Welcome to the University of Auckland

Hi everyone! Recently I've been spending the majority of my time at the University of Auckland city campus. Although I'm only taking one class for this summer semester, I have lectures every week day because of the shortened term. I also do most of my pre-reading and post lesson exercises in the maths and statistics assistance room just in case I have a question.

Here's Albert Park. The building in the background is the General Library where I have my math lecture.

The art gallery and central city library are located at the other end of the park.

The city campus is spread throughout downtown Auckland, but concentrated mostly on Symonds Street. Auckland Uni is the top university in New Zealand and something like 55th in the world. The university was established in 1883 and has become New Zealand's largest university. The various buildings around the campus feature an incredible range of architectural styles. Some of the buildings are modern while others are clearly colonial. Theres also variety among the older buildings. For example the political science department is housed in a series of quaint villas, while the international office is located in a rambling brick building.

This is the Alfred Nathan house where the University's registry is located.

Its one of the oldest buildings on campus.

Here a drastically different style of architecture- the new Kate Edgar Information Commons.

This building houses the bookstore, cafeteria, short lone library and computer labs.

The Old Choral Hall is right next to the Information Commons. The international office is in this building.

This is the business school. Its one of the newest buildings in the city campus.

The University of Auckland is so highly ranked in large part due to the innovative research that occurs there.  The university's medical research facility is called the Liggins Institute. It is located in the neighborhood of Grafton, just a few minutes from Symonds street. I spend three half days there each week. I'm currently working with two different researchers on their projects, one involving full body vibration chairs and their effect on youth affected by cerebral palsy, and the other involving follow up clinical research looking at maternal diet and the effect on the fetus. The Liggins Institute's research focuses mostly on endocrinology and early childhood development. I couldn't really get any good pictures of the institute. Its a lot like any older hospital. The university is actually remodeling the medical school at the moment and constructing a new building to house the institute. Its very exciting for everyone there, and they are scheduled to move around September, 2012.

University Clock Tower

I really enjoy the uni campus, especially the incredibly lush parks and fantastic old buildings. In my opinion, the modern buildings are nice, but they can be found almost anywhere. There's certainly something special about the places that were constructed with such care and craftsmanship so many years ago.
Well, I'm off to do a final run through of my notes for my exam this afternoon! Enjoy your day!
Until Tomorrow...

Lots of Love,
A