“Ghost town”: Lack of events on the Auckland campus

The once busy Auckland campus now feels eerily quiet, as the lack of events and activities leaves students feeling isolated.  

While the student association did not comment, it advertised a clubs and events coordinator role on their social media and Seek on August 28th.  

Rhiannon Flavell, Bachelor of Science student said the Albany campus used to be known for its social atmosphere.   

“Now, it feels like a ‘ghost town.’ It is a shame because it is such a beautiful campus with so much potential.”  

Flavell said, “As a Massey student, it feels quite sad. There used to be a lot more events and engagement for students, but now there are far fewer activities happening, or they are not being well-advertised.” 

Students are facing the changes that come with more lectures moving online limiting their ability to make connections with peers and staff.  

“With more lectures being online and fewer events happening, it feels like we are left grasping at the remnants of what the campus used to offer before COVID.”  

Along with event declines, course cuts and shifts to online learning have left students struggling to make and sustain friendships on campus.  

Master’s student Warren Chandra said the campus feels very isolated at times, leaving him looking for fun outside of campus.  

"It [the lack of events] is affecting my ability to make friends because there isn't a lot of people to begin with."  

Jamie Campbell, Bachelor of Arts student said the lack of events and advertisements made her feel as though she’s lacking a part of that Uni student experience. 

"I compare it to when I visit other university campuses, where there are constant events going on and it feels like they actually care about their students,” Campbell said.