Joseph Kupa and Derek Fruean (18), of Samoa, were among the students taking part in the Growing Pacific Scholars Orientation programme at the university's Pacific Islands Centre yesterday.
Centre manager Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai said the orientation events were aimed at improving the academic performance of Pacific Island students, which was a goal of the university's.
The number of Pacific Island students had grown rapidly in recent years and was expected to grow about 20% this year, she said.
Mr Fruean said the weather was ''really unpredictable'', but he was beginning to settle in.
It was great having the Pacific Island Centre because it was a place where he could speak his own language and meet other Pacific Islanders.
Mr Kupa said he was having ''so much fun'' and looking forward to starting the academic year.
