32
2019 Getting Started Kia rite
2019
GettingStartedKia rite
2 Victoria University of Wellington
“Take advantage of everything Victoria University of Wellington has to offer. Get involved—there’s so much to explore, learn, and achieve at the University and in Wellington.” Isacc Patelu Student, Bachelor of Arts
Getting Started 2019 1
3 Nau mai, haere mai
4 Getting prepared
6 The first trimester of your first year
8 Before you arrive
10 Once you arrive
14 New Students’ Orientation 16 Be ready to start classes
18 Meeting other students
22 Wellington and New Zealand
25 Glossary
28 Kelburn campus map
CONTENTS
You have received this booklet because you are new to Victoria University of Wellington and we want to welcome you and ensure your experience here is successful. Coming to a new place can be daunting, so this booklet provides information about key things you need to know and do. Included are:
n useful checklists to go through—even before you arrive at the University
n links to further information online
n advice from current students
n information for specific groups of students
n contact information for various services if you need advice or support.
Important notice: Victoria University of Wellington uses all reasonable skill and care to ensure the information contained in this document is accurate at the time of being made available. However, matters covered by this document are subject to change due to a continuous process of review and to unanticipated circumstances. The University therefore reserves the right to make any changes without notice. So far as the law permits, the University accepts no responsibility for any loss suffered by any person due to reliance (either in whole or in part) on the information contained in this document, whether direct or indirect and whether foreseeable or not.
Cover: The kaokao pattern featured represents support, strength, and unity. This pattern is based on the tukutuku wall panel inside Te Herenga Waka marae on the Kelburn campus.
PIPITEA CAMPUS
KELBURN CAMPUSTE ARO CAMPUS
Getting Started 2019 3
NAU MAI,HAERE MAI
“I warmly welcome you. You will be part of a supportive community, and I assure you that we will help you find your way.”
Being a new student is both exciting and daunting—whether it’s your first time at university, you’re embarking on postgraduate study, or you’ve just moved to Wellington.
I warmly welcome you. You will be part of a supportive community, and I assure you that we will help you find your way.
Victoria University of Wellington offers a student experience that is second to none. Wellington is a fantastic city in which to be a student—it’s safe, vibrant, and welcoming. It’s home to a capital-city community packed with leaders, creators, thinkers, dreamers, doers, and lovers of life. The opportunities here are limitless.
This booklet is designed to help you on the first part of your journey at the University. It’s full of information about how to prepare for university life, how to get the best out of your studies, and how to ensure your time here, inside and outside the classroom, is rich and rewarding.
You’ve made a great decision to join our University community. If you need some advice or run into a problem—academic, financial, social, personal—there is always someone who can help.
Welcome.
Professor Grant GuilfordVice-Chancellor
TE ARO CAMPUS
4 Victoria University of Wellington
GETTING PREPARED We asked our students about their experiences during their first few months on campus.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Differences between school and university
There’s more workload, but it’s far
more enjoyable.
I feel like what I’m studying is actually
leading me somewhere.
Much more independent
thought is allowed.
Having the opportunity to find and make
friends is always good.
I’m responsible for my own success now—it’s very
exciting.
I grew more independent
during Trimester 1.
At uni, people want to do well and it’s
seen as more socially acceptable.
You have to work more
independently and push yourself.
Getting Started 2019 5
Tips from students who have ‘been there and done that’
You get back what you put in. It’s not
always about who is smarter—it’s about
who is most dedicated to their own success.
I wish I’d known that readings were actually
very important and that I needed to stay
on top of them.
Be confident and don’t worry about what others think.
Time management will help you to balance your study,
home, and social life at university—it’s not always easy, but it doesn’t have to
be hard.
Using the services available will really
help you get a better grade.
Do not underestimate the workload of
studying, but getting to meet new people is definitely the best
part of life at the University.
6 Victoria University of Wellington
THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF YOUR FIRST YEAR
THE FIRST WEEKS OF STUDY SIX-WEEK DIP
February–March AprilGet prepared
Realityn New challenges and experiences n Living away from home, new country, culture, language, and lifestylen Being independentn Meeting new peoplen Worrying about skills and new courses n Feeling homesick
Preparation and supportn Find your way n Find out about student services n Plan your study routinen Check the free Student Learning workshops availablen Check your course outlinesn Make course changes by the end of the second week n Meet faculty staffn Have fun and make friendsn Treat your study like a job
Reality n Struggling with the new environment n Course doubts—can I do this?n Pressure, high workload, and assignments due n Do I need to upskill? n Handling new relationships, living situation, and homesickness n Possible health issues n Money issues
Preparation and support n Take action n Get learning advice—tutors, student learning advisers, and workshopsn Get advice—budgeting, personal, and health n Remember when you have faced hard things before and build on thatn Plan how to use the mid-trimester break
Follow thechecklists on
pages 8–12
Go to New Students’
Orientation
Make aneffort to meet
people
THERE WILL BE UPS AND DOWNS!
Getting Started 2019 7
SETTLING IN EXAMS
May June July
Reality n New strategies support a more proactive study routinen Excitement about social and academic life at university
Preparation and support n Keep seeking help/workshops if neededn Balance study/work/socialising/ sleep/eating and exercisen Check budget regularly
Reality n Self-doubt as you hit ‘crunch time’— final assessments and examsn Stress, pressure, and worryn Possible health worries
Preparation and supportn Check exam details n Attend exam preparation workshops at Student Learningn Take care of yourself—eat, sleep, and exercise n If stressed, seek confidential help at Mauri Ora or Victoria International n Think and act positively
MID-TRIMESTER BREAK Time to take stock, catch up, and get sorted for the second half. This is not a holiday, but time to study without lectures and tutorials.
The end of your first trimester
REALITY n Celebrate and/or reflect on your trimester. n Confirm your courses for next trimester.n Enjoy the break—travel home, explore Wellington, travel New Zealand.
PREPARATION AND SUPPORT n Get course advice from your faculty if you are adjusting your programme.n Enjoy the mid-year break—catch up with friends and family.n Get mentally ready for next trimester.
CELEBRATION!
8 Victoria University of Wellington
KEY DATESKey dates for the University are on our website.
www.victoria.ac.nz/dates
Use this checklist to make sure you are set up for study at Victoria University of Wellington.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
GoalsSet your career and study goals.
www.victoria.ac.nz/careers
www.victoria.ac.nz/course-advice
EnrolmentOnce your Offer of Study has been accepted, confirm your enrolment.
www.victoria.ac.nz/accepting-your-offer
International students complete enrolment during International Orientation.
www.victoria.ac.nz/international-enrolment
FeesAny tuition fees and levies for domestic students are due the Friday before courses start. To avoid a late payment penalty, make sure you pay on time, have an approved Student Loan, or have confirmed your eligibility for the Tertiary Education Commission to pay on your behalf under the Government’s Fees Free tertiary initiative.
www.victoria.ac.nz/fees
www.feesfree.govt.nz
Apply early for a Student Loan. You don’t need to be accepted or enrolled to start the process.
www.studylink.govt.nz
Student Finance advisers can answer your queries.
www.victoria.ac.nz/financial-advice
International students must pay their fees in full before enrolment is completed and to fulfil visa requirements.
www.victoria.ac.nz/international-fees
Getting Started 2019 9
AccommodationMake sure you have arranged your accommodation.
www.victoria.ac.nz/accommodation
Campus CoachesConnect with other new students through the Campus Coaches programme. Find your way around and learn about the University from current students.
www.victoria.ac.nz/campus-coaches
DisabilityVictoria University of Wellington welcomes students with ongoing or temporary impairments. Contact Disability Services early to ensure your needs can be met.
www.victoria.ac.nz/disability
HealthRegister online with Student Health to receive free routine appointments on campus. You can book an appointment at our Kelburn or Pipitea clinics in person or over the phone.
04 463 5308
www.victoria.ac.nz/student-health
Immunisations/vaccinationsStaying healthy and protecting yourself from preventable illness while you are studying is important. We recommend that all students are fully immunised, including against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), meningococcal ACWY, and pertussis (whooping cough). The varicella (chicken pox) immunisation is recommended for students who have not had chicken pox or have not already completed a course of the varicella immunisation.
There is a cost for the meningococcal ACWY, pertussis, and varicella immunisations. There is no cost for the MMR immunisation. If you are not able to have these immunisations before arriving on campus, you can book an appointment to have them at Student Health, ideally during New Students’ Orientation.
www.victoria.ac.nz/student-heath
International Buddy programmeSign up for a buddy and get first-hand information from a current university student.
www.victoria.ac.nz/international-buddy
Social mediaConnect with us on our social media channels to keep up with news, events, competitions, and information—follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. Make sure to use #VicUniWgtn on Instagram and Twitter to share your student experience with us.
www.victoria.ac.nz/social-media
TextbooksYou can order all your essential course material from the Vic Books website—enter your course code (e.g. CLAS 101) into the ‘Shop Search’ in the top-right corner. You can also look at other sites for your textbooks; you might be able to get them second-hand. Textbooks included on your course reading lists are also made available for short-term loan at the University’s campus libraries.
www.vicbooks.co.nz
WGTN HallSign up to a ‘hall without walls’ for Wellington-based first-year students who are not living in a hall of residence.
www.victoria.ac.nz/wgtn-hall
10 Victoria University of Wellington
ONCE YOU ARRIVE
Activate your University loginOnce enrolled, you will be given a username. Use this to access student computers, Wi-Fi, and printing. Your username is on the top right of your Confirmation of Study email or form.
If you are an international student, you will receive your username after you have completed your enrolment in person during International Orientation.
To set your password, go to https://password.student.vuw.ac.nz and enter your username (the first six characters of your surname, followed by the first four characters of your first name).
A security code will be sent to the email address you entered at enrolment. Enter this code on the website and then choose a password.
If you have trouble logging in to your account, phone 0800 842 867 (0800 VICTORIA).
www.victoria.ac.nz/mytools
Apply for a Community Services CardYou may qualify for a Community Services Card, which will make your health services cheaper. The Work and Income website has details of how to apply.
www.workandincome.govt.nz
This card is not available to international students. International students have medical and travel insurance to cover the cost of health services while studying in New Zealand.
www.victoria.ac.nz/international-insurance
www.victoria.ac.nz/international-insurance-claim
Apply for your tertiary transport concessionAll full-time or limited full-time students studying at Victoria University of Wellington are eligible for a 25 percent discount off the peak adult Snapper or single 10-trip ticket fare on Metlink bus, rail, and ferry services.
You’ll need to apply for a concession at the start of each year of full-time study—find out how to access your discount on the University website.
www.victoria.ac.nz/tertiary-concession
Check your Blackboard accountBlackboard is an online system in which your lecturer communicates with the class and sets readings. It is very important to check this regularly to stay up to date with your courses.
https://blackboard.vuw.ac.nz
Check your timetableLog on to myTimetable using your University username and password. Note that classes at the Kelburn campus start on the hour in the morning and 10 minutes past the hour in the afternoon. Classes at Pipitea and Te Aro campuses start on the half hour.
www.victoria.ac.nz/timetables
Getting Started 2019 11
“Have a timetable up on your wall with anything you are committed to during the week. Check your course outline.”
12 Victoria University of Wellington
Collect your Student IDYour card will be available when your enrolment is complete and applicable fees are paid. It is your library card, as well as your student discount card. From Monday 18 February until Thursday 7 March 2019, you can collect your card between 9 am and 4 pm at the Student Lounge (SUB216), Level 2, Student Union building, Kelburn campus. After those dates, go to the Enrolment counter on Level 1 of the Hunter building. If you are a distance student, your card will be posted to you after you have emailed your photo to [email protected]
www.victoria.ac.nz/id
Find all your classroomsMake sure you know where your lectures and tutorials are before your classes begin.
www.victoria.ac.nz/finding-your-way
Note study breaks, assessment due dates, and exam times in your diary or phoneMake a note of key dates and check each of your course outlines for your assessment due dates.
www.victoria.ac.nz/dates
Purchase your textbooksSee page 9.
www.vicbooks.co.nz
Read your course outlines Each course has a course outline that is accessible on the University website using the course finder. Course outlines are also available on Blackboard. Read the outlines carefully,
as they provide information on course readings and requirements, tutorials, and assessment due dates.
https://blackboard.vuw.ac.nz
www.victoria.ac.nz/courses
Set up your emailThe University’s main channel of communication is through your University email address, which was sent to you when you enrolled. To access your email account, click on the email link in myTools. You will need to sign into the mail system with your University username and password.
www.victoria.ac.nz/mytools
Visit Victoria Info IhonuiAsk questions and get directions from the friendly staff at the Victoria Info Ihonui locations.
www.victoria.ac.nz/info-ihonui
“Download the campus map on your phone so it looks like you’re just checking your phone when you’re completely lost!”
Find your way around WellingtonOrient yourself: find your local supermarket, bank, and post office; locate your campus; and discover Wellington’s attractions.
www.wellingtonnz.com/discover
Getting Started 2019 13
“I needed time to adjust to my new life here at Victoria University of Wellington—time makes everything easier!”
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTSFind out more about what to do when you first arrive.
www.victoria.ac.nz/international/start
Phoning homeFree SIM cards are provided in your Welcome Bag through our arrival meeting service, or collect one from Victoria International. Call your family to let them know you have arrived safely and advise them of your new contact details.
www.victoria.ac.nz/international-phones
BankingOpen a New Zealand bank account that has an eftpos (debit) card, as this is the safest way to access your money while in New Zealand. To open an account, most banks require a Confirmation of Study, proof of address, a copy of your student visa, and identification, such as your passport and your tax identification number (TIN) from your home country.
www.victoria.ac.nz/international-banking
International Orientation and enrolmentOrientation is a mandatory two-day programme for all new international students and is held on the Kelburn campus. At Orientation, you will get all the information you need to complete your enrolment. It will also prepare you for your life in New Zealand—including getting you set up for study, familiarising you with Wellington and New Zealand, and helping you adjust to the cultural differences you may experience living here.
You can also attend other New Students’ Orientation events to get to know more about the University and your faculty and to meet other new students.
www.victoria.ac.nz/international-orientation
www.victoria.ac.nz/orientation
14 Victoria University of Wellington
NEW STUDENTS’ORIENTATIONOrientation is a week-long series of workshops and sessions to help you make the most of your time at the University. This is an opportunity to explore and connect with the University, find out crucial information about university life, and meet awesome new people. Orientation takes place the week before the trimester begins (two weeks before for international students). Trimester 1 is our biggest intake of new students, and a full programme is offered with events and information sessions for all students. Specific sessions are available for international, Māori, Pasifika, mature, postgraduate, and refugee-background students.
www.victoria.ac.nz/orientation
www.victoria.ac.nz/international-orientation
Victoria Info IhonuiOnce you get on campus, you’ll have lots of questions and will need to find your way. The friendly staff at Victoria Info Ihonui will help you. The Info Ihonui are at these locations:
n Level 2, Library entrance, the Hub, Kelburn Campus
n Level 1, Hunter Building, Kelburn Campus
n Level 4, Murphy Building, Kelburn Campus
n Ground Floor, Rutherford House, Pipitea Campus
n Ground Floor, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Te Aro Campus
n Level 1, Miramar Creative Centre
n Level 4, 50 Kitchener Street, Auckland premises.
www.victoria.ac.nz/info-ihonui
OWeek—entertainment side of orientationStart your year off with some fun during OWeek, which will be run by the Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA) from Monday 25 February until Friday 8 March 2019.
Check out as many events as you can, make some new mates, party at our music gigs, have a laugh, and get involved with university life outside the classroom.
www.vuwsa.org.nz/oweek
Orientation fitness membership specialTake advantage of Victoria Recreation’s Orientation fitness membership special, which is available for two weeks only, from Monday 25 February 2019.
Social sportsSign up for a social sports league as a team or an individual from Monday 4 March 2019, or come along to any of our weekly Just Play sessions throughout the year.
www.victoria.ac.nz/recreation
Clubs exposThe University’s clubs expos provide new students with a great chance to find and connect with their club of choice. Joining a club is an excellent way to meet new people and have some fun.
Trimester 1 Clubs ExpoWhen 10 am–2 pm, Tuesday 5–Thursday 7 March
Where The Hub, Kelburn campusTrimester 2 Clubs ExpoWhen 10 am–2 pm, Tuesday 16–Wednesday 17 July
Where The Hub, Kelburn campus
www.victoria.ac.nz/clubs
Getting Started 2019 15
“In Orientation week, get out and do anything you can—social events and preparing for education. It’s good getting comfortable at uni, so then it’s easier to relax in class and pay attention to your work.”
“Come with an open mind and be ready to question how you know what you think you know.”
BE READY TOSTART CLASSES
Sign up for tutorialsMost courses at the University consist of two or three 50-minute lectures per week, plus one 50-minute tutorial or lab.
Tutorials are small-group teaching sessions led by a tutor or lecturer to provide the opportunity for discussion, experiments, project work, and individual assistance. Attendance at tutorials may be mandatory to meet your course requirements—check your course outline for information about tutorial requirements for individual courses.
Sign up to your tutorials separately through myAllocator. Many sign-ups open prior to the trimester starting—check Blackboard or your email for notifications.
www.victoria.ac.nz/tutorial-signup
Changing your coursesTo change or withdraw from a course, you can go online and select Student Records from myTools. In Student Records, use ‘Add/Drop Courses’ to submit your changes.
www.victoria.ac.nz/mytools
Alternatively, you can email or visit your Faculty Student and Academic Services Office.
www.victoria.ac.nz/faculty-offices
It’s important that you make any changes before the deadline (the end of the second week of classes for Trimesters 1 and 2) so that you can get a fees refund, if applicable.
Some Trimester 3 courses may have shorter deadlines for changing or withdrawing—check online or contact your Faculty Student and Academic Services Office to confirm.
www.victoria.ac.nz/add-drop
Consider using myDegree to ensure any changes you make to your courses will help you complete your qualification.
www.victoria.ac.nz/mydegree
Get study helpFor general study and academic writing advice, Student Learning provides workshops, one-to-one appointments, and library help desk sessions. All students are welcome.
www.victoria.ac.nz/student-learning
Join a library tourThe University has four libraries, with a range of resources, facilities, and staff to support your study. Look for library tours during New Students’ Orientation Week and in the first week of Trimester 1.
www.victoria.ac.nz/library
International students should consult with Victoria International before dropping courses, as there may be visa implications.
www.victoria.ac.nz/international
Getting Started 2019 17
“It’s a cliché, but no question is too small, and every bit of help can add to your success.”
“Tutorials are the best thing about uni. You obviously have a common interest with the people in your class. It’s easy to start a conversation—you can make good new friendships at tutorials.”
Log in to Wi-FiAll campuses have computers for student use. You can also log in to the University’s free secure Wi-Fi with your computer or phone by using your University login details.
www.victoria.ac.nz/set-up-online
Saving your workYou will get your own online workspace—a secure disk space on which you can store personal files. To be safe, you should save all your files to your H drive and back them up on a USB.
PrintingYou can top up and check the balance of your printing account on any DocuPOS kiosk or by logging in to the printing portal, accessed via myTools, and clicking on the ‘Cashier’ quick link, or ask at one of the Victoria Info Ihonui.
www.victoria.ac.nz/mytools
Use myTools to access all your digital tools to help you manage your studies.
www.victoria.ac.nz/mytools
18 Victoria University of Wellington
MEETING OTHER STUDENTSCampus CoachesCampus Coaches will be on campus to help you with your transition to university. A Campus Coach is an experienced student who leads faculty-specific group activities and events during your first two weeks on campus. You will have the opportunity to meet other new students in a Campus Coach group who study similar subjects to you. Alternatively, you can get a one-off personalised Campus Coach tour to help you find your way around during New Students’ Orientation.
www.victoria.ac.nz/campus-coaches
ChaplainciesThe University chaplains offer pastoral and practical support for all, regardless of belief. They also seek to nurture the spirituality of students and staff at the University, with regular events, hospitality, and Christian worship. If you need someone to talk to in confidence about faith, God, or study, or just about life, drop them a line.
www.victoria.ac.nz/chaplains
Berrigan HouseBerrigan House, at 4 Kelburn Parade, is a welcoming Catholic house of hospitality in the radical tradition of the Catholic Worker Movement. Midday mass and lunch are held every Monday.
Ramsey HouseRamsey House, at 8 Kelburn Parade, is the home of Koha Coffee, the University’s not-for-profit, student-run café, where you can get top tea and coffee for a koha. Kick back in the Koha lounge, have a quiet muse in the retro-styled library, or come and explore the difference prayer makes to life. Ramsey House is also the home of the chaplains on campus.
Pipitea Chaplaincy The chaplains are at Pipitea campus too—find them in Room RH112, Level 1, Rutherford House.
International Buddy programmeSign up for a buddy and get first-hand information from a current Victoria University of Wellington student. Your buddy will welcome you, help you find out about the University, provide advice about local customs and living in Wellington, and take you to special events to meet other buddies and international students.
www.victoria.ac.nz/international-buddy
“If you put your mind to it, you will succeed. Akamaroiroi—stay strong.”
“Take advantage of everything and anything the University has to offer. I think knowing that someone always has your back for anything and everything makes things way easier for you to allow time to study, to work, and to do everything else.”
Leadership programmesChallenge yourself, develop confidence, and get involved in valuable learning experiences and seminars. Students who complete the University’s extracurricular programmes receive awards recognising outstanding achievement.
www.victoria.ac.nz/vilp
www.victoria.ac.nz/victoria-plus
Māori studentsNau mai, haere mai ki te Whare Wānanga o te Upoko o te Ika a Māui.
As part of New Students’ Orientation, a pōhiri will be held at Te Herenga Waka marae to welcome you and your whānau to our community. Come along, meet other students and staff, and get connected with the services at the University.
Whakaarahia ake ngā pou o tō whare—pitch the pillars of your own destiny.
www.victoria.ac.nz/maori-at-victoria
Mature studentsA mature students’ session is held during New Students’ Orientation. Come along and hear from current mature students, pick up study tips, network with other students, and find out about our learning services.
The Mature Students’ Group is a support network for all mature students at the University. Members meet regularly to chat about study, technology, and everything else to help support each other.
www.victoria.ac.nz/mature-students
“The whanaungatanga provided by the University has made me feel like I belong here.”
Muslim prayer roomsMuslim prayer rooms are in the following locations:
n Kelburn Campus—Rooms KK202A (males) and KK201 (females), Kirk Building
n Pipitea Campus—Room RH501, Rutherford House
n Te Aro Campus—Room VS324.
www.facebook.com/VicMuslimsClub
20 Victoria University of Wellington
Getting Started 2019 21
Staff from this network can connect you to people and services that can help support your studies and enable you to make the most out of your time in Wellington. They also run events from time to time throughout the year.
www.victoria.ac.nz/refugee-background-students
Students with familiesWe welcome students with families and understand the challenges of juggling family commitments with study. Students have access to two early childhood services on the Kelburn campus, and baby changing and breastfeeding facilities across campuses.
www.victoria.ac.nz/students-with-families
WGTN HallWGTN Hall is a ‘hall without walls’, giving first-year students who are not living in a hall of residence the chance to participate in the activities, sports, and academic sessions usually offered by halls. The programme of activities, run by students for students, is designed to help you get involved and make the most of your first year at Victoria University of Wellington. WGTN Hall coordinators are senior students who help provide a supportive environment, run events, and act as mentors.
www.victoria.ac.nz/wgtn-hall
“The best thing is getting involved in as much activity around campus as you can. The International Buddy programme, volunteering, and getting involved with new students are so great.”
Pasifika studentsTalofa lava, malo e lelei, fakalofa lahi atu, kia orana, ni san bula vinaka, halo olgeta, and a warm Pacific welcome to you.
New Students’ Orientation is a time when new Pasifika students gather to connect with each other, our staff, and student leaders to build a community. Pasifika Haos is a place of belonging for all Pasifika students at the University, and we have many support staff and services willing to help you with your studies.
www.victoria.ac.nz/pasifika
Rainbow studentsWe welcome queer and questioning students of all genders and sexual identities to the University. Come along to a welcome for rainbow students during New Students’ Orientation and meet the rainbow and inclusion adviser and members of UniQ—our representative group for rainbow students.
www.victoria.ac.nz/rainbow
www.facebook.com/uniq.victoria.9
Refugee-background studentsSalaam, minghala, soo dhowow, vanakkam, merhaba, marhaba, ahlan wa sahlan, bienvenidos, wilujeng sumping, namaste, kia ora, and a warm welcome to all students from refugee backgrounds.
You are invited to a lunch held during New Students’ Orientation Week for all new and returning students from refugee backgrounds. Come and meet other students, as well as members of the Victoria Network to Support Refugee-Background Students.
22 Victoria University of Wellington
WELLINGTON AND NEW ZEALAND
“In Wellington, you can both experience an urban lifestyle and be close to nature—it’s a very walkable city.”
Getting aroundWellington is a multicultural city, full of open and friendly people. There are some good places to walk around to feel the vibe of what Lonely Planet called the ‘coolest little capital in the world’.
Download a map of Wellington to orient yourself and find out about the many things to do in Wellington.
www.wellingtonnz.com
WalkingWellington is easy to explore on foot, and you’ll get used to walking up hills. Because Wellington is so small, it’s easy to find your way around the city without paying for transport.
There are pedestrian shortcuts from downtown Wellington to the Kelburn campus—download maps to explore different ways to get to campus.
www.victoria.ac.nz/transport
CyclingThere are some great areas of Wellington city to cycle around, especially on the waterfront. Remember—ride to be seen, wear a cycle helmet, and obey the road rules.
Buses and trainsBuses and trains in Wellington are operated by Metlink.
Single tickets can be bought from the driver when getting on a bus. If you plan to use a bus regularly, it’s cheaper to buy a Snapper card and load it up with credit. Tag your Snapper card when you get on and off the bus, and the cost of your trip will be deducted automatically and the fare discounted at a rate of at least 20 percent. Snapper cards can be bought and topped up at many supermarkets and dairies, and at kiosks on the Kelburn campus.
These are some of the useful bus routes for students:
n Between the Pipitea and Kelburn campuses, catch the number 22 bus from outside Rutherford House or the number 37 bus from Lambton Quay. They both stop on Kelburn Parade.
n Between Kelburn and Te Aro campuses, catch the number 18e or number 21 bus.
Bus timetables are free, and you can collect them from Victoria Info Ihonui.
Trains link Wellington with the towns and suburbs to the north of the city. Single train tickets can be purchased at the Wellington railway station or on the train. Return tickets, monthly passes, and 10-trip tickets are also available.
Getting Started 2019 23
The best place for up-to-date bus and train timetable and route information is the Metlink website.
www.metlink.org.nz
Tertiary travel discountAll eligible full-time or limited full-time Victoria University of Wellington students will receive a 25 percent discount off the peak adult Snapper or single 10-trip ticket fare on Metlink bus, rail, and ferry services. Find out how to access your tertiary concession online.
www.victoria.ac.nz/tertiary-concession
“I’m so glad I chose Wellington. It’s small, compact, has a really cool atmosphere, and is such a cool city to immerse yourself in.”
Cultural adjustmentFor students new to Wellington and New Zealand, there is a wealth of information available online about the culture, people, and place to help you adjust to your new environment.
www.victoria.ac.nz/international-medical
www.wellingtonnz.com/life-in-wellington
www.wellingtonnz.com/study
www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/why-nz
www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-community
“I enjoy walking around Oriental Bay beach after I have finished studying for the day. It helps me relax.”
24 Victoria University of Wellington
Getting Started 2019 25
(1/3): A first-trimester course that runs from February until July.
(1+2/3): A course that runs for the first two trimesters, from February until November.
(2/3): A second-trimester course that runs from July until November.
(3/3): A third-trimester, or summer, course that runs from either November until December, January until February, or November until February.
admission: This describes the process where your eligibility to attend Victoria University of Wellington is assessed. There are different admission types depending on your previous qualifications. You need to ensure you apply by the due dates and satisfy any other specific degree requirements.
Bachelor’s degree: A first or undergraduate degree. We also use the terms ‘degree programme’ or ‘programme of study’ to refer to the overall programme you are studying.
Blackboard: Many lecturers put lecture notes and other important information on Blackboard, which is accessed online.
bridging course: A course to help prepare you for university study.
Certificate of Proficiency: You can enrol in a Certificate of Proficiency if you want to do a course without counting it towards a Victoria University of Wellington qualification. You still need to gain admission to the University.
conjoint degree programme: A specialised programme in which you study courses for two Bachelor’s degrees at the
same time. Students must maintain a B– grade average each year to remain in a conjoint programme. The degrees are awarded together.
corequisite (C): A course that must be taken at the same time as, or before, another course.
course: A block of work in a field of study which has a points value assigned to it, for example, ACCY 111 is worth 15 points (see ‘points’).
course code: Each course has a code of four letters and three numbers. The letters show the subject, and the numbers show the level. For example, CHEM 113 is a Chemistry course at 100 level; ENGL 234 is an English Literature course at 200 level.
course outline: Information about assessment, course learning objectives, and assignments—found online through the course finder or available on Blackboard.
course reference number (CRN): A number that identifies each course offering. Not the same as a course code, as it also identifies the stream (see ‘stream’). A CRN can be three, four, or five digits long and is always preceded by the letters CRN; for example, CRN 2166.
cross credit: A course is cross credited when it counts towards more than one degree—this applies to students studying for conjoint degrees. Talk to your Faculty Student and Academic Services Office about cross crediting.
degree: A qualification gained by completing certain requirements, including the number of points, level of study, and subject combinations. Sometimes referred to as a programme. A Bachelor’s degree takes at least three years of full-time study.
degree programme: See ‘programme of study’.
diploma: A qualification that can be at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
GLOSSARY
26 Victoria University of Wellington
direct entry: If you have excellent academic results from school, you may be able to skip some 100-level courses and be admitted to 200-level courses by direct entry.
Discretionary Entrance: A form of admission for students wanting to enrol at university directly from Year 12, students making an application following an exchange to an overseas secondary school, or students who wish to enrol in preparatory courses at the University during the summer trimester before their entrance results are available.
double major: When you are enrolled in two majors within the same degree.
enrolment application: The process of applying (usually online) to study at the University.
faculty: A unit within a university, comprising a number of schools. Victoria University of Wellington has eight teaching faculties: Architecture and Design; Education; Engineering; Health; Humanities and Social Sciences; Law; Science; and Victoria Business School. Each teaches and administers a range of programmes.
first-year student: A student who has never studied at a New Zealand university.
full-time student: For Student Allowance/Student Loan purposes, a full-time student is one studying at least 96 points in a full year (that is, over Trimesters 1 , 2, and 3) or at least 48 points in a half year. Part-time students do fewer than 96 points a year.
Guaranteed Entry Score (GES): The rank score you need to be accepted automatically into a Victoria University of Wellington degree.
lab: See ‘tutorial’.
lecture: A university class where all students enrolled in a course are taught by a lecturer. Lectures can include as many as 350 students.
limited entry: A course or programme where a limit is placed on numbers of students. Limited-entry courses have earlier application dates than open-entry courses, and entry is normally based on selection.
major: The field of study you specialise in and take to 300 level. You can also do a double major, specialising in two fields of study within the same degree.
minor: A smaller concentration in one field of study than a major, made up of 60 points at 200- and 300-level courses. You can do minors in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design Innovation, Bachelor of Health, and Bachelor of Science.
myAllocator: A tool to sign up to tutorials and labs and plan your timetable.
myDegree: A degree planning tool.
myTimetable: Your online timetable, including your lectures, tutorials, and labs.
myTools: An online space where you can access a number of your digital tools, including Blackboard, emails, myAllocator, myDegree, and myTimetable.
Offer of Place: Victoria University of Wellington’s response to international students’ enrolment application, informing you that you have been accepted to study your programme of choice at the University. This Offer will confirm any conditions you must meet before you apply for your student visa and will confirm the documentation you must bring to New Zealand to complete your enrolment. Accepting an Offer of Place does not confirm your enrolment—international students complete their enrolment during International Orientation.
Offer of Study: Victoria University of Wellington’s response to domestic students’ enrolment application, informing you of the qualification(s) and courses in which the University is offering you a place and how much this will cost you.
Getting Started 2019 27
Your Offer of Study is usually conditional on your meeting certain requirements, such as supplying documentation and meeting admission requirements (e.g. when your results are available). You must accept your Offer of Study by the due date in order to be enrolled fully.
points: Every course is worth a certain number of points. Each course you pass gives you points towards the total required for your degree. Most courses are worth either 15 or 20 points.
postgraduate: Study done at a higher level after you have completed an undergraduate degree.
prerequisite (P): A course that must be passed before you can take another particular course, usually at a higher level.
primary enrolment period: For 2019, this is from 1 October 2018 until 20 January 2019. All students intending to study during Trimesters 1, 2, or 3 in 2019 should apply during this period.
programme of study: The overall group of courses you enrol in for your degree—including the required courses for the major(s), minor(s), or specialisation(s) you wish to complete.
qualification assessment: If you have qualifications from another tertiary institution or from outside New Zealand, your qualification may be assessed for admission to Victoria University of Wellington.
restricted course (X): A course that is so similar to another course that you cannot enrol in both.
restricted enrolment: The requirements under the Academic Progress Statute that restrict or limit students’ enrolment if they are not making adequate progress.
returning student: A student whose most recent enrolment was at Victoria University of Wellington.
schedule: A list of courses that are offered for a particular qualification. Degree schedules and full degree regulations are in the University Calendar at www.victoria.ac.nz/calendar
Special Admission: A form of admission, usually for applicants 20 years or older who have not met other university admission requirements.
stream: Some courses are taught in streams to accommodate large numbers of students. The same course may be taught at different campuses or at different times of the week.
studio: See ‘tutorial’.
transfer of credit: If you have already started a degree or have done some study at degree level (at another tertiary institution), you may be able to transfer some of the points you have completed into a Victoria University of Wellington degree. Check with your Faculty Student and Academic Services Office about regulations.
transferring student: A student whose most recent enrolment was at another New Zealand university. Transferring students are subject to the Academic Progress Statute.
trimester: The University has three trimesters. Trimester 1 is from February until July, Trimester 2 is from July until November, and Trimester 3 (the summer trimester) can be either November to December, January to February, or November to February. The trimesters are often written as 1/3, 2/3, and 3/3.
tutorial: A university class led by a tutor (teacher) where a small group of students discuss topics from their course and get individual help. Students studying some sciences and ‘hands on’ subjects such as Architecture or Design will also have practical classes, called labs or studios. In some courses, attendance at tutorials is mandatory to meet course requirements.
undergraduate degree: A Bachelor’s, or first, degree.
28 Victoria University of Wellington
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321 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
Salam
anca
Road (S
R)
Mount Street (MO)
Kelburn Parade (KP)
Kelburn Parade (KP)
Kelburn Parade (KP) Springfield Terrace
Kelburn Parade (KP)
Glasgow
Stree
t (GS)
Fairlie Terrace (FT)
Adams Terrace
Devon S
treet
McKenzie Terrace
Waiteata Road (WR)
Construction site
Tennis courts
To city via The Terrace
Hunter CourtyardTim Beaglehole
Courtyard
CottonPlaza
Te HerengaWaka Marae (MR)
Footpath to Vivian Street (VS)
Kelburn Park
Hunter Lawn
Boyd-Wilson Field
Mount StreetCemetery
Pay and display
Footpa
th to
cable c
ar
Staff
Staff
RT49
StudentUnion(SU)
Memorial Theatre (MT)
Murphy (MY) von
Zedlitz(VZ)
Adam Art Gallery (AAG)
Hunter(HU)
RecreationCentre(RC)
Kirk(KK)
Robert Stout (RS)
Old Kirk(OK)
Kirk Wing(KK)
Music (MS)
Laby (LB)
Cotton(CO)
Maclaurin(MC)
Te Toki a Rata(TTR)
Boyd-WilsonArena (BWA)
FT65
FT73
FT75
FT85
KP91
FT67
FT69
FT71
FT81
FT76
Te PuniVillage
FT86
FT88
FT90
FT92
FT94
FT83
KP93
KP44
KP42
VZS
KP22
KP24
KP20
KP18
KP16
KP14
KP4
Easterfield(EA)
KP8
KP10 KP
6
WR16
Te Toki a Rata(TTR)
(South)
WR15C
WR15B
WR15A
WR14
WR12
WR6 WR
4WR2
Studio77
CentralServices(CSB)
Alan MacDiarmid
(AM)
MO15
WR3
Rankine Brown (Library)
(RB)
Hub(HB)
KP48
KP46KP
50
Brid
ge
Bridge
Hugh Mackenzie
(HM)
WR10
North
10
9
87
4
12
3 2 1
13 14
11
To Raw
hiti Te
rrace
To cable car,Weir House and
Victoria Kids (CT4)
KELBURN CAMPUS MAP
Getting Started 2019 29
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f
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a
b
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f
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h
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j
k
l
m
321 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
Salam
anca
Road (S
R)
Mount Street (MO)
Kelburn Parade (KP)
Kelburn Parade (KP)
Kelburn Parade (KP) Springfield Terrace
Kelburn Parade (KP)
Glasgow
Stree
t (GS)
Fairlie Terrace (FT)
Adams Terrace
Devon S
treet
McKenzie Terrace
Waiteata Road (WR)
Construction site
Tennis courts
To city via The Terrace
Hunter CourtyardTim Beaglehole
Courtyard
CottonPlaza
Te HerengaWaka Marae (MR)
Footpath to Vivian Street (VS)
Kelburn Park
Hunter Lawn
Boyd-Wilson Field
Mount StreetCemetery
Pay and display
Footpa
th to
cable c
ar
Staff
Staff
RT49
StudentUnion(SU)
Memorial Theatre (MT)
Murphy (MY) von
Zedlitz(VZ)
Adam Art Gallery (AAG)
Hunter(HU)
RecreationCentre(RC)
Kirk(KK)
Robert Stout (RS)
Old Kirk(OK)
Kirk Wing(KK)
Music (MS)
Laby (LB)
Cotton(CO)
Maclaurin(MC)
Te Toki a Rata(TTR)
Boyd-WilsonArena (BWA)
FT65
FT73
FT75
FT85
KP91
FT67
FT69
FT71
FT81
FT76
Te PuniVillage
FT86
FT88
FT90
FT92
FT94
FT83
KP93
KP44
KP42
VZS
KP22
KP24
KP20
KP18
KP16
KP14
KP4
Easterfield(EA)
KP8
KP10 KP
6
WR16
Te Toki a Rata(TTR)
(South)
WR15C
WR15B
WR15A
WR14
WR12
WR6 WR
4WR2
Studio77
CentralServices(CSB)
Alan MacDiarmid
(AM)
MO15
WR3
Rankine Brown (Library)
(RB)
Hub(HB)
KP48
KP46KP
50
Brid
ge
Bridge
Hugh Mackenzie
(HM)
WR10
North
10
9
87
4
12
3 2 1
13 14
11
To Raw
hiti Te
rrace
To cable car,Weir House and
Victoria Kids (CT4)
Main building
Student hall of residence
Accessible route
Gate
Building code
Café
Library
Public transport stop
Information centre
Lecture theatre
Parking (permit holders only)
Motorcycle parking
Mobility parking
Bike rack
Victoria Info Ihonui
Health services
Automatic external defibrillator
Disability Services
University Pharmacy
Early childhood centre
Money machine
(MS)
Main building
Student hall of residence
Accessible route
Gate
Building code
Café
Library
Public transport stop
Information centre
Lecture theatre
Parking (permit holders only)
Motorcycle parking
Mobility parking
Bike rack
Victoria Info Ihonui
Health services
Automatic external defibrillator
Disability Services
University Pharmacy
Early childhood centre
Money machine
(MS)
VICTORIA INFO IHONUI 0800 VICTORIA (842 867) | [email protected] | www.victoria.ac.nz SS0217
