The University of Auckland recently opened the brand new Te Kāuta student kitchen and lounge on level two of Kate Edgar.
The new space includes tables and couches to sit and study, several powerpoints, microwaves, water stations, pool and foosball tables, and even an Xbox.
The University says Te Kāuta is a space for all students to hang out with friends, develop relationships, eat kai, and relax.
Craccum headed to the packed lounge during its opening week to get the honest reviews of the student body. Turns out it only takes a couple of microwaves and free hot chocolate sachets to impress us.
Nick and Ben, AUT Imposters
What do you think about UoA’s new student space?
“It’s incredible,” said Nick. It’s so much more communal. People are playing games in the middle, while others are studying. It’s more of a social thing. In my experience, at AUT, student spaces are more of a closed off environment for study.”
Is there anything you would change or add to the space?
“There’s actually a lot of power outlets which is really good,” said Ben. But I would add an oven. I’d love to bring a whole steak to have a gourmet meal at school.”
Brittany, Statistics and Psychology
What do you think about UoA’s new student space?
“I really like it. It’s pretty modern and I’m a big fan of the microwaves.”
Is there anything you would change or add to the space?
“I wish there was a toilet inside, but also better ventilation because it kind of smells in here.”
Pri, Bachelor of Arts and Commerce Conjoint
What do you think about UoA’s new student space?
“I really like that there’s hot water, microwaves, and a lot more utilities. You can find small kitchen spaces around campus but it’s really nice to have more of a central space that everyone can come to.”
Blake, Classics and Anthropology
What do you think about UoA’s new student space?
“I do quite like it. I would come here to eat or if I wanted to socialise more.”
Is there anything you would change or add to the space?
“There could be more tables around the couches and the seats. It’s quite a competition to find a place to sit.”
Destiny, Psychology and Commerce
What do you think about UoA’s new student space?
“I like the microwaves. It’s nice not having to go all the way to the Engineering building to heat up my food.”
Is there anything you would change or add to the space?
“I would love more tables by the window. It looks like a really nice spot to sit.”
Joelei and Ashlyn, the Biomed duo
What do you think about UoA’s new student space?
“I really like the atmosphere,” said Joelei. “This whole week, we’ve been coming here. We used to go to Kate Edgar, but now we always come here.”
“It’s really central, the location is perfect,” said Ashlyn. “The atmosphere is good, and it’s a great place to go during the long breaks between my classes.”
Natasha, Engineering
What do you think about UoA’s new student space?
“It’s nice to have a communal space for everyone from all faculties to hang out.”
Zoe, Urban Planning
What do you think about UoA’s new student space?
“I like that you can come here to meet up with friends who aren’t in your degree, and that there’s microwaves because that is so needed around here.”
Is there anything you would change or add to the space?
“I think it opened up too early. It’s kind of unfinished. I’d rather it be fully done before opening up.”
Isla, Classics, Philosophy, and Anthropology
What do you think about UoA’s new student space?
“I like how many different seating options there are. It’s quite open, it has a kitchen, a gaming table, and a nice big window.”
Is there anything you would change or add to the space?
“It does get quite noisy here, so I probably won’t come if I need to study. But for a group project it would be great.”