This week marks our one month annniversary (technically, a monthsary) since moving into Huia Residence. We had a party at the ground floor to commemorate the special event, filled with face paint, cakes in foil containers drizzled with syrup and cooking chocolate droplets, balloons with the number 1, and streamers. The balloons made it seem as if we were celebrating an invisible baby's first birthday.
I have immensely enjoyed my time in Huia so far, and the friends have not only been quantitative that I have made here have all been absolutely lovely. The whole journey has soared beyond my expectations to say the least.
Key Facts:
1. You can choose between being partially-catered or self-catered in Huia (the only hall in which you have the option; all other UoA halls are fully-catered). Meal Plan A currently costs $70 (7 dinners) and Meal Plan B costs $93 (7 dinners + 5 lunches). I'm on Meal Plan B now but I'm seriously considering to be self-catered next semester, mostly because I miss the freedom of eating out and cooking my own meals. Cutlery is provided.
For lunch, you have the choice of ordering a lunch pack (pretty good value for the amount of items you can order) or have a buffet lunch at the Quad Cafe. For dinner, we have a buffet and you have three main options - Protein (aka meat) Option 1 and 2, plus vegetarian option. There is always a different kind of potato, salads, and vegetables every night. Desserts are most of the time delicious! Seconds are possible when they are available, and our beloved Uncle Wilson (the sweetest catering Asian uncle) often calls us out for seconds, or encourage us to take some leftover desserts into our rooms.
Here is a sample meal plan meal for lunch and dinner:
Don't judge the portion :'( $10 per night so might as well make most of it ;P
2. Currently washing and drying costs $2 each round.
3. We are the only hall blessed with 24-hour reception, which means 24-hour pool with friends (dangerous 'study break' option, as I have discovered) and no worrying if you get locked out of your room.
4. It takes around 13-15 minutes to walk to the OGGB (Business School), depending on the pace that you walk.
5. We have our own small fridge in every room! Another Huia plus point.
Tips before moving in:
1. Bring an ethernet cable!
2. Consider going with the dinner meal plan at some point for the first semester at least. You get to sit, meet, and eat with a lot of new people, and meal plan was how I was rescued from being a potential loner at Huia (a tad too drastic, but kinda true). On my first day I had no idea who to sit with (I was just looking around to see who wouldn't see me as a nuisance for invading their holy privacy), I just walked back and forth in the dining hall carrying my full plate before two guys called me out to sit with them, and now I am privileged to be able to hang out with one of the (self-claimed) coolest clans in Huia <3
3. Try to get involved with as many events as you can, but at the same time, don't force yourself to attend those that don't tickle your fancy. Especially for late comers, getting out there is crucial to meeting new people, making new friends, and having the greatest time at your hall. I moved in one day late and it was already hard enough to meet people because everyone's either dispersed to follow their schedules, already super close with each other, or hiding in their dens.
4. Make sure you have a comfy pair of sport shoes. You'll most likely be doing a lot of walking living in Huia.
Assassins' Week First and Final Update:
Ran to ground floor kitchen (safe zone), but my fate had been sealed the moment I decided to not stay in my room the whole night (I mean who could resist playing pool in the middle of studying?). Killed very gently by Xenia after a long, persistent struggle of waiting each other on separated by the kitchen counter.
Even my lawyer couldn't save me from Xenia and her goons' determination to sock me.
Voluntarily went out because it was past 2 am and wasn't even making any kills anyway (mostly due to lack of Pakeha-distinguishing skills).
Anyway, I apologize for the lack of updates, as we're all currently stumped with uni work. As for now, gotta cram for tomorrow's Business 101 test, tackle unfinished assignment questions and obnoxious online quizzes. I can't wait for mid-sem break already! :-|
As always, thank you for reading! Have a wonderful Sunday everyone! :)
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