2021 VUWSA student hacks

18 February 2021

So, now you’re a Wellingtonian…. it’s time to educate yourself on the best things to know about the city with these VUWSA student life-hacks for 2021 (it’s all about the deals and freebies!).

*There are loads of great deals to be had when you’re a student, you just need to know where to look!*

Public transport

As far as student discounts go, the Metlink Tertiary Concession is a must, with 25 percent off for full-time students. All you need to do is register your student ID to your Snapper card online and you’re good to go! Have classes at two different campuses on the same day? VUWSA has your back. Pop by our reception in the Student Union building and we will load some free inter-campus bus passes onto your Snapper card. During alert level 1 and above, remember to wear a face covering on all public transport.

Healthcare

It can be daunting moving on from the family doctor when coming to a new city for study, but did you know Mauri Ora (Student Health and Counselling) is free for most students. The friendly team right here at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington can help you get back to feeling tip-top without the financial worries. Find out how to register

VUWSA also has free menstrual products at each campus as well as a subsidised Wā Cup available for purchase at the VUWSA reception for just $20 a pop. These can last you up to 10 years and save you over $500 in the time you are here with us at uni.

Monthly Food Trucks
Once a month VUWSA invites Food Trucks into the Tim Beagleghole Courtyard at Kelburn so you can mix up your lunch offerings. This isn’t free, but the food will be so good you won’t mind paying.

Rather save your cash and bring lunch from home? We have microwaves all over campus, so you don’t have to miss out on a hot lunch.

Weekly produce markets

Every Thursday during Trimester 1 and 2 (but not during study breaks), VUWSA brings our local fruit and veg guy up to the Tim Beaglehole courtyard so you don’t miss out on your 5+ a day. If you study down at Pipitea, you can catch the market outside Rutherford House on Wednesdays. It’s an easy way to top up the fridge and save money on your grocery bills—without leaving campus. But if you forget your shopping list during the week, Wellington certainly provides—with farmers’ markets all over the city during the weekends.

The vege market outside Pipitea campus. This also happens weekly at Kelburn campus outside the Hub.

Cheap food nights

Lots of places in Wellington do a reduced-price evening one night of every week. Chow on Tory Street is a VUWSA favourite, with their two-for-one meal deal every Monday or Mama Brown’s Thursday student deal where you can score a classic burger and fries for just $13. Grab your study buddy and take that well-deserved break (without breaking the bank). There’s also the Wellington Night Market on in the middle of Cuba Street and Left Bank on Friday and Saturday nights—plenty of delicious options here to mix it up!

Fitness

University Recreation has a great range of services and facilities for students no matter what kind of exercise you’re into. Come by one of their drop-in sport sessions. They are free, flexible, and open to everyone—perfect for students who are keen to stay active and meet like-minded people. If you are after a membership, it would be hard to find a cheaper option than University Recreation.

The movies

Most cinemas in Wellington charge $12-$13 for a student ticket. Pretty good value considering Wellington’s cinemas include the iconic Embassy theatre. Being a student doesn’t mean you need to miss out on seeing the latest blockbuster on the big screen!

Free food

Thanks to our mates over at Kaibosh, every Friday VUWSA has free food available from Kelburn reception. It can vary week to week, but you can usually score yourself some yum bakery goodies, fruit and veg, or pantry staples.

If you’re short of food, go and see the VUWSA team at the Student Union building on Kelburn campus.

Free Advice

VUWSA has teamed up with the Citizens Advice Bureau to offer free advice drop-in sessions in the Hub every Thursday during Trimester 1 and 2 teaching periods from 11 am–2 pm. This is a chance to get advice from trained professionals and student volunteers about flatting, employment, aegrotats, consumer rights and more!

Welly walks

While everyone knows the Mount Victoria lookout is a classic Wellington must-do, there are heaps of walks equally as breathtaking (sometimes literally) that are close to the city centre. Brooklyn wind turbine has amazing views and an up-close look at what brings light to the city. Mount Kaukau is another peak worth conquering, or if hills are just not for you, go to Red Rocks on the south coast and enjoy a stunning sunset.

Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA) is the student association at Te Herenga Waka and is here to help students through their time at University.