AUT - Helping your child, partner or spouse succeed at AUT University
- ArionWhere applying and enrolled students can access AUT course information, check your enrolment status, make fee payments, update your personal details and view your academic results.
- AUTOnlineOnline access to course resources and learning activities through AUT's central learning management system.
- UnicentralUniCentral is the AUT University Student Portal. Here you will find useful information about you as a student and quicklinks to all the important online systems you will need to use while studying at AUT University.
Helping your child, partner or spouse succeed at AUT University
By choosing to attend university, a student takes on responsibility for their own learning.
University requires dedication, commitment and hard work. The structure can be quite a change from previous school or work routines and by understanding the challenges, you will be able to provide your child, partner or spouse with the support they need to be successful.
Please look through the following to see how you can help your family member and how AUT offers support.
How can you help?
Enrolment at AUT University is your child’s or partner’s responsibility. It’s important that they develop independent learning skills and stay focused to keep on track. However we do have some tips that can help you best support your child or partner through university study.Understand university workload
University workload is demanding and is like having a full-time job. When assignments are due or examinations are being held, students will need to spend a lot of time studying and completing research. It can be helpful to give your child or partner a break from the regular chores that they complete, cook them dinner or do the dishes.
Help your child or partner develop their time management and organisational skills
University learning can be quite different to high school or the work place. It is less structured than high school and can be quite demanding. Good time management and organisational skills are important. Students are responsible for attending class and handing in assignments. It is important for them to be able to effectively balance all of their commitments and find time to enjoy the social aspects of university life as well.
Provide a quiet place for study
Providing a quiet space for study is important. A student should have a comfortable desk and chair away from any distractions.
Help them stay motivated
Your family member may get discouraged on occasion. At those times, family can be the most important support. Encourage your child or partner to take regular breaks from study - even five minutes per hour can be quality time if you can go for a walk together, have a cup of tea, exchange a shoulder massage. Encourage them to seek help if things are getting tough.
[H4]Offer to proofread and check assignments
You can check for spelling mistakes and missing pages. You don’t need to be an expert in the area to provide some good feedback and advice.
How AUT can help
There are many people available on campus to support students. If you are familiar with them then you can encourage your child or partner to access them if they experience any difficulties. Many of these services are free to all students. For an A-Z listing, visit services and facilities.Orientation programmes
AUT University offers comprehensive orientation and transition programmes. It is extremely important for students to attend these programmes as they contribute to a successful university experience. AUT also offer a parents and partners orientation each semester. This programme provides you with an opportunity to speak with some of our staff and ask any questions you may have.
To learn more about these programmes visit undergraduate orientation, postgraduate orientation or international orientation.
Academic support
Students can talk with Student Advisors about help with managing their study load and schedules
Budgeting and money matters
Students should be responsible for their own finances and be able to understand budgeting and the implications of student loans.
If your child or partner needs financial advice, they can talk to the friendly team at Student Financial Services.
If you’d like to learn more about student loans and allowances (for domestic students only), visit StudyLink.
Career planning
AUT’s University Career Services offers assistance and advice to help your family member choose the right academic programme and develop their career skills. They can also help with finding part-time work during study and full-time work after graduation. For more information, visit University Career Services.
You might also want to have a look at Career Services - Rapaura, a New Zealand government-funded website containing New Zealand job, industry and training information. Visit Career Services - Rapaura.
Student Job Search offers free listings of part-time or casual jobs as well as summer jobs for students. Visit Student Job Search.
Who can you talk to?
It’s important to remember that attending university is your child’s or partner’s responsibility. It is for this reason that the information held by AUT University is private to the enrolled student. Information about phone numbers, grades or other personal details cannot be given to you without prior permission from the enrolled student.
Speak to a student advisor if you wish to discuss any general queries or concerns
Frequently asked questions
Who can I talk to if I am worried about my child's attendance or academic progress?It’s important to remember that attending university is your child’s or partner’s responsibility. It is for this reason that the information held by AUT University is private to the enrolled student. Information about phone numbers, grades or other personal details cannot be given to you without prior permission from the enrolled student.
Speak to a student advisor if you wish to discuss any general queries or concerns
What can a student do if they have a personality clash with a staff member?
There can be some instances where a student and a staff member may have a disagreement. There are a number of ways that a student can deal with such a situation. Firstly it is a good idea for the student to see if they can discuss their concern with the staff member and resolve the issue.
However, if a student does not feel comfortable approaching a staff member or they are not happy with the response that they receive from the staff member, there are other people they can talk to for advice and advocacy:
Student Advisors
AuSM Advocacy Service (a service of the AUT student association)
How long is the semester? How long is a lecture?
A semester is 15 weeks long.
Have a look at the semester calendars on our about AUT, publications page
The length of a lecture can depend on the programme and method of delivery. They can range from 50 minutes or 1 hour through to 2 hours.
How many hours should a student spend studying outside of the classroom?
This can vary depending on the programme. It is recommended that for every paper, a student should do at least 2 hours of extra study outside of their lectures.
Are lecture notes online?
This again depends on the programme and lecturer. Many programmes do post their lecture notes online.
What about class attendance?
It is important for students to go to class and many programmes will have a class attendance requirement. By attending class a student is increasing their chance of passing the paper and being successful.
Where does my son/daughter/partner get his/her timetable?
They can access their timetable through Arion.
What are the clubs at AUT that my son/daughter/partner could join?
For details about the clubs at AUT, visit AuSM.
What cooking facilities are available in the student apartments? Is there a toaster/microwave?
For comprehensive information about AUT’s student residences, visit undergraduate accommodation, postgraduate accommodation or international accommodation.
How much does it cost to study?
For comprehensive information about AUT’s fees, paying fees, scholarships, and financial advice, visit fees, scholarships and finance.
Living costs vary from student to student. Here are expected minimum annual living costs
for a student living away from home. This information is intended as a guide only and is subject to change. Students should complete research into their own expected costs.
| Description |
Annual estimate (average) NZ$ |
| Rent |
$8000 |
| Food |
$3500 |
| Power |
$600 |
| Phone (excludes toll calls) |
$450 |
| Transport |
$1000 |
| Laundry |
$350 |
| Clothing |
$1500 |
| Entertainment |
$1000 |
| Insurance |
$600 |
| Books and materials |
$650 |
| TOTAL: (per year) |
$17,650 |
How much can students expect to pay for textbooks?
The price of textbooks can vary depending on the course a student is doing. You can visit the University Bookshop website to find out how much textbooks cost.
How much can students expect to pay for computer use?
Students can pay as they go to use the internet. For more information visit IT information.
Is it a good idea to buy a laptop?
It is not compulsory for a student to own a PC or laptop for most courses. It can however be useful to have a PC or laptop as all AUT papers have an online component and being able to access a computer during university study is important.
If a student does not have computer access at home or a laptop, there are computers available on campus.
Is there WIFI access to the internet?
Yes.
What transport options are available and what concessions can students get?
For information on public transportation, the AUT shuttle, parking and student discounts, see Getting to and around campus.