Success
What is success?
How do you define success? Success is different for every single person. What success looks like for one person can be different for another.
For example, success to you may look like stepping out of your comfort zone. Success for someone else may be getting to a level of fluency where they can comfortably speak English. It may be meeting your requirements for University Entrance or applying for tertiary study. You may have been successful in applying for a volunteer position and be starting training soon.
Whatever success looks like for you, they’re all building blocks for your future. All your experiences help set you up well for the next stage of your study and work adventure.
Being away from home, family and friends while you study/or make a new home in a new country can be overwhelming. A solid support network will make your experience easier and much more enjoyable.
How to succeed
You can do many different things when you’re studying, working, or in your social life to help you succeed. Tertiary study and university is are about new experiences and meeting new people.
- Ask for help if you need it — take advantage of the support services available while you’re studying, like learning and course advisors, career counsellors etc.
- Student learning centres can also help you with assignments and understanding exams
- Look for opportunities to get involved and meet new people. Many education providers have sports, hobbies/interest groups and clubs, or try volunteering in your local community
- Developing these networks gives you great experiences and memories and adds value to your future work and employment opportunities — especially on your CV.
All these things can help you build social skills and improve your English (which will be important for work).
Special acknowledgement for this information: Hana Lambert, 2022 (What is success, How to succeed)
How to succeed
You can do many different things when you’re studying, working, or in your social life to help you succeed. Tertiary study and university is are about new experiences and meeting new people.
- Ask for help if you need it — take advantage of the support services available while you’re studying, like learning and course advisors, career counsellors etc.
- Student learning centres can also help you with assignments and understanding exams
- Look for opportunities to get involved and meet new people. Many education providers have sports, hobbies/interest groups and clubs, or try volunteering in your local community
- Developing these networks gives you great experiences and memories and adds value to your future work and employment opportunities — especially on your CV.
All these things can help you build social skills and improve your English (which will be important for work).
Special acknowledgement for this information: Hana Lambert, 2022 (What is success, How to succeed)
Support services
Toi-Ohomai
Toi Ohomai provides all students with the tools they need to succeed! Their friendly teams of student support staff are on hand to help you with career advice, learning support, health and wellbeing, and a range of student experience services.
University of Waikato
The University of Waikato understands that students need a holistic approach to helping them succeed in study and life. They offer a range of services to help you successfully navigate study, student life, and wellness.
Wintec
Wintec is committed to ensuring all students have the resources and help they need to complete their studies successfully. On campus, you’ll find counselling, chaplaincy, career, health, mentoring, and lots more to help you succeed.
What our students have said
Michael Ren
Michael is a student from China.
He shares his story with us.
Why did you choose to come to Tauranga?
We came to Tauranga, New Zealand, in early 2015, where I attended primary, intermediate and high school. Before we arrived, my mum really wanted to live in a coastal city but didn’t like the bigger cities recommended by the agencies she consulted. So, she went on Google Maps and explored different parts of New Zealand, eventually landing on Tauranga. I am really glad to have come to this city.
What is your favourite thing about Tauranga?
I love every aspect of Tauranga. It’s a beautiful city with incredible views, with an inclusive and diverse community. Tauranga gets a lot of sunshine throughout the year, making it a very warm and comfortable city to live in.
How has your experience been in Tauranga?
My experience in Tauranga has been fantastic. I have attended primary, intermediate and high school here, and the teachers have been very supportive. Despite not having any English skills when I first arrived, it wasn’t long before I felt included by Kiwi students, and I’ve made great friends over the years.
What would you say to other people thinking about studying here?
I would definitely recommend studying in Tauranga. It is a lovely coastal city with a friendly and diverse community. The teachers are very supportive, and the schools offer a variety of courses to choose from and help you to discover your passion. Often I’d turn to my friends at school if I had any questions – they’ve always been super friendly and happy to help if I needed it.
There are plenty of opportunities in and outside of school, such as art, music, academics and sports. Some activities I enjoyed most include sailing, scouts, BOP/school badminton, Young Innovators Awards, and Q Awards. These experiences have been invaluable, and I urge future students to get involved, try new activities and make the best out of the opportunity that is available.
What are your plans for tertiary study? Will you look at the local University options and why?
I plan on going to university to study software engineering/computer science and will definitely consider local universities because this is where I grew up; it’s the place I’m most familiar with, and I love living in this incredible country.
Student resources
We’ve compiled a page of resources to help you plan your pathway to studying, living and working in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions.