Architecture student gets helping hand to build new life in Auckland

But with the help of a Presbyterian Methodist Congregational Grafton Scholarship, Collins was able to not only adjust to life studying in Auckland but to thrive in her new environment.

The scholarship covered board and food at University lodging for Collins while she completed her degree, meaning she was free to concentrate on her studies without the pressure of having to work part-time during semesters.

“It provided me with a safe, warm, dry environment to live in and ensured I always had food on the table,” she says. “The scholarship gave me time to find my feet in the big city and way of life.”

Now enrolled in the Masters of Architecture (Professional) programme, Collins is thriving academically but says without the support of the scholarship there’s a good chance she wouldn’t be pursuing postgraduate studies at all.

“I don't know if I would have a bachelor's degree or even if I had if I would be doing my masters right now. If I'd got through the bachelors I'd be working for a year or two to fundraise and to make money to support myself – so I'm eternally grateful to be able to do this in one go.”

The scholarship was established in 2016 and is funded by the Presbyterian Methodist Congregational Foundation. Its goal is to support undergraduate students who want to study at the University but for whom the cost of accommodation would be a barrier to realising that goal.

Collins says the scholarship was not just an immense help financially, but also gave her stability as she adjusted to life in a new city.

“When I got to Auckland it was all so overwhelming, my whole world had turned upside down.

“Auckland can be a scary place and university can be quite daunting… but it really grounded me, it's given me this great foundation to start on and it's made me realise that I can do it.”

The financial assistance also allowed Collins the freedom to travel back to Nelson occasionally to see her family, as well as making it possible to cope with a number of health issues she suffered during her studies.

“Without this scholarship, illness and injury could have meant the end of my studies. And Covid-19 would also have stopped me in my tracks as I would not have had work to pay my rent, causing significant stress. Instead, I was able to buy materials, had a laptop to do the work on remotely and had a stable place to live.”

Collins is set to finish her masters degree in 2022, after which she hopes to register as an architect and get to work designing more sustainable, enriching and affordable environments for all New Zealanders.