Predeparture Checklist
The tasks and timelines in this Predeparture Checklist are guidelines to help you prep for your studies in New Zealand.
First Things First
❑ Take advantage of our Boarding Pass site
Our University of Otago Boarding Pass page is your essential predeparture resource. Each section will guide you a little further in your journey.
6 Months (or Earlier) from Arrival
❑ Know the refund policy
Before you accept an offer, read and understand the University of Otago’s Refund Policy (outlined in your offer letter).
❑ Renew your passport (if necessary)
At minimum, your passport should be valid 6 months before your arrival and until the end of your first semester so that you have time to renew within New Zealand. If time permits, renew before you leave, so that your passport is valid for the duration of your New Zealand student visa.
❑ Secure accommodation (if you’re planning to stay on campus or in managed student housing)
On-campus and managed student housing can fill quickly. If you plan to live in one of these options, book as soon as possible. To learn more about your accommodation options, scroll down on this page to the Accommodation section.
If you’re planning to rent, see the “1 Month From Arrival” section, below.
4 Months from Arrival
❑ Complete the student visa application process (earlier if possible)
Once you’ve accepted an offer to the University of Otago, you can apply for your New Zealand “Fee Paying Student Visa” application online through the New Zealand Immigration office. Please confirm with your student advisor once your visa is approved.
❑ Take advantage of OzTREKK’s Eh to Oz predeparture events & webinars
Our in-person Predeparture Meet & Greets in Toronto and Vancouver can help you connect with fellow OzTREKKers, and our information sessions will ensure you’re informed about everything—from accommodation to banking in Oz. Visit the Predeparture Events section of our Boarding Pass for details.
❑ Join our Facebook group for attending students
Get predeparture updates and the chance to connect with OzTREKKers past and present via our OzTREKKers Facebook Group. This group is intended for students who have accepted offers to Australian and New Zealand universities.
❑ Parents’ Facebook group for parents of attending students
Invite your parents to join our OzTREKK’s Parents’ Network. This is their place to ask questions, get updates, and boast about their favourite subject—you!
3 Months from Arrival
❑ Book your flight
Once your student visa is approved, it’s safe to book your flight. Book earlier if you can. At this point in the process, flight prices will continue to climb the closer you get to your departure date.
❑ Inform your health department
Your provincial/territorial health plan can become invalid if you’re outside of Canada for several months. Contact your provincial/territorial health department to let them know you’ll be studying outside Canada for the duration of your program.
❑ Start your clinical requirements checklist (If necessary)
If you have a clinical placement in your program, review your clinical placement compliance requirements and be confident that you’ve taken any necessary steps before leaving Canada. Some requirements can be done once you are in New Zealand. Compliance details are not typically available until about 3 months before a program’s start date.
1 Month from Arrival
❑ Mark your calendar and enroll in your classes
You’ll receive orientation and enrolment info directly from your university. Attending orientation is mandatory for international students. Plan to arrive on time.
❑ Cover your bases
Designate a family member to have access to your accounts and provide them with contact details and copies of important documents.
❑ Get travel insurance
Your Studentsafe Inbound University insurance policy does not cover you during your travels from Canada to New Zealand or when outside New Zealand. Buying travel insurance will ensure you’re covered for things like unexpected emergencies, hospital bills, or lost/stolen luggage.
❑ Book airport pickup
Airport Shuttles Dunedin offers a student discount and can be booked online. You’ll want to take advantage of this service after a long flight. Airport Shuttles Dunedin
❑ Have access to funds
Have New Zealand cash in your pocket and access to other funds (e.g., a credit card).
❑ Secure accommodation (if you’re planning to rent)
You’ve got a room in residence, managed student apartment, or temporary accommodation (if you’re planning to rent in the private market).
This is often the task that worries our students the most. Take advantage of the accommodation resources on our Boarding Pass and know that no OzTREKK student has ever been left homeless.
Visit our University of Otago page and scroll down to the “Accommodation” section for specific accommodation details. Visit Predeparture Events and watch our University of Otago predeparture webinar for accommodation tips!
At the Airport
❑ Message your family to let them know you arrived.
They’ll want to hear from you!
❑ Get your phone set up
You can do this before you even leave the airport. Once you’ve made it out of Customs, pop by one of the many mobile phones providers to get a New Zealand phone number/sim card.
❑ Know that you’re not alone
You’re there! You made it. Get comfy and settled. Do a little self-check. How are you doing? Reach out to the people and resources that will help you keep your health and well-being in check.
Please know that the OzTREKK team is always here for you. 😊
❑ Pass your tips along to us
Have any tips or predeparture recommendations you think we should be letting students know about? Email us at predeparture@oztrekk.com with your tips so we can improve on our predeparture services.