International

Accommodation

Find your student accommodation. 

• Location 

• Rent, flat or student village?
  Work out what kind of accommodation will work best for you. 

• Bond or security deposit
  Rentals in New Zealand generally require a bond or security deposit equivalent to four weeks’ rent. This is returned at the end of your tenancy if the rental is in good condition. 

Insurance

Get your travel and medical insurance. 

• Medical insurance 
  This is a requirement for everyone on a student visa. 

• Travel insurance 
  Travel insurance is a good idea in case something unexpected happens.

Money and banking 

• Choose your bank 
  Many banks offer student banking deals, so it’s worth doing some research. 

• Open an account 
  You can start the process from overseas. 

• Visit your local branch when you arrive 
  You’ll need to show ID and proof of address (you’ll get this at orientation). 

• Check your home bank’s international policies 
  You may be able to use your debit and credit cards from home, but international fees and currency conversions can be expensive. 

Tip: You may want to bring enough cash with you for your first week (NZD $500) 

Important documents

Make copies of important documents and pack in your carry-on luggage. This will make it easier to get documents replaced if you lose them. 

• Passport identification page 

• New Zealand visa 

• Driver’s license or other ID 

Emergency contact details 

In case you don’t have mobile data when you land, have important phone numbers written down. 

• Emergency
  In an emergency, you can call for fire/ambulance/police by dialling 111
  The International Student 24/7 emergency contact is 021 735 421 

• Insurance
  Your travel insurance plan’s phone number 

• Otago Polytechnic
  In New Zealand 0800 762 768
  International +64 3 477 3014 

Pack your luggage 

Make sure to pay attention to your luggage allowances – going over can be expensive. 

• Medication 

• Travel and ID documents

• Clothes
  Check the season and climate for the city where you’ll be living.

• Toiletries
  Pack enough for one week, you can easily buy more once you’re settled. 

• Electronic devices 
  Like your phone, laptop and/or tablet (and chargers). Check if your devices will need adapters.