This first week-and-a-half of university has brought with it a myriad of new experiences, emotions, and expectations – some of which I’d anticipated and many of which I hadn’t.
I moved to Auckland with the intention of capitalising on everything: state-of-the-art academic facilities, central city living, immediate access to landmark centres of culture and creativity. And believe me – Auckland has not disappointed.
Spot the toga-clad bloggers! (Thanks for the pic, Cal.)
Somehow, this city has already turned me into a better version of myself – I get up at half past six every morning, actually make my bed and clean my room; I get jobs done ahead of time, efficiently, and I’m inspired by my surroundings to live not only a productive life, but an exciting one. (Can you tell I’ve been nicknamed Floor Mum?) (I feel sorry for my actual Mum, who is probably wondering why I couldn’t have experienced such a rush of maturity before I left home.)
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- Like the featured image up top, this is a view from my room – one of the buildings you can’t see properly is Uni Hall, and another one in the distance is the Museum. Which is… y’know… fine.
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- Go to your Faculty Orientations! If only because you get views like this at lunch! (I keep talking about views; just call me Drake.)
O Week (and you can tell I live in O’Rorke because I initially typed O’Week) was absolutely spectacular. I’m not chalking that up to any specific set of activities – although many were organised for us and proved very helpful – but rather the fact that we had an entire week to get our bearings and just explore the city before jumping into lectures and full-on uni life. I remember walking down Queen Street on the first night, with thirteen other people from O’Rorke, just feeling the most surreal thrill that this was something I could do now. I could walk through this city, with these people, and it was my city and they were my friends. It was weird and welcome in equal measure.
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- Lorde tweeted that she’d left clues about her new single around Auckland one night, so I dragged my friend Jack around the city to find them.
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- The Super Food Wrap from Bird On A Wire… my sole food purchase thus far. Worth it.
I won’t go into too much detail about the specifics of accommodation/O’Rorke – watch this space for a cheeky collab on the subject, coming as soon as we’ve organised it! – but I will say that I definitely picked the right hall. While our famed “O’Rorke, two clap!” chant may err on the side of a potential cult, the tight-knit atmosphere and almost familial vibe has already made Mount Street feel like home. Everyone on my floor has been lovely, and I’ve actually started to believe in the power of those questionnaires you have to fill in on your halls applications, because I haven’t come across anyone I haven’t liked.
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- Halls Day Out! Free ice cream, hot dogs, games, and – if you’re lucky – a guy named Josh from Uni Hall who has a guitar and lets you and your friends have an impromptu singalong! (I got told I had a good voice. It made my day, guys.)
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- Some Art History pre-reading in the Fine Arts Library. Love that place!
The first week of university – indeed, the first week in any new place – is always going to feel daunting. But believe me, there’s no need to panic. Keep on top of what you need to do, but use the time you have left over (and there’s a lot of it) to do things you enjoy.
If you’re in halls and you need to buy stuff for the Toga Party, ask around, get a group together. You’ll kill two birds with one stone and get some exercise walking around the city while you’re at it. (Insider Tip: for all your toga-related needs, head to Look Sharp off Queen Street. Oh, and know how to tie a toga. I was everyone’s best friend when the time came!)
Take the time to explore Auckland – get your AT Hop card sorted and figure out where your classes are, even if it’s just an estimate. You will feel so much better going into the semester with your feet firmly planted on the ground. Get your bearings. Find your zen. Talk to the people around you! I guarantee they’re just as nervous!
Last of all, remember to breathe. The difficult part is getting here. All the rest is the reward.
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As a prospect student in University of Auckland, you made me relieved. Cause now I got it and know how to deal with the first week. appreciate it. 😉
Hi, Ashkan! I’m happy to hear it! I feel like lots of prevailing ideas about O Week can be a little nerve-wracking, but it’s honestly just what you make of it. You have lots of options as to what you get up to, so you’ll definitely be able to find the ones that are your speed!
Hey, just wanted to say that I really enjoyed this, and the video in particular is really encouraging. As a potential LLB/BA student next year this was fantastic, and I can’t wait to follow your updates!
Hey, Max! I’m really glad this post was beneficial to you! There will definitely be more posts geared towards the LLB/BA conjoint as the year progresses, so keep an eye out for those. If you’ve got any pressing questions, though, just chuck them in a comment on any of my entries. (Thanks so much for this comment, by the way – you made my day!)
Wow. What an introduction , many thanks. Look forward to more of this.
Looking forward to making it!
I feel like you have changed already! Enjoy the reward of life
Hopefully always for the better! Loving it x
What a super star you are Tate! Nice blog and loved watching the video x
Thanks, Auntie Sheree! Hopefully it convinces Bae to head up here, too – there are loads of giants around! X
I love the room decorations! Hope the recent weather hasn’t DAMPened your opinion of Auckland! (I’m a comedic genius, I know.)
Thank you very much – love the pun and love the company in 121G! X
This is epic tate!! You’re clearly having an amazing time!
Thanks, Katie! I am – Auckland is everything I could’ve hoped for and more!
If I had known it took leaving home to lift your domestic maturity, I would have encouraged this years earlier!
Better late than never, I guess?
Actual Mum, you wouldn’t have ever been able to cope with her leaving before this xxx