Couples
Self-contained
Accommodation on-campus in studios and 1-bedroom units are available, however, options are in high demand and include:
- Hayashi - 10 studio units for students in their second year of study and beyond.
- Kirkwood Flats - 2 x studio units, 2 x 1-bedroom units and 6 x larger 1-bedroom flats.
- Sonoda Christchurch Campus - 4 x 1-bedroom units for students in their second year of study and beyond.
- University Hall - 3 x 1-bedroom units.
With the exception of the Kirkwood 1-bedroom flats, all rates include power - the flats are charged for power monthly. As our self-contained units are in such high demand, contracts are not normally extended. You can apply to return, however, priority is given to new international students as an opportunity to settle into a new culture and become familiar with tenancy laws in New Zealand before moving into the private rental market.
Applications received outside normal semester dates are considered on a case by case basis.
Shared house
Alternatively, there is an option for couples of a double room in a shared Campus House. Houses range from 2 to 5 bedrooms with shared living, kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities.
| Couples and family accommodation | Residential fee (2024) - 52 weeks | Plus deposit |
| Campus Houses (couples only) | $15,600 | $800 |
Hayashi (couples only) |
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Kirkwood Flats (couples and families) | $16,172 | $600 |
Sonoda (couples only) |
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University Hall (couples only) |
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To apply, please complete an online application form. Applicants must select the term "Couples/Family Accommodation" and apply for a room type. It is likely you will also need to investigate renting privately.
Families
Please note: we are unable to accommodate a family on campus with more than 2 children.
Limited fully-furnished and self-contained 1-bedroom units may be available for small families at Kirkwood Flats. There are also a small number of 2-bedroom Campus Houses. To apply, please complete an online application form selecting the term "Couples/Family Accommodation" and apply for a "Kirkwood Flat - 1 bedroom (power additional)" or a "Campus House - 2 bedroom (family only)" as your preference. Priority will be given to international students who are new to New Zealand. As these options are in high demand, it is likely you will also need to investigate renting privately.
Please ensure you book child care early, if required, as places are limited.
Renting privately
Most couples and families will be required to source an apartment or house off-campus on arrival in Christchurch.
Check out market rent in Christchurch on the Tenancy Services website. Please note that market rent does not differentiate between furnished or unfurnished or the condition of the room or property. It will give you guidance on what you can expect to pay. UC is located in the suburb of Ilam - other areas close to campus are Addington, Avonside, Bryndwr, Burnside, Riccarton, and Upper Riccarton.
If moving into an empty property, you will need to factor in set up costs into your budget:
- up to 4 weeks' rent as bond
- 1-2 weeks' rent in advance
- power and internet
- furniture and/or white ware (if unfurnished)
- contents and liability insurance
You also need to budget for ongoing monthly expenses such as power, internet, transport, food and personal items. Refer to https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/live-work/cost-of-living or https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Christchurch for cost of living information.
You should not sign a contract or agreement without viewing a property personally, therefore, we recommend that you arrange temporary accommodation for when you first arrive in Christchurch to enable you time to find a property that you will be happy in. For families, we recommend arriving on your own first as temporary accommodation can be booked on campus at Sonoda whilst you find a suitable house to enable your family to join you. Temporary accommodation for a single person at Sonoda is NZ$427 (2024 rate) per week. Temporary accommodation for a family can be very expensive.
Rental homes must meet insulation standards - your landlord should provide you with an Insulation Statement to enable you to make an informed decision about the property you are about to rent. You can also view healthy home standards on the Tenancy Services website. If you are new to renting in New Zealand, refer to the online Renting and You booklet published by Tenancy Services.
Find out more about renting privately.
