Information for new students

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We're ready, are you?

With New Zealand's borders reopening, students have the option to choose to start their programme online before joining us onshore. When you are ready, you can start planning your arrival; considering what to pack and what you need to do before you start your journey to New Zealand.

Moving to a new country is an exciting time. We know how you feel and our friendly team are here to support you. Before you arrive, you need to complete some essential tasks, like applying for your student visa and preparing your documents.

Student information before you arrive

Use our pre-arrival checklist and packing tips below to help you and take a look at NauMai New Zealand for more information.

Confirm your place

After you have applied and received an offer of a place to study at Taylors College Auckland, you must pay your deposit and confirm your place.

Apply for a visa

You will need a visa to study in New Zealand. View our student visa page to find out more about the process.

Book your accommodation

View the accommodation page to find out more about options available.

Book your flights

When you have your visa you can book your flights. The closest airport to Taylors College Auckland is Auckland Airport, about 20 minutes by taxi or 40 minutes by bus.

Complete the pre-arrival form

We can arrange for you to be met at the airport by a driver who will take you directly to your accommodation. We will send you a sign to help you locate your driver in the airport. To use this service you need to book in advance and tell us the details of your flight.

Arrange insurance

It's important to have health, medical and personal insurance to cover you while you are studying in New Zealand. Find out more on our Fees page. We recommend you have any health check ups and immunisations required before you leave home.

Essential documents

  • A valid passport with student visa.
  • Your letter of offer from the University of Auckland and/or Taylors College Auckland.
  • A copy of your Confirmation letter.
  • A certified true copy of your birth certificate, passport and visa.

Clothing and personal items

You can buy anything you need in Auckland, so you do not need to pack a huge bag. On campus, most students dress casually in jeans, t-shirts and trainers. It is easier to buy larger items like bedding, towels, cooking utensils and other household items when you arrive.

Summer days in Auckland can be warm (around 25°C) – bring sandals, shorts/skirts, t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts to protect from the sun, as well as sunglasses and a sun hat. Evenings are cooler, so bring trousers, a cardigan and light jumpers. In winter, temperatures can drop below 10°C. You will need warm clothing, including a coat, hat and scarf.

Other items:

  • personal items
  • iPad/laptop
  • mobile phone
  • cosmetics/toiletries
  • bilingual dictionary
  • home country driver's licence/international driver's licence
  • spectacle/contact lens prescription (if you wear glasses/contact lenses)
  • credit card
  • adapters: New Zealand uses angled two or three pin plug and uses 240 watts for electricity appliances, so you may need to bring an adapter.

Passenger Card

On the airplane to New Zealand, you will be given an Incoming Passenger Card by the Flight Attendants. The Passenger Card is a declaration that explains what you are bringing into New Zealand. It is important that you answer all the questions truthfully. If you do not, you may face serious penalties and your goods may be confiscated.

Food

New Zealand Customs are very strict about food being brought into the country. On arrival, you must declare any food to Customs, or put it in the rubbish bins in the Arrival Hall.

New Zealand has a large multicultural population, including a range of Asian supermarkets. Most foodstuffs from your home country can be bought in New Zealand.

For a list of what you are not allowed to bring into New Zealand, visit the New Zealand Customs Service website.

Your first week

Before you arrive in Auckland you might also like to research the campus and surrounding area. When you get to New Zealand, friendly staff at Taylors College Auckland will be available when you arrive to ensure you settle into student life easily. They will provide a comprehensive orientation programme, to make sure you have everything you need.

Hear about what to expect from staff and students in this video:

What happens on orientation day?

It's very important that you arrive at Taylors College Auckland in time for orientation, as many useful and important topics are covered, including:

  • registration: Passport, Visa, and medical insurance check and Health Information Forms
  • IT information
  • general College information
  • student Welfare information
  • morning tea
  • welcome from Taylors College Auckland's principal Lindsay Spedding
  • introduction to the Foundation Studies Certificate programme
  • explanations of the subjects and the university courses/careers these might lead on to. This is also a chance to meet your teachers and mentors
  • your timetable and tour of the College.
Numan from Kenya

"When I first arrived, it was a good experience because we got to meet new people and see how things work differently compared to back home. I was brought into a different perspective of understanding different cultures. It was a really good experience because it brought a different side to me. I really enjoyed it."

Numan from Kenya
Studying the Auckland Foundation Year (now replaced by the Foundation Studies Certificate)

Student handbook

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Looking for more information? Download our student handbook in order to have all the information you need in one easy to access place.

Apply now

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Read our helpful guide on application support and find out all you need to know about the application process at Taylors College Auckland.

Contact us

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Got any questions about studying with us? Read our frequently asked questions – or use our online form to enquire about anything else. We’re here to help.