Money and Banking
Being a student is a big commitment financially and it can get stressful at times. Our advice is to learn some basic budgeting techniques and ask for help early
LUSA, Lincoln University and local community organisations are here to assist.
Remember, help is for everyone. Every personal situation is different and the range of support available considers the broad needs of all students. Please ask for help. It is important to us that you can maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle so you can achieve your academic goals and have a positive experience while studying with us.
Costs while you study
There are many things you will have to budget for to maintain a healthy student lifestyle.
Course related costs
- Administration fees like late withdrawals, grade recounts and transcripts
- Field Trips and Tours
- Student Services Fee
- Textbooks, resources, stationery, computer etc.
- Tuition Fees
Other living costs
- Rent, board or accommodation fees
- Food and beverages
- Utilities like power, mobile phone and internet
- Public transport
- Vehicle costs (fuel, registration, warrant, services, insurance and maintenance)
- Leisure and entertainment
- Toiletries, cosmetics and haircuts
- Dentist, doctors or other health services
- Clothes and shoes
- Koha, giving to others
Common costs for our students
These are some of the things you may like to consider when budgeting. The prices quoted below are estimates only and are subject to change.
| Item | Cost in NZ$/Information |
| Textbooks | This will depend on what course you are taking but allow up to NZ$1,000 for course related costs. |
| Bus trips | Starting at $3.85 with a Metrocard or $5.70 with cash. Prices increase dependent on the zone you are travelling to and from. This link has all the pricing and a map of the zones. |
| LU Gym | Membership cost is covered by your Student Services Fee. |
| Campus Dining Hall | You can purchase a Brunch in the weekend for $15 (Student) and $20 (Non-student). Breakfast for $10 or brunch/lunch and dinner for $15 during the week. |
| Mrs. O's and Grounded - cafes on campus | Hot food items from $5, prices start at $3.50 for a coffee. |
| Mt Hutt one day lift pass | $159, with options for many other types of passes including a season pass at Mt Hutt or a Three Peaks Season pass where you will also have access to not only Mt Hutt but also Coronet Peak and The Remarkables in Queenstown. This link shows all pass options to Mt Hutt. |
| Inter-island Ferry | From $56 (passenger fare only and one way). Other fare options are available that include taking a car and animals. This link will take you to the booking site. |
| Digital TV | Free to students in the halls of residence. |
| Car parking on campus | Free |
More advice on the costs of student living:
Financial assistance
If you require financial assistance, many services are available at Lincoln University to guide you.
Financial Assistance Fund
The Lincoln University Students’ Association (LUSA) manages a Financial Assistance Fund for students experiencing unexpected financial issues that compromise their studies. Approach LUSA if you have questions about the fund.
Foodbank
Wellbeing and International Support and Chaplaincy Services manage the Lincoln University foodbank which has a range of toiletry, cleaning and food products. If you are struggling to pay your bills and find yourself sacrificing food over other priorities, contact the Chaplains or Wellbeing Support and they will help.
Clothing
Chaplaincy Services run a winter clothing drive where you can help yourself to warm clothing and blankets.
Scholarships
There are many scholarships available for domestic and international students at a range of study levels. It’s worth checking these out as you may be surprised at what scholarships you could apply for.
Studylink
Studylink is there to assist students to make informed choices about their student finances. They support New Zealand citizens, refugees and some other students residing in New Zealand. See if you are eligible here.
You can apply for loans and allowances and get advice if studying part time or supporting your family while you study. Our advice is to approach Studylink as soon as you consider being a student, that way there will be no holds ups when you go to enrol.
You are also welcome to contact any of our Student Support teams who can guide you towards University or community support pathways to suit your needs.
Banks and budgeting tools
Budgeting services
There are a range of free community organisations available to provide free budgeting advice. Here’s some recommended places to start:
- Christchurch Budget Services
- Citizens Advice Bureau
- Family Services Directory
- MoneyTalks financial helpline
- Ask your bank (they genuinely want to help)
Budgeting tools
It is important to know your living and learning costs and is also worth setting personal goals to help manage your money.
There are useful online resources that can help you plan your finances. We recommend signing up to Sorted NZ so that you can manage your own dashboard, to do list and track your progress. Tools available on Sorted include a money personality quiz, goal planner and debt calculator.
If you are an international student studying in New Zealand, see Managing Your Money guidance on NauMai NZ which includes information about working part time while you study, watching out for scams, gambling, and where to get budgeting assistance.
Banking services
The following bank services are located within walking distance of Lincoln University:
- ANZ – 5D Gerald St (ATM cash machine only)
- BNZ – 77 Gerald St inside New World (ATM cash machine only)
- Kiwibank – 9b Gerald St (Bank and Post services – use Westpac ATM free of charge)
Freephone: 03 325 2254, https://www.kiwibank.co.nz/ - Westpac – 6 Gerald St (ATM only)
Although not located in Lincoln, ANZ and BNZ banks can be found in nearby suburbs:
ANZ banks
- ANZ bank - Rolleston Square, 9 Masefield Drive, Rolleston
- ANZ bank – The Hub, 418 Main South Rd, Hornby
- Free phone: 0800 269 296, https://www.anz.co.nz/
ASB banks
- ASB bank - Rolleston Square, 9 Masefield Drive, Rolleston
- ANZ bank – The Hub, 418 Main South Rd, Hornby
- Free phone: 0800 803 804, https://www.asb.co.nz/
BNZ banks
- BNZ bank – 70 Rolleston Drive
- BNZ bank – The Hub, 418 Main South Rd, Hornby
- BNZ bank – Bush Inn Centre, Cnr Waimairi & Riccarton Roads, Upper Riccarton
- Free phone: 0800 275 269, https://www.bnz.co.nz/
International student bank account
We suggest opening a bank account and using cards to access your funds rather than keeping large amounts of cash.
If you want to set up a bank account, you will need your identification and proof of your address. Take your passport and proof of your New Zealand address (dated within three months) to your bank of choice. Students living on campus in accommodation/halls can request a proof of address letter from the Accommodation office.
If you need to arrange a transfer of money overseas, you can find out more about Sending Money Home on the NauMai NZ website.
