Situated in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is a beautiful country that offers quality education and an affordable cost of living. If students plan and organize their budget wisely, it will help them save money for recreational activities besides studying and living expenses.
Let’s look at some basic expenses so that you are well informed about the costs and learn about them in detail.
Accommodation
Finding a safe, reliable and cheap place to stay is always a significant concern for students. New Zealand offers a variety of options for students, so finding suitable accommodation won’t be a problem. Staying on-campus in residence halls is the preferred option for students during the initial years, costing around NZ$200-$250 per week.
Homestays are also available, and it's a great way to familiarize yourself with the new culture. The costs usually include meals ranging from NZ$180 to $240.
Shared housing can be the cheapest option since you can spill bills with your group and pay around NZ$120-$230 a week. On average, you’ll see yourself spend around NZ$800-$950 a month on accommodation.
Travel expenses
Cities in New Zealand have affordable public transport systems with buses, trains and ferries. Public buses are the most common form of transport, and the fares are cheap. They also have special student discounts, so get your passes as they can significantly reduce travel costs.
The transport facilities are pretty reliable. Roughly, travelling expenses can be around NZ$120 to $250 per month, depending on the distance between the university and where you live.
Food
If you love to eat out and do a lot of grocery shopping, you need to maintain a budget and spend within limits because sometimes it gets out of control. Stock up on goods that you need and save yourself some money.
A cup of coffee can cost NZ$3-$5, milk NZ$3 per litre and eating out can be a bit expensive. So, it’s a great idea to make your food. On groceries, you can expect to spend around NZ$100-$150 a week, which again depends on your spending habits and lifestyle.
Entertainment
Your student life demands some relaxation and refreshment; there are stunning beaches, forests and countryside to explore. Art and music festivals are free or cheap, so it’s a great way to spend quality time. Make sure you keep some money aside for entertainment purposes like partying or going to the movies.
You can see yourself spending around NZ$50 on entertainment, and don’t forget to look around for free access and students’ special discounts.
Miscellaneous
These additional costs include purchasing study materials, health services, and shopping for clothes and shoes. Internet bills are almost NZ$60 per month.
A doctor's appointment can cost around NZ$45–$85. Since these costs are subjective, it depends on how you spend your budget. So, set aside some money for these costs.
These costs are subject to change and greatly depend upon your choices and lifestyle, but this will guide you in estimating your budget.
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