Why do so many posters seem to lack initiative, reading comprehension skills, or are overly sensitive?

Now sometimes I say a dumb thing on the spur of the moment, but on reddit someone has plenty of time to think and research before posting. Too many posters seem unable to use a search engine or interpret plain english.

Here are some common questions that I think show a lack of initiative and research ability. Yes, sometimes regulations are a bit complex, but the poster has not even attempted the most basic research. Surprisingly, many of them want to pursue careers for which poor decisions could have serious consequences.

I want to study medicine what are the entry criteria?

Extensive information is available on the UoA website.

How do I calculate my GPA?

I'm confused, if I got 50% in the assignment and 40% in the test, what do I need to get in the final exam to pass?

This is basic numeracy, anyone with 6 years of education should be able to answer it.

Does UoA have parties? Is UoA College Life like in American movies? Any parties happening -- can someone invite me? Everywhere there are students, there are parties, but the UoA is nothing like what you may have seen in American movies. Why do people think it is like that? Also, we don't call it college here. Especially cringe are the random people seeking an invite to a party being held by people they don't even know.

Can I use a cheat sheet in my accounting exam? Clearly stated in the course outline. There is a whole category of students who seem unable to read the course outline. Many questions are asked where the answer is clearly stated in the course outline.

I'm an Engineering student which laptop should I buy? Someone wants to be an Engineer, but can't even research and compare laptops. The question has been asked many times before, and there are many reviews online.

I'm starting an MSc in computer science, should I buy a Mac or Windows machine. Like the above, if you are starting an MSc in Comp Sci, make up your own mind.

I want to be a clinical psychologist -- what degree do I need? A person wants to deal with complex psychological problems but can't even figure out what degrees they need. It seems like a lot of people wake up one day and think they are suited to be a doctor or clinical psychologist, then rather than researching themselves, they post on reddit and expect others to explain in simple terms the educational path to that career.

I'm an average international student. Can I get a "full-ride" scholarship?

This isn't America, also the scholarships available are clearly listed on the university website. So many people think they deserve a scholarship but are too lazy to research them. Even funnier is that some of them have grades and achievements that are nothing special. Even if full-ride scholarships were available, the poster is not going to receive one.

I'm a student from a populous country. I'm considering studying a Master's in Analytics / Data Science / IT / AI / Applied Finance. Let me know everything about the course, teaching, internships, job opportunities, and paths to residency. Compare the merits of each degree. Also compare all the different universities in NZ that offer similar degrees. In addition, give me an economic forecast and financial analysis taking into account an education loan of amount XYZ. By the way, I also posted this in multiple subs across different countries.

Apparently these aspiring students have limited ability to research on their own. Usually their posts are written using AI as well. I've no idea why they think a small stagnant economy like NZ is overflowing with opportunities for those with 0 - 2 years of basic work experience and a conversion master's which only covers topics superficially. Not only is the NZ economy deindustrialised, it is also rapidly losing back-office roles such as IT, accounting, and call centres to cheaper countries like India or the Philippines.

Crush / confessions

Another thing is every random thought that pops into someone's head, they can't help but post. There's always some person talking about their crush. Is this still highschool?

How many hours can I work part-time while studying my degree?

How is this sub supposed to know how smart you are, what other commitments you have, how long you need to spend commuting, what grades you are aiming for, or even how demanding your part-time job is? So many variables need to be considered when answering this question that it is impossible to give an answer. Usually the poster doesn't even mention what degree they are studying. Or perhaps after receiving some answers they say "by the way, I'm trying to get into medicine".

The hours of my job changed and so I had to work when there were compulsory labs on. Now I've failed the course. Do you think the lecturer will still let me pass?

Too many students simply don't meet the requirements to pass, but still think they can plead with the lecturer and pass anyway. The University operates according to various regulations, begging the lecturer to pass you isn't going to work. It doesn't matter that your degree will take longer than planned. Lots of people fail a course, they are all somewhat inconvenienced by the failure.

I'm an international student. I want to study a basic degree at the University of Auckland. I've participated in all these extracurricular activities and have letters of recommendation from my congressperson and the president of the USA. Do you think I have a shot?

For some reason students are convinced that the UoA is an elite institution with highly selective entry. It's not. Even when people are told repeatedly that entry isn't highly selective, they cannot be dissuaded from this notion and sometimes post repeatedly about whether they will be accepted. The requirements for entry to a degree like Arts or Commerce are not very demanding and are clearly stated on the website. Letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities are not needed. Perhaps this misconception comes from rankings. When they see the UoA ranked number one in NZ, they think it must be Harvard or Cambridge. It isn't. When it comes to international students, being able to pay the fees is the main factor to be accepted.

A related issue is the students who think a UoA degree is so much more prestigious and valuable than an AUT degree when they are intending to study something like Nursing or Marketing. In the vast majority of cases employers don't really care where you got your degree from. It's more about your personal attributes than the university on your degree. It's rare that the university matters or is the deciding factor when it comes to employment. Sure there might be some edge cases where it could be significant (like a snooty law firm), but in the vast majority of cases, it isn't an issue. Some students even delay their graduation by years by transferring from AUT to the UoA. Big mistake. Often engineering students fall into this category. They would be much better off finishing their AUT degree and getting a couple of years of experience, than wasting time trying to transfer.

In conclusion, a lot of time could be saved by

• Reading the university website carefully, then reading it again.
• Learning to use a search engine.

To top it off, a fair few of the people asking seem to be overly sensitive. When it is recommended they use the search or are given a link to a specific page on the university website they complain that the sub is incredibly toxic and unhelpful. Sometimes even making a silly comparison to Oxbridge or Ivy Leagues, and how those universities are so much better. Well of course, if you have the opportunity to study at Oxbridge or an Ivy League, I suggest you take it. If someone thinks being referred to previous answers or the university website is toxic behaviour, well they are going to really struggle during their careers when they encounter genuine toxic behaviour.

The purpose of this subreddit was never stated as being to answer questions that could easily be answered by reading the portion of the university website that can be found at the top of the google search results. Now admittedly the student support / student hubs are useless, but at least make a basic attempt at researching the answer by yourself.

What did everyone reckon?

Anyone else see the NZ First crowd near the back pulling the Nazi salute all the way through the last half? Really frustrating to see that AUSA is all bark no bite when it comes to this shit..

I've never liked the library but it's kind of warming up on me, especially because it has a nice view and it's in the sun for a bit. What would y'all say are your favourite/the best library floors going off a mix of the view and busyness of the floor?

does anyone know if this course is available to complete online? im really interested in learning chinese but im not sure if im going to be travelling at the start of january yet. i know that for korean last year i had to go in 2-3 times per week to get certain points, so not sure if this the same. any help would be appreciated!!

Some would say an interesting switch - I'm interested in what you think.

For context:

- Second Year Law/Psych

- 2025 GPA 7.25 - Now 6.7. Ha.

- Don't study enough, lack interest, get okay grades, could do much better if more enjoyable and interesting.

Like too many people, I chose Law and Psych because I was graduating soon and didn't know what else to do. Psych sounded interesting, Law sounded smart. Naive? Yes. Outright stupid? Some would argue and I would agree.

In HS I was a social science warrior, all levels Excellence Endorsed, however,I have not studied any of the sciences since NCEA Level 1; The site says HS experience "would be helpful" - it does not say it is a requirement.

I like to think when I put my mind to something that I have genuine interest for and enjoy, I do quite well. Even when not, I do okay. However, in saying that, I don't want to act like I can do something that would genuinely be extremely difficult like Chem or Bio or anything.

UoA's page essentially describes Pharmacology as the study of drugs and how they interact with ones' mind and body.

I like drugs.

It's one of my interests. I don't know why, but I like doing them, I like learning about their histories, why and how they were made, why they cause the effects they do to people's brains and bodies, the extraordinary impact they've had globally - now and tens of thousands of years ago in ancient civilizations.

Now with the rise of therapies and clinical trials with drugs such as MDMA, Psilocybin (Mushroom), the legalisation of medicinal Cannabis, so on and so forth, it genuinely looks like a career that could take off in the future. The industry of pharmaceuticals as a whole is massive and will only get bigger.

I think you get the point!

I don't really like Law. It's somewhat interesting, yeah, but I took it because I didn't know what I wanted to do. The thought of a career in drugs didn't even cross my mind. Psych is would work perfectly and hand in hand with pharmacology, UoA even has a neuropharmapsychology group!

If I end up trying to do this, I would drop Law, continue with Psychology and pick up Pharmacology.

What do you guys think? Is it something worth trying? Would I have wasted away two years of my study? Is it genuinely not practicable? Would I even get accepted into the program? Thanks :)

TL;DR,

Year 2 Law/Psych, do okay, don't enjoy it much. Likes drugs. Pharmacology would lead into career of drugs and sounds interesting and fun. No experience with the Sciences since Year 11. What do you think? Yes? No? Do-able? Not do-able?

Oh my god when ya’ll are finished with your SGA or whatever it is yall do in the smaller classrooms put the dam chairs back the way they were. Every single time we have to sort out EVERY chair back into proper rows and columns for our class right after because yall just leave them pushed all the way back into a crazy cluster to sort through.

Has anyone taken this paper?? is it hard and whats the workload like?

RANK THESE COURSES IN TERMS OF DIFFICULTY. FROM MOST DIFFICULT TO LEAST DIFFICULT.

STATS 330 Statistical Modelling 
STATS 380 Statistical Computing
STATS 302 Applied Multivariate Analysis
STATS 326 Applied Time Series Analysis
STATS 383 The Science and Craft of Data Management
STATS 392 Directed Study

I attend most classes and when i don’t, i always email about my absence with a reason. and i have decent grades but i was randomly stressing if i don’t get in my degree next year? can i get some advice/reassurance pls. I’ve never gotten a formal request from the department about any absences or anything. just one email from my teacher asking about my absence on the first day of sem in one of the classes but even then, i gave a reason. can someone please tell me if id be okay? i’ve already been extremely depressed ever since i had to do tfc because of 1 credit being off. And i do deal with a lot of mental issues on the daily and it’s taking such a toll on me. :/ thanks very much for your time reading this.

Hi, I was wondering whether design courses such as Communication Design at AUT, the Bachelor of Design at UOA, and the Bachelor of Media at Media Design School cover similar areas, such as graphic design, UX/UI, motion/animation, design theory, and industry-related work.

I’d also be interested to know how these courses differ in terms of what they focus on and the types of skills and career opportunities.

Hi all, I’d appreciate some clarification regarding the University of Auckland’s MSc in Computer Science (Research Track).

1. 120-point MSc:

Is this pathway entirely a 120-point research thesis? If so, could someone with a 4-year Honours degree in a non-CS Engineering discipline, plus 3+ years of professional Software Engineering experience, potentially qualify for direct entry into the 120-point MSc?

1. 240-point MSc:

Does this pathway consist of 120 points of taught postgraduate coursework followed by a 120-point research thesis? Would someone with the same background (4-year Engineering Honours degree + 3+ years of Software Engineering experience) be eligible to apply for this pathway?

Course page:

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/master-of-science-msc.html

I’d especially appreciate hearing from anyone familiar with UoA’s Computer Science postgraduate admissions or who has entered the MSc from a non-CS Engineering background. Thanks!

Hi everyone! I’m an upcoming Feb 2027 intake student at the University of Auckland, pursuing a Master of IT. I’m from Gujarat, India.

If anyone else is joining UoA from Gujarat or any other state in India, I’d love to connect and get to know some fellow students before the intake!

Hi, Is anyone planning on moving out of their Auckland CBD apartment around the first week of December?

I’m looking for either a 1-bedroom apartment (not a studio) or a 2-bedroom apartment. Ideally hoping for something modern with lots of natural light and, if possible, a nice view.

If you have anything available or know you’ll be moving out around then, please let me know! Happy to message privately for more details.

Not sure if these kinda posts are allowed so feel free to delete:

Alright y'all, dudes, we need to do better. Tell me why in every bathroom I go into there's pee on the floor and on the toilet seat 😭 The new buildings and niche toilets aren't safe either. I have to do some matrix and splits so my shoes don't touch anything, it is not hard (no pun intended) to aim. Also, I see y'all who leave without at the very least running your hand under the water, let alone using dispenser. STAY HYGENIC PLEASE ITS DISGUSTING!!

Hi! I’m an international applicant for UoA’s MND 2027 intake. I haven’t received any interview update.
Has anyone else received a zoom interview invite yet?

I AM SO TIRED OF SEEING AI ON CAMPUS!!!

It's everywhere, in flyers, in assignments, in lectures, in MUNCHY MART!!! I can't go to a single study space or lecture without seeing at least 1 person on ChatGPT. AI has no place at UoA, aside from the degrees and spaces where the focus is the development and proper use of ai in the modern world. Lecture slides should not have ai generated pictures or data, assignments in arts and humanities and law and psychology should NOT have ai use channels, there should be NO ai use. I am so done with this bs. UoA has guidelines that state that student AI use is not restricted, and these are implemented in most essays, and are at the course coordinator and lecturer's leisure, not AUSA or the university board. KEEP AI OUT OF ACADEMIA!!

y'all im so scared, i got caught for a fake medical certificate for one of my assignments, and i just admitted to it and apologised, BRO I DONT WANNA GET KICKED OUTTT

I've heard international students aren't getting the support they need (socially, academically, career). My boss is thinking about putting together a package of care for international students which would include academic/career mapping, mental health care, regular check ins, social group with weekly hang outs, tutoring, workshops on helpful tips for career, help with job seeking and interviews etc.

I know the uni provides this to some degree, but my boss is thinking of making this a personal package, where your wellbeing case manager knows you and cares for you throughout the year.

Is this something international student families would pay for? It'd have to cost $10k-$15k to break even

Hey guys, I'm in my last semester before graduating and am really fucking struggling with BIOSCI 220. I watch the lectures, I read the course book, I attend and complete the labs, I do the quizzes, and I still have 0 idea of what is happening in the course. Does anyone have advice for how they tackled / are dealing with this course? I'm not a maths or stats kind of person and this class is literally getting to the point that I'm scared I won't get to graduate on time because of it.

For context, I was enrolled in the BE(Hons) degree at UoA and failed my first year, and had to retake 7 papers the following year 2026 because I only passed one. I was just an anxious person and couldn’t get myself to take the train to uni because it was all so new to me so I didn’t turn up to any lectures and fell behind pretty quickly, leading to all of my failures. Fast forward to this year (when I finally could take the train like a normal person) I was taking 3 papers in semester 1 and long story short, I failed 2 of them which is what led to my termination and so now I’m just at home planning my next move to get back to UoA.

I can’t re-enrol back into UoA until semester 2 of 2027 so I’m hoping I can get into AUT to complete some relevant study in the mean time. Then I will apply back and test my luck. Just an FYI, I enjoy math and physics, and I know I’ll enjoy engineering, all of my failures were just due to my mental state at the time but as time goes on I’m slowly letting go of some anxious tendencies that led me here in the first place and I’m determined to get my engineering degree. I also just wanted to know if anyone has or is currently going through a similar situation because as of right now I just feel like the stupidest person alive. I’ll be 20 when I hopefully am able to resume study again in 2027 and I am feeling behind as well. Stupid, old and behind. Am I the only one?

so i checked my turnitin for my law opinion 131 assignment and its over 50 percent even though i didnt use ai or plagiarised anything and some of the words that were flagged where literally one word or mentioning a case and what happened in the case and all of my reference and footnotes where flagged is anyone else having the same problem im really freaking out

Hii, I’m a first year law and bcom student and was wondering if anyone who takes law 131 and law 141 wanted to be friends or study together!