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Moving to New Zealand to Study Abroad

My Move From Hull, UK to Lincoln

By Chima Eze
Moved from UK to NZ
July 2026, using My Baggage
Aerial view of Lincoln, New Zealand's main street and church, surrounded by farmland and mountains

I moved from Hull, GB to Lincoln, NZ to pursue further studies and broaden my academic opportunities. It was a decision I had envisioned for a long time, even though it meant leaving behind familiar places, family, and friends. Moving to New Zealand represented more than a change of location. It marked the beginning of a completely new chapter in my life.

A Long-Envisioned Academic Journey

I have always been eager to enhance my academic career and explore opportunities beyond my current field. That ambition eventually led me to commit to studying in New Zealand. While I knew I would miss familiar faces and surroundings, I also looked forward to experiencing a different culture and meeting people from diverse backgrounds.
The move challenged me in many ways, but it was also something I had been preparing myself for mentally. I saw it as an opportunity to grow both academically and personally.

“This has become a transformative chapter I have long envisaged.”

Comparing Logistics Before Making My Choice

Finding the right moving company took some research. I started by searching online and comparing different logistics providers. I looked at customer reviews, delivery processes, and pricing to understand what each company offered.

With so many options available, I wanted a provider that was reliable while remaining reasonably priced. After narrowing down my choices, I selected My Baggage because it best matched my priorities, especially the balance between cost, delivery time, and the confidence that my parcel would be handled carefully throughout the journey.

Preparing for Life Across an Eleven Hour Time Difference

As my departure approached, my concerns extended beyond packing. Because I’m married, one of my biggest worries was adjusting to the 11 hour time difference while my partner planned to join me later. I wondered how we would maintain regular communication with each other, as well as with friends and family back home.

I also found myself worrying about practical details. My weighing scale kept giving different readings, leaving me uncertain whether my bag met the required limits. Another concern was New Zealand’s customs regulations, which are known for being strict regarding foreign items entering the country.

Although these thoughts occupied my mind before travelling, I hoped everything would work out once the journey began.

From the UK Departure to New Zealand Arrival

Despite all the worries beforehand, the move itself turned out better than I expected. Everything from leaving the UK to arriving in New Zealand went according to plan.

My shipment arrived within the promised timeframe, and I appreciated receiving regular updates through the online tracking portal. Being able to monitor my parcel throughout its journey gave me reassurance, and I was available to receive it when it arrived.

Looking back, I was relieved by how everything unfolded after spending so much time worrying about the unknown.

Planning a move to New Zealand? Then check out our guide about how to move to New Zealand from the UK.

Discovering New Zealand’s Mountains and Landscapes

One of the first things that impressed me about New Zealand was its landscape. The country has beautiful topography, with plenty of green spaces that contribute to excellent air quality. As someone who enjoys hiking, I immediately appreciated the opportunities to spend time outdoors.

I also noticed that many of the houses appeared to be newer builds than what I was used to. The surroundings felt fresh, and I found the scenery captivating. Although it was winter when I arrived, compared to the summer weather I had left behind in the UK, the road network still felt familiar enough to make getting around comfortable.

Adjusting to a New Routine

I’m still settling into life here. The jet lag has been challenging because most of my family remain in a different time zone, and I’m still adapting to the rhythm of life in New Zealand.

Learning a new culture takes time, and I know the adjustment will continue as I become more familiar with my surroundings. For now, I’m taking things one step at a time while embracing the experience.

What Went Well

  • My shipment arrived within the promised delivery timeframe.
  • Regular tracking updates made it easy to monitor my parcel.
  • The move from the UK to New Zealand went better than I expected.
  • My luggage arrived safely, giving me confidence in the service.

What Didn’t Go as Expected

  • I worried about maintaining communication because of the 11 hour time difference.
  • My weighing scale gave inconsistent readings before departure.
  • I was concerned about New Zealand’s strict customs requirements.
  • The overall moving cost exceeded my original budget.

Balancing Cost Against Value

The move cost slightly more than I had originally budgeted. I believe this may have been influenced by increased fuel prices resulting from conflict in the Middle East. Even so, I felt the service justified the amount I paid because my belongings arrived within the expected timeframe and I remained informed throughout the journey.

Planning Ahead for New Zealand

If you’re planning a similar move, I would recommend preparing as much as possible before you travel.

  • Check immigration policies on the country’s official website.
  • Arrange temporary accommodation before you arrive.
  • Open a local bank account if it suits your purpose for relocating.
  • Prepare for the time difference if your family will remain in another country.
  • Familiarize yourself with New Zealand’s customs requirements before packing.

The Mountains Made It Worthwhile

My journey to New Zealand involved my longest ever flight at around 30 hours, and it certainly tested my patience. Yet every time I look at the mountains, I’m reminded why I came. I love hiking, and being surrounded by such remarkable landscapes makes the effort of relocating worthwhile. Moving abroad has brought challenges, but it has also given me the opportunity to pursue my academic goals while discovering a country whose natural beauty continues to inspire me.

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