International Orientation
International Orientation is your introduction to life at Victoria University of Wellington.
Orientation dates
International Orientation is held before your first classes start. Check your orientation and start dates to find out when you need to attend.
International Orientation is compulsory for all new international students in their first trimester of study. This includes PhD students as well as students who have finished the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme and who are starting their degree.
Trimester 1 2025 Orientation sessions:
Compulsory:
| Date and time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 17 February 1:00pm - 2:00pm | International Students welcome | Kirk Lecture Theatre 301 and 303 (KKLT301 and KKLT303) |
| Tuesday 18 February 9:30am - 10:15am | Visa and insurance for international students | Maclaurin lecture theatre 103 (MCLT103) |
| Wednesday 19 February 11:00am - 12:00pm | Keeping safe in New Zealand | Kirk lecture theatre 303 (KKLT303) |
| Wednesday 19 February 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Introduction to the culture in Aotearoa | Maclaurin lecture theatre 103 (MCLT103) |
| Thursday 20 February 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Private rentals | Maclaurin lecture theatre 103 (MCLT103) |
Recommended:
The sessions below are a great way to help you settle into the University and Wellington, and to connect with other students.
| Date and time | Session | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 17 February 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Get connected—international undergraduate students | Maclaurin lecture theatre 102 (MCLT102) |
| Monday 17 February 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Get connected—international postgraduate students | Maclaurin lecture theatre 101 (MCLT101) |
| Friday 21 February 10:00am – 3:00pm | Wellington City Tour | Meet at Help Desk in Hub |
The sessions above are directly related to international students, but there are lots more to attend. You can find all sessions here.
What happens at Orientation
International Orientation is an information session that will be delivered in-person. You will be able to learn about the University, Wellington, and New Zealand at your own pace before classes begin, using the same digital tools which you will be using throughout your studies. Students will receive more information about their orientation programme closer to the start date.
Your orientation activities will include:
- opportunities to meet other students from around the world
- presentations about your new campuses, living in Wellington, and being a student at the University
- optional tours of the University campus and Wellington city
- information about the student services and support available on campus
- tips on adjusting to the cultural differences you may experience living here
- activities to help you feel connected to your new University community
- tips on how to prepare for your academic study.
Enrolment
Enrolment will be completed online before your orientation begins. You must be enrolled in order to access our digital orientation content. If you are having trouble with enrolment, contact the international team and we will help you.
- If you are an international PhD student, you will enrol through the Faculty of Graduate Research. Please get in touch with them directly about your enrolment.
Find out more about enrolling.