massey University College, you will immediately feel part of a friendly, engaging and culturally rich community.
This section contains information about various aspects of student life to make sure you get the most out of your educational experience.
Pre-Departure
Travelling overseas to study is an exciting and challenging experience with lots of new things to learn. To help you with your journey to New Zealand and Massey University College we have created this Learning Site to support you in planning your trip, arriving in the country and organising your first few days at the College.
Find out more on the Massey University website.
Orientation
Orientation is our opportunity to welcome you to Massey University College and help you settle into student life. It will be held during your first week at the College.
This is when you will have an opportunity to finalise your academic program, learn about the facilities and support services available to you, take a campus tour and meet some of your teachers and students.
Look out for an email containing more details and an orientation schedule, 3 weeks prior to classes commencing.
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodation options open to new students including:
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Halls of residence and apartments – live right on campus and meet new people from all over the world in either a self-catered apartment or hall of residence.
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Homestay – immerse yourself in the cultural experience of living with a local family in their home.
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Independent rental and share house accommodation.
Please note: accommodation for under-18 international students is limited to a homestay option. Living with a relative or family friend will need to be approved as a homestay provider with proof of age, residency, and police checks. There will be extra charges for the under-18 checks.
For more information about student living visit Accommodation or contact us.
Cost of Living
In terms of living costs, Auckland compares favourably against other major cities including London, Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Singapore and New York.
Before granting a student visa, Immigration New Zealand will require you to show you can support yourself for the first year.
As an international student, New Zealand law also states you need to have medical and travel insurance. The easiest option is to buy insurance through StudentSafe which we’ll offer to you when you pay your fees.
You can find further guidelines on the New Zealand Government’s website.
Living Costs
Approximate costs (weekly) | Halls of Residence Catered | Halls of Residence Self-catered | Homestay Catered | Independent (1 bedroom tenancy) |
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Accommodation | NZ$450 | NZ$325 | NZ$375 | NZ$250 |
Utilities | NZ$0 (included) | NZ$0 (included) | NZ$0 (included) | NZ$61 |
Groceries & supplies | NZ$0 (included) | NZ$150–250 | NZ$0 (included) | NZ$150–250 |
Internet | NZ$0 (included) | NZ$0 (included) | NZ$0 (included) | NZ$19 |
Public transport | NZ$45 | NZ$45 | NZ$45 | NZ$45 |
Miscellaneous | NZ$70 | NZ$70 | NZ$70 | NZ$70 |
Average weekly total | NZ$511 | NZ$487–$587 | NZ$405 | NZ$485–$585 |
Cost per year | NZ$26,572 | NZ$25,324–$30,524 | NZ$21,060 | NZ$25,220–$30,420 |
* The information is from various sources, including Massey University website, One NZ website and New Zealand government websites including Study with New Zealand, Auckland Transport and Live and Work New Zealand. Find out more about the Cost of living in New Zealand.
Facilities and Services
Studying at our College, you will enjoy a range of Massey University world-class facilities, services, clubs and associations from day one.
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State-of-the-art Auckland campus library
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Campus Information Service Mōhiohio – friendly on-campus information team
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Sport and recreation centre – two fully- equipped health and fitness studios and gyms, multi-use sports hall and physiotherapy clinic
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Trading Room - Albany Campus
The Massey University Trading Room was the first of its kind in New Zealand - fully- functional trading room to aid student learning. It contains Bloomberg financial terminals, a live stock price ticker and information and news screens and gives Massey’s finance students real-life fund management experience.
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Range of cafes and bars
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Student lounge
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Student Care Team - Wellbeing of students Dedicated International student support - pre-departure, student visa renewals, insurance and cultural connection
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Centre for Learner Success – academic help and study support at all levels of study, including workshops, classes and personal consultations in writing and study skills
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Massey Career Centre
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On-campus and homestay accommodation
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Student Achievement Support and Academic Advice
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Counselling and health services
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Under-18 student support
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Disability/inclusion services
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24/7 emergency support
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Massey University offers over 200 student clubs and societies across its three campuses.
As a Massey student, you’ll be able to join the Massey University Students’ Association (Te Tira Ahu Pae) for free access to various clubs and associations.
Whether you’re a movie enthusiast, into football or ultimate frisbee, or up for underwater adventures – you’ll find a club to suit your interests!
Exploring New Zealand
New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa in Māori, is a country of breath-taking natural scenery, unbeatable lifestyle and a place that inspires a new way of thinking.
Wherever you go, the friendliness and warmth you will be greeted with will be your defining experience of New Zealand. The whole country embraces the welcoming nature of Māori society – Manākitanga.
Living here, you will have a chance to:
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Expand your horizons by immersing yourself in the history, language and traditions of the Māori culture.
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Go on new adventures across various landscapes, from native forests and stunning fjords to snow-capped mountains and white sandy beaches.
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Experience a safe and inclusive place to study and work. In fact, New Zealand has been named the world’s second-most peaceful country (Global Peace Index, 2022).
New Zealand has a cultural value – ‘Kaitiakitanga’ – a concept of guardianship that embodies our practices in caring for the sustainability of our world. This forward-thinking extends to our education, lifestyle, creativity and innovative industries.
Life in Auckland
Auckland is a vibrant modern city, a thriving centre of culture and community.
In fact, it has been ranked #1 most liveable city in the world (The Global Liveability Index 2021, The Economist Intelligence Unit)
As the largest city in New Zealand, and a multicultural hub of food, music, arts and culture, you’ll certainly never run out of things to see and do:
Discover the diverse range of cafes and restaurants, buzzing nightlife of the central city, art galleries and museums, famous Sky Tower and farmers' market in Matakana.
Visit the scenic islands of Waiheke and Rangitoto.
Stunning walks and gorgeous beaches like Takapuna and Mission Bay are only a short drive away.
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Support for International Students
Massey University has agreed to observe and be bound by the New Zealand Government Ministry of Education - The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 (including Amendments 2019). This code ensures international students are well informed, safe, and properly cared for throughout their studies in New Zealand. For more information about this Code of Practice, please visit the Massey University website