Details

• New Zealand
• BBE-18
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Since the application process changed a bit I can only give general tips, like showing that you really want to go on exchange and have good reasoning for it. Preparation for the exchange takes quite some time, since there is a lot of organisational things to handle before going. Try to make sure to submit everything on time. In New Zealand in particular, the preparation time overlaps with busy season at WU (if you go on exchange in WS), since the semester starts in July.

2. Accommodation

Most students live in student accomodation from the university, which is handled via Unilodge. The application process takes a while. I lived in the category 'Student Houses', which are actual 'family' houses around the campus. They are great, since you live in a fully equiped house (even with garage) with 1-3 other internationals and you have a lot of space and privacy. There are also events within the student houses category, which is great to get to know the other people and we had a nice community in the end. I chose the double bed option, which was also a good decision in my case since I got a really big room with a lot of space. The other category I know of is called 'Sonoda'. It's a room in a dorm, where you share kitchen and bathroom with others. It's a bit further from the campus. The advantage here is that there is a cleaning service. Since the price is similar, I would recommend choosing Student Houses (or even ask to switch if you are allocated). I know that locals who have shared flats pay quite a bit less, but I think it is way harder to find a spot (maybe via Facebook) and also it might be harder to get into an international community. I would consider Christchurch as a very safe city, I never had any problems.

3. Academic life at host university

I would say that the university is similar to WU. The campus infrastructure is good, just the library is crowded during exam period (same as at WU). There are printers, study spaces, vending machines, rooms you can book etc. There are a few food/coffee options on campus and other places to hang out. I experienced the academic culture as quite relaxed. I would say the teaching style is less interactive than at WU, but it definitely depends on the courses you take. Most lectures were recorded in my case and no strict attendance requirements.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport in Christchurch is just buses, they are quite useful sometimes and you pay for each ride individually. Also biking is nice in Christchurch. The country, city and especially the university area are all very safe in my experience. University life is organised a lot in different student clubs. There are clubs in all different fields. It's great to meet people and try out new things. I can recommend the CUTC - Canterbury University Tramping Club, they have a gear shed where you can rent equipment for hiking, camping etc. There is a University gym, which is rather small but offers some fun sports courses as well and is for free. They are currently building a new one. Events are organized by Unilodge (housing provider), the UCSA (studend association), the different student clubs or just house parties and individual events. Hiking/Tramping is a big thing in New Zealand and i can highly recommend it. Quite a few people (including me) from the internationals got a car, since it allows you to travel the country. It is great to have this freedom for weekend trips and to discover the country more, but of course it also involves some financial risk. (As a reference, I bought and sold my car for around 2,000€ on Facebook marketplace, so I got lucky that there were no issues with the car)

6. Testimonial

The exchange semester was awesome. I can highly recommend it to everyone thinking about it, since you will leave with a ton of new friends from all around the world, incredible memories that last a lifetime and a special connection to a place far away from home. While it is a big investment, I don't regret it at all.