International Orientation
International Orientation welcomes all new international students to Wellington and provides an introduction to student and academic life at Victoria University. During orientation you will find out about:
Enrolment and administrative procedures
Course information, meetings with faculty and staff
Student services and how they can help you
Academic preparation skills and expectations
An introduction to New Zealand life and culture
Student clubs and social activities
Computer and library resources
When is it?
Orientation and enrolment take place two weeks before the beginning of trimester 1 in February, and one week before the beginning of trimesters 2 and 3 (in July and November). Please see schedules below for November 2007 and February 2008. To assist with the settling in process, jet lag and culture shock, we recommend that you arrive a few days before orientation to give yourself some time to adjust to your new environment.
Orientation Dates for November 2007
When?
Who?
Where?
Monday
12th November
All students
(Except EPP)
TBA
Orientation Dates for February 2008
Students starting study in February 2007 (except EPP and Foundation students) must attend the February Orientation. Please note that some programmes of study that commence before the beginning of the first trimester (25th February) will have separate orientations. Students will be informed about the details of these orientations by their Faculty or Victoria International. Students in these programmes will not be expected to attend the February Orientation.
When?
Who?
Where?
Monday 11th February
Undergraduate Full Degree Students
Please note that Study Abroad/Exchange students studying at the undergraduate level should attend orientation on Wednesday
TBA
Wednesday 13th February
Study Abroad/Exchange Students
&
Postgraduate Students
TBA
Do I have to go to Orientation?
YES. The Orientation programme offers long and short-term benefits for your stay in New Zealand, and is compulsory for all new international students. It is during this short period that important and unrepeated information is explained to you. As many leaving students have commented, orientation is a unique opportunity to meet and get to know other international students from around the globe in some fun, social activities without the stresses of study. Get involved and make the most of it!
When can I enrol in courses?
All international students can enrol in person ONLY AFTER they have attended Orientation. During enrolment, you will receive course advice, meet with faculty for course approval, and pay for tuition fees. All international students are required to have health and travel insurance; this will be checked before completion of enrolment.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring your passport, any documents that you need to submit, as stated on your offer letter and a copy of your insurance policy (in English) if you are planning to seek approval for a policy other than Studentsafe University (see: health and travel insurance for accepted policies)
Pre-Arrival Information
All international students with offers for VUW for the upcoming trimester will be sent a series of pre-departure emails (if we have your email address). If you have not received these emails please contact us.
Student ID cards
All students at VUW need a student identification (ID) card. Your card gives you access to University facilities including the library and computer labs. Students should return the Application for Student ID Card to Victoria International two weeks before Orientation so that you can collect your ID card at Enrolment. Otherwise, it can take up to 3 weeks to issue your ID card. ID cards for returning students will be renewed each year at enrolment.
Orientation Arrival Packs
If the Vic Crew meets you at the airport, train or bus station you will be given a welcome pack with information about Orientation.
Please email vi-advisors@vuw.ac.nz if you have any questions regarding the orientation programme, airport meeting service or related activities.
Once you arrive if you have any questions, please come to Victoria International at Level 2, Rutherford House, Pipitea Campus or contact vi-advisors@vuw.ac.nz (04-463-7434) .