Living in New Zealand on a Student Budget: Let’s Do Budgeting

New Zealand is one of the very few countries that offer beautiful nature, friendly locals, rich culture, and world-class education. Like anywhere else, the Kiwi student life comes with its own set of financial challenges. The cost of living for students in New Zealand varies widely depending on where you choose to study, with Auckland and Wellington being more expensive than Christchurch and smaller cities.

Whether you’re planning to study in trendy Wellington or historical Dunedin, understanding your monthly expenses is important for a stress-free experience. In this post, we’ll try to give you some creative student budgeting tips, that will hopefully help you to enjoy your student life in New Zealand without constantly checking your bank balance. So, let’s get cracking.

Understanding the Living Costs in New Zealand

Let’s break down what pain your wallet will feel when studying in Aotearoa (Māori for New Zealand). Your monthly expenses as a student will generally include accommodation, food, transport, utility bills, internet/phone charges, and entertainment costs.

For most students, accommodation is the biggest expense. Expect to pay between NZ$180-500 weekly depending on where and how you choose to live. Food might cost you around NZ$80-120 per week if you’re cooking at home (which we highly recommend!). Even using public transport will set you back roughly NZ$30-50 weekly, while your phone and internet plans might be about NZ$20-50 per month.

As mentioned earlier, the cost of living for students in New Zealand varies quite a bit between cities. Auckland tops the charts as the priciest city, with Wellington not far behind. Christchurch and Dunedin offer more budget-friendly options for students.

As an international student, you’ll need to factor in some extra costs like mandatory medical and travel insurance (about NZ$800 annually) and visa fees. A realistic budget is your ticket to peace of mind. Planning your expenses will allow you to concentrate better on your studies and also enjoy your time in New Zealand more.

Accommodation

Finding a decent place to live without emptying your wallet is perhaps the biggest challenge for students in New Zealand. There are different types of student accommodation in New Zealand, each with its own price tag and perks.

Residential colleges (or halls of residence) offer the full university experience with meals, utilities, and social activities included. These are super convenient but can cost a pretty penny. Expect to pay anywhere from NZ$370 to NZ$500 per week. The biggest selling point of residential colleges is that everything’s sorted for you, and it’s a brilliant way to make friends when you’re new to Kiwi life.

University flats provide a bit more independence while still keeping you connected to campus. These typically cost between NZ$200-350 weekly, usually with utilities included. They’re a happy middle ground between the full-service halls and completely independent living.

Shared flatting is where many students end up after their first year. Renting a room in a house with other students can bring your weekly housing costs down to NZ$180-280 depending on location and number of flatmates. Remember though, you’ll need to budget extra for power, water, internet, and heating bills (shared with flatmates).

Homestays give you the chance to live with a local family. This can prove quite beneficial for international students as it gives them a chance to improve their English (or get familiar with the local accent) and learn about the Kiwi culture. These homestays usually include meals, internet, and power. They cost around NZ$280-350 per week.

For those who want privacy, studio rooms are available but at a premium. To learn more about accommodation options, please visit the official website of Education New Zealand.

These budget tips can come in handy for students searching for accommodation in New Zealand:

• Look for accommodation in suburbs that are a bit further from city centres or campus but still have good transport links.
• Find flatmates to share costs. More roomies generally mean lower individual rent.
• Don’t be shy about negotiating rent, especially if you’re signing a longer lease.
• Start your search early. The best budget-friendly options disappear quickly.

Remember, cheaper isn’t always better if it means a two-hour commute or a damp, cold flat that’ll make you sick (heating bills in NZ can be shocking during winter!). Balance cost with comfort and convenience for the best student living experience.

Food and Groceries

With a bit of planning, eating healthy and also keeping your bank account healthy is totally possible in New Zealand. The average student spends about NZ$80-120 per week on food in New Zealand, but you can cut this down with some smart student budgeting tips.

Supermarkets like PAK’nSAVE and Woolworths are great options for affordable online grocery shopping, with PAK’nSAVE typically being the more budget-friendly option. Don’t forget to get their loyalty cards as those points add up. For fresh produce at bargain prices, local farmers’ markets are absolute gold. The Otago Farmers Market in Dunedin and Riccarton Sunday Market in Christchurch offer farm-fresh veggies that are often cheaper than supermarkets.

Meal prepping is a good alternative against expensive takeaways. Spend a Sunday afternoon cooking big batches of curry, pasta, or stir-fry, then portion them out for few days in the week. It’ll help you to save money when you’re rushing between lectures.

When shopping, look for:

• Home brand products (they’re often identical to name brands)
• Seasonal fruits and veggies (they’re cheaper and tastier!)
• Bulk buys for rice, pasta, and nuts
• Reduced-to-clear sections, especially in the evening

If you fancy eating out, hunt for student deals. Many cafés and restaurants near universities offer student discounts or special deals on quieter days.

Transportation

Getting around in New Zealand won’t break the bank if you play it smart. Public transport is widely available in major cities, with student concessions making it even more affordable.

In Auckland, the AT HOP card for buses, trains, and ferries gives you at least 20% off regular fares. Wellington’s Snapper card and Christchurch’s Metro card work similarly. Just show your student ID when registering for these cards. Expect to spend about NZ$30-50 weekly on public transport, depending on how far you live from campus.

For the truly budget-conscious, walking or cycling is the way to go. New Zealand cities are becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and bike-sharing schemes popping up. The initial investment in a decent second-hand bike pays for itself within months. Car-sharing apps and Facebook groups for university rideshares are also worth checking out for occasional trips.

Utilities and Phone/Internet

Managing utility bills in New Zealand can be a bit of a shock, especially during the chilly winter months when heating becomes essential. If you’re flatting, expect to chip in around NZ$30-60 per week for electricity, gas, water, and internet combined. This figure varies wildly depending on your usage habits and the season.

To keep those utility bills from eating into your weekly budget:

• Layer up before cranking up the heater
• Use hot water bottles and extra blankets at night
• Take shorter showers (your flatmates will thank you too)
• Switch off lights and unplug chargers when not in use
• Dry clothes on racks instead of using energy-hungry dryers

New Zealand has several affordable mobile and internet providers that offer student-friendly plans. Companies like Spark, Skinny, and 2degrees, offer prepaid plans starting from as little as NZ$17 per month with decent data allowances. Most Kiwi universities and student accommodations provide free Wi-Fi, so you might not need a massive data plan if you do most of your web surfing on campus.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Let’s talk about all those other bits and bobs that nibble away at your student budget in New Zealand. Beyond the basics of shelter and food, there’s a whole world of expenses that can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.

Entertainment is not super expensive in New Zealand. Most universities have subsidized gym memberships, though you can always jog around the gorgeous outdoors in New Zealand for free! Cinema tickets typically cost NZ$10-14, but watch out for student discounts where prices drop appreciably.

Textbooks can be a major wallet-drainer if bought new. You can save money by:

• Checking the university library first
• Buying second-hand from graduating students
• Looking for digital versions
• Sharing with classmates

For those who want to explore New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery (and you absolutely should!), keep a budget of around NZ$30-100 per excursion for local trips. The great news is that many of New Zealand’s best attractions are completely free like stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and mountain hikes that won’t cost you a cent beyond transport.

Student discounts are your best friend! Always carry your student ID for discounts at:

• Cafés and restaurants near campus
• Movie theatres and performance venues
• Museums and galleries (many offer free entry for students)
• Clothing stores
• Software companies (student versions of Adobe, Microsoft, etc.)

A little-known tip: keep an eye on university notice boards and student Facebook groups for free food events. Academic departments and clubs often host functions with complimentary nibbles that are perfect for the truly budget-conscious students.

Part-time Jobs, Scholarships, and Monthly Budget

International students on a valid study visa can typically work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled holidays. The minimum wage in NZ is also pretty decent at NZ$23.15 per hour (as of 2024), meaning even a casual job can significantly boost your budget.

Popular student jobs include:

• Café and restaurant work (plus potential free food perks!)
• Retail positions, especially during the holiday seasons
• University roles like library assistant or student ambassador

Universities often have dedicated job boards for student-friendly opportunities with flexible hours. Apps like Student Job Search and Sidekicker are goldmines for casual work that fits around your timetable.

To balance work and studies, look for jobs on or near campus, be upfront about your availability during exam periods, and aim for quality hours rather than quantity.

Scholarships are another brilliant way to ease financial pressure. New Zealand universities offer numerous scholarships for international students, ranging from NZ$5,000 one-off payments to full tuition coverage.

When applying for scholarships:

• Start researching at least a year before your intended start date
• Pay close attention to eligibility criteria and deadlines
• Prepare stellar personal statements highlighting your unique strengths
• Get your application proofread by someone with strong English skills

Creating a realistic monthly budget is crucial for financial planning. Free apps like PocketSmith (NZ-based) or international options like Mint help you track every dollar.

Living in New Zealand as a student doesn’t have to drain your savings if you approach it with a bit of financial planning. By understanding the cost of living for students in New Zealand and implementing these budget tips for students, you can focus more on enjoying your educational journey and less on financial stress.

Remember that good financial habits formed during your student years will serve you well long after graduation. Some weeks you’ll stay under budget, and others you might splurge a bit; that’s normal and part of the learning experience. Don’t let financial concerns stop you from making the most of your time in New Zealand.

Kia ora to your new adventure and may it be as affordable as it is unforgettable!