There are many challenges that international students are facing when studying in New Zealand or maybe even coming to New Zealand, such as home sickness, culture shock, finding friends, safety and many more. It may feel overwhelming to be here alone or feeling that there is no support around. Well, fear not. As this section will talk about every support available to international students.

GENERAL

International Office - They facilitate everything and anything to do with international students starting from visa renewal and insurance until having a yarn with the internstional student advisors on any difficulties you are facing while in New Zealand. It is important to note all appointments are confidential. They host events during the summer period too with the focus of having positive wellbeing in the international community.

OUSA Student Support - Somewhat similar to International Office, they are another way to support you academically, financially, welfare and equity, flatting and many more. All appointments are confidential and available to all students enrolled in University of Otago.

Disability Information and Support - A University service offering to students with any form of disability to give academic support to students, such as bridging on communication with staff on educating about disability issues, advocacy, note-taking and special consideration examinations.

HOTLINES

1737 - A free service that anyone in NZ can use for anyone who is feeling down, depressed, anxious or overwhelmed. Trained and registered counsellors answers your call or text 24/7. The service is confidential and they can remain anonymous if they wish to.

111 - A police emergency phone number if there's a fire of any sort, immediate police and ambulance response, if you are in a dangerous location (safety and car accident), current house break-in.

105 - A polic non-emergency phone number if there are any stolen vehicles, vandilisation, lost items, shoplifting, scam, drug dealing or burglerly.

ACADEMIC

Student Learning Development - A university service offering academic support and advices from course advice to study techniques (time management, essay writing). They organise extra tutoring sessions (PASS), additional english language support and workshops for academic writing.

Career Development Centre - A university service offering career advice to develop you after university to land a job and skills needed for jobs. They help in reviewing CVs, excelling in job interviews and generally, developing yourself to be prepared to get a job.

WELFARE & EQUITY

Te Whare Tāwharau - A survivor led sexual violence support and prevention centre. They are there to providing you with free confidential and trained support (walk-ins and appointment), advocacy and workshops to raise awareness on reducing impact of sexual violence (Flip the Script and Bringing in the Bystander).

Chaplaincy - A university service supporting students with faith (or no faith) spiritually and pastoral care. They provide prayer rooms, spiritual direction, worship opportunities and religious services. Most importantly, they help in giving you access to the university prayer room and meditation room.

Student Health - A university health centre for students who are feeling unwell and needing wellbeing support. They provide services from different departments such as mental health, physiotherapy clinic, medical clinic and many more.

Queer Support - Alongside with OUSA Student Support, they are there to support queer students or any students discovering their sexuality. They provide peer support, groups, advocacy, events and a confidential chat with the Queer Support Co-ordinator.