Adrian Xu, Master of Planning

“It carries the mission of improving the urban and natural environment shared by human beings. It is meaningful as it has the purpose to do something which is beneficial to the place where we live.”

Though coming from an environmental science background he made the change to learn something “in depth” and decided to study a Master of Planning at Lincoln University, after some encouragement from his parents.

“One year ago, after their tour in New Zealand, my parents suggested me to study there. They told me that the international students are well received in the country, and the natural environment is really nice.

“After serious consideration and careful preparation, I finally decided to come to NZ for post-graduate study,” Adrian said.

“Firstly, Lincoln is famous for career-oriented degrees, which means some practical skills can be learned and this gives graduates advantages over graduates from other universities.

“Second reason is that Lincoln is a small-scale university so students may have more chance to have one-on-one chances with lecturers. This is particularly important for international students like me.

“What is more, Professor Hamish Rennie, who responded to my inquiry email, was very kind and patient to answer my questions with some detailed and useful information. His attitude towards student candidates really assured me that LU is the place I should go for study.”

He said the planning profession is special and interesting.

“On the one hand, planners in New Zealand have very different working contents compared with their counterparts in China. On the other hand, planning here involves plenty of communication processes with different people and organisations, which shows a dynamic pattern and never makes planners feel bored.

“The degree is accredited by New Zealand Planning Institute, which has the advantage of allowing you to become a professional planner.” 

He enjoyed the small-scale, open campus, of Lincoln as well as the well-facilitated library, friendly people and “delicious coffee”.

He said during his class lecturers taught local and international planning information well, but were also open to different points of view and ideologies.

“This led to an inclusive class atmosphere, which is essential to trigger the critical thinking ability of mine.”

He particularly praised the Library Teaching and Learning staff.

“They could not be more helpful. At the beginning of the first semester, I was anxious about the written assignments because it is quite strange to Chinese students, and I had never tried to independently complete any academic written assignment with more than 2000 words. However, the learning staff offered a variety of great advice to me through individual and collective workshops, which were the foundation for my decent grades of the assignments.

“It is quite new experience for me since such help rarely exists in Chinese universities.” He liked the University facilities, especially free parking.

Adrian described Lincoln as quiet, friendly and convenient and New Zealand as a country with friendly people and beautiful natural environment.

“It is the right place to come if you desire to enrich the living and studying experience,” he added.

“As a father, I would definitely consider sending my kid to study in New Zealand.”