The Challenge: Find you place in New Zealand

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) faced a significant challenge—while a high number of students were receiving offers, very few were actually making the journey to New Zealand to enroll at AUT. Meredith Smart, Director Internation of AUT, noticed that part of the problem stemmed from students’ hesitations about moving to a country far from home, especially when they lacked connections, family, or friends in New Zealand. Many prospective students, particularly international ones, were daunted by the idea of relocating to a place where they had no social network.

To address this, AUT realized they needed to find a new way to keep students excited and engaged in their decision to come to New Zealand. They also needed to address the anxiety students felt about the transition to a new country. This is where Goin’s community platform stepped in, offering a solution that allows students to connect with each other, share information, and build excitement through peer-to-peer engagement.

The Solution: Goin’ Community Groups

Goin became the perfect tool for AUT, allowing students to connect with others going through similar experiences, share valuable information about moving to New Zealand, and maintain enthusiasm about starting their academic journey. These community groups enabled students to not only learn about New Zealand from their peers but also establish connections before they even set foot in the country.

Here’s how various community groups helped AUT students prepare for their journey:

1 Nepali in AUT City Campus

One of the most active groups at AUT was the Nepali student group. This group became a hub for students to discuss important topics like visa applications, loan approvals, and accommodation arrangements. By connecting with peers who were going through the same processes, students were able to share advice and provide reassurance. The group also fostered a sense of cultural connection, helping Nepali students feel at home even before they arrived.

2 Part-Time Job in Auckland

Another practical group that provided significant value was the Part-Time Job in Auckland group. Here, students exchanged tips on job hunting, discussed available opportunities, and shared advice on balancing work and studies. For international students in particular, knowing where to find part-time work was a crucial aspect of feeling prepared for their time at AUT.

3 Housing

Housing concerns were one of the biggest stressors for students coming to AUT. In the Housing group, students discussed everything from finding accommodation near campus to sharing costs with roommates. The group also helped students navigate the Auckland rental market, which can be competitive and unfamiliar to those coming from abroad. Students shared personal experiences and recommendations about the best areas to live, whether near the campus or other student-friendly locations. This information gave incoming students the confidence they needed to make housing arrangements before arriving.

4 Masters in Engineering Project Management

The Masters in Engineering Project Management is one of many study groups that provided a space for students in this program to discuss course-specific topics like class schedules, examination processes, and scholarships. Students shared resources and advice on how to navigate the academic demands of the program while also preparing for life in New Zealand. This group became an essential resource for incoming students, helping them feel academically prepared and connected to their future peers.

5 Book Lovers 📚

The Book Lovers group was created for students with a passion for reading. It allowed students to bond over their favorite books and share recommendations. Discussions ranged from modern novels like Gone Girl to Russian literature, giving students a chance to connect on a personal level beyond academics. This group showed that building a sense of community isn't just about practical needs but also about shared interests and hobbies.

6 Duolingo Friends 🦉

For students interested in learning languages or improving their skills before arriving in New Zealand, the Duolingo Friends group provided a fun and educational space. Students connected over their shared love of language learning and even organized meet-ups to practice their skills. This group helped create friendships based on a mutual love of learning, adding a playful touch to the pre-arrival experience.

How Community Groups Support the Student Journey

The creation of these community groups at AUT has shown that students thrive when they feel connected to others, especially in the pre-arrival stage. By allowing students to build relationships based on shared interests, programs, and practical needs, AUT was able to keep students engaged and excited about starting their studies in New Zealand.

Goin’s community platform provided the structure and tools necessary to make these connections happen organically. Students who might have otherwise hesitated to make the move now had the confidence and preparation they needed. The shared experiences within these groups helped students feel less isolated, more informed, and better prepared to start their academic journey.

By leveraging Goin’, universities like AUT can create a supportive environment that empowers students to feel confident, prepared, and excited about their upcoming university experience. The impact of these communities extends far beyond the pre-arrival stage, setting the tone for a positive and successful academic journey.

If you’re curious to learn more about how groups form a better experience for students, schedule a meeting with us or fill out our form so that we can start the conversation!