COST OF LIVING

The cost of living in New Zealand, and especially in Auckland, is often perceived to be very high.

This applies particularly to students from Nepal, many of whom may have to work to pay for their degrees.

However, there is a wide variety of choices available for those who wish to manage their living costs.

Prices listed below are based on New Zealand dollar; other areas are likely to be cheaper.

Accommodation

Bedsits

Usually self-contained rooms, in which you study, cook, eat, and sleep. Normally costs between $400 NZD to $800 NZD per month depending on the room size and areas.

Flats/houses

May be either private or owned by the institution you are studying at. You will have a study/bedroom but will share all other facilities in the house. Normally costs approximately $600 NZD per month.

Halls of residence

Halls of residence host many students in single or shared study/bedrooms. Some meals or cooking facilities will be provided and bathrooms may be shared. Normally costs between $550 NZD to $650 NZD per month.

Homestay

You will have a study/bedroom in a home, becoming, to some extent, part of the family. Some meals will be provided although you will have to fit into the routine of the family. Normally costs between $600 NZD to $1,000 NZD per month.

Hostels

Hostels are privately owned and are similar to halls of residence, providing some meals or self-catering facilities and rooms for married students. Normally costs between $550 NZD to $650 NZD per month.

Books

If you are enrolled in an English language course, your textbooks will usually be supplied free of charge but you should keep deposits until your book returns. Otherwise, you will have to buy your books or borrow them from the college library. If you choose to buy books, then many bookstores offer student discounts (student ID required). Alternatively, you may find your textbooks in second-hand stores.

Clothing

While most international students arrive with some clothing suitable for the New Zealand’s climate you will probably find that you need to buy more, particularly if you find that the New Zealand's winter (colder in the South) is colder than what you were accustomed to in Nepal. Clothes shops sell good-quality clothes at reasonable prices, and the sales offer many items at half-price from time to time.

Food

Most cities in New Zealand have a multicultural and multi-ethnic population so you can expect to find a wide range of reasonably priced food from around the world.

Travel

Air

Air travel within New Zealand is only viable over longer distances, for example North Island to South Island. Most major cities have airports with international links. Cheap flights within New Zealand may be available with local airlines such as Air New Zealand or Pacific Blue.

Train

Major city areas usually have train transport services available for public use. For further information you can visit: Maxx.co.nz

Ferry

Almost every port from major cities operates a ferry service across New Zealand.

Entertainment

New Zealand is rich in culture and history; from Auckland’s museums and movie theatres to local bars, restaurants and nightclubs, New Zealand can offer any form of entertainment. Universities and college and higher education institution look to provide a range of sports activities, visits and days out for all students and may run special social programmes for their international students.