Moving to Christchurch as a student

Christchurch is often considered the gateway to the South Island, but the city has more than enough to offer right on your doorstep. Students coming to study in Christchurch at one of the universities, colleges or higher education schools will be pleasantly surprised by the city, its people and the wealth of activites on offer. The University of Canterbury has over 10,000 students, of which 2,000 are international students. The city has been rebuilt following devastating earthquakes in recent years, giving it a quirky, modern feel. With beaches and mountains, art and nightlife, rolling hills and cityscapes, Christchurch offers the best of both worlds to those who choose to study there.

Discover nature in all its forms

New Zealand is undeniably one of the most uniquely beautiful countries in the world, and Christchurch is no exception. The variety of beaches are a draw for surfers and sunbathers alike in the summer, while the skiing conditions and hiking routes are superb – Canterbury has more skiing areas than anywhere else in the southern hemisphere! Christchurch is known as the ‘Garden City’ and for good reason – the parks, gardens and forests make the city a green oasis. For the more adventurous, there are white water rapids and nature reserves to observe the region’s wildlife in all its glory. Alternatively, you can punt gently along the river Avon that wends its way through the city.

Save money in Christchurch

Christchurch is fully embracing the 21st century and its international students – there’s an app for all international students to help them get to know the city! There are also tons of farmers and crafts markets to help you snag a bargain and save a bit of cash. The restaurants of Christchurch aren’t too expensive, but it helps to know where to look – check out Base Woodfired Pizza or Thai Container depending on your tastes. Students will all appreciate the offering of bars, pubs and clubs on offer, such as the famous Tequila Mockingbird and the cycling-themed Pedal Pusher. Save some cash by taking part in the city’s historic pastime of cycling! For students at the University of Canterbury, check out the student run blog for what’s going on in the city – they even have a section for volunteering if you fancy getting stuck into your new community.

Christchurch student city

What type of accommodation should I choose?

To get the most out of your time as a student in Christchurch, it’s vital that your find suitable, affordable accommodation that doesn’t eat up your whole budget for the month. Average rents in Christchurch are currently around $395 NZD per month – which are pretty cheap compared to other cities like Auckland. To save money and help you get settled in the region, why not look for a flatshare in Christchurch or a spare room with a landlord. It’s a great way to make new friends and the local knowledge of a live in landlord or flatmate can make the settling in process a whole lot easier.

Author: Roomlala

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