Life is pretty good overall in Auckland. I have been quite satisfied with the climate, where even now in New Zealand's fall, the temperature is continuing a consistent high of about 20degrees celsius.

I live in a flat with 5 other students in a residence located in Parnell, situated beautifully right next to the Auckland Domain. It is about a 20minute walk to campus, which is a perfect time to clear the head and get out before and after classes. It is also close to two very good shopping and restaurant districts, Parnell and Newmarket. Now surprisingly, even with only 2 toilets and 1 shower, we have not ran any troubles at all in our flat. We all get on quite well and have our own unique schedules.It is also really nice to have someone around at the end of the day who is around to talk to, like while having dinner.

I have morning classes throughout the week and one class that runs at 5pm Monday through Thursday, so I generally remain on campus all day. In the long break between my classes I find myself working on the classes and at some point will take in lunch, which I usually bring and make the night before. About weekly I will also go for sushi, as there are many good local sushi bars. By managing my time throughout the week it leaves my evenings and weekends free, which opens up time to explore Auckland and New Zealand, as well as time for rest if need be. My dinners usually involve grilling something on the residence bbq, be it sausages or chicken or burgers.

At the residence there is always something going on. There is a group of us who go over to the domain a few days a week and play some football, sometimes taking on some other groups kicking a ball around over there, or another residence. A few days I also use the campus recreation facility and workout, or go for a run through the domain. There are also inter-res games, which are great fun and is floor hockey right now so I am loving it. There are also socials at residence about weekly, where you can get together with other residents, and if you want to go out, it is usually pretty easy to find a group going out, or a group travelling somewhere around New Zealand that you can get into. For example a few weekends ago I was part of a group that went on a weekend trip to the Bay of Islands where we had a great little trip that included a cruise one day where I got to swim with dolphins!