Landing in Auckland around 5am NZST only to run to the domestic terminal with two minutes to spare was not something I expected to be doing June 30th, 2026. If you had told me around this time last year, I would be halfway across the world, far away from friends and family, I would have not believed you for a second. Studying abroad just “wasn’t” a possibility for a student like me. But I am grateful that I was wrong and that I had mentors who pushed me to do the “impossible”.
When I got to Christchurch, I was met with kindness and hospitality all around from University of Canterbury staff and even strangers. Their patience with my exhaustion is something that I cannot thank them enough for. A staff member from their housing team drove me to my accommodation, it began to settle in that I am about to really be an adult. Truthfully, playing “adult” hasn’t been too bad, but maybe that’s because I’m not paying taxes in NZ.
I met my first housemate, Valeria, who is from Australia on my first night here as I wanted to use the bus system with her and get recommendations on what places are the most affordable to get food, bedding, etc. Pak n’ Save and Kmart have been a blessing for my budget. After my first night and sleeping for 13 hours, our paths didn’t cross again, as she left to go back home to be with family before the second semester starts (July 13th). During this quiet time in the house, I’ve been out exploring campus (which is gorgeous!!), figuring out the bus system, and relaxing before school begins. A few days ago (July 4th), I got to meet my second housemate, Ollie (Olivia), who is from England! Our interactions have been small thus far, but I know that it will take time for us to all get to know each other. My final housemate, Khanh, has not arrived yet, but will be soon as she will be flying from Vietnam! There is a small part of me that is upset that I didn’t get placed with any Kiwi’s (New Zealand locals), but I am also grateful and looking forward to the multicultural experiences that I will have in my home.
Tomorrow (July 8th) is orientation for first years, transfers, and international students. Although I am not entirely sure what the day will entail, I am hoping to make some friends so that we can explore Aotearoa together (and to help keep the homesickness and loneliness at bay). Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand meaning: “the land of the long white cloud” or “the long bright world”. And kia ora means: “greetings / hello” in Maori.
As I begin to go on more adventures and meet other students, I intend to make these journals far more interesting and less of a laundry list of what I’ve been up to.
Ka kite anō! (See you again!)