Halls of residence
If you are coming to UC to complete a Foundation Studies (FS) course or for the University Transfer Programme (UTP), accommodation can be arranged on campus.
Regular events and activities are arranged for residents and the friendly staff are available to help and support you at any time.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation contracts are offered to students as below. Please be aware that dates differ between halls and may not cover your course dates, therefore, homestay should be considered as an alternative option.
Standard semester dates are:
2024 Academic Year
41-week contract - 10 February to 23 November 2024.
2024 Semester 1 Only
20-week contract - 10 February to 29 June 2024.
2024 Semester 2 Only
20-week contract - 6 July to 23 November 2024.
Accommodation can be arranged over the summer directly with the hall.
Costs (NZ$)
Residential costs will vary depending on where you are offered. The weekly rate for a room in a Hinau 3-5 bedroom apartment at Ilam Student Accommodation on a 20 or 41-week contract is NZ$258. A deposit is required to confirm your place.
Your deposit is made up of the following:
$400 Contingency Fee (refundable)
$300 Administration Fee
$300 Resident's Association Fee
An optional bed linen pack or cutlery/crockery pack is available to purchase online.
An initial payment is required followed by fortnightly payments made in advance. Details will be outlined in your contract.
How to apply
Please complete an online application form. Click on 'Registration' to begin your application selecting 'Independent International Student' in the 'International Students Section' and 'I am a single student in my first year of tertiary/university study' in the 'Arrival Level of Study' section. We recommend that you apply as soon as your UCIC course is confirmed.
A non-refundable application fee of $100 is applicable as part of the application process. A reference is also required for students who will be under 20 years of age on arrival. A suitable referee is an agent or school teacher (someone in authority who knows you well but is not a friend or family member).
Accommodation is dependent on availability.
Homestay
An alternative option if you are not able to be accommodated on campus, is to apply for homestay. Students who will be under 18 years of age on arrival must apply for homestay or stay with a designated caregiver.
Homestay provides you with your own fully-furnished room living with a New Zealand family in the family home.
An application form along with further information can be found on the Homestay webpage.
Private Renting
Renting privately is generally for a fixed term of 12 months and is a private arrangement between you and your landlord.
Not all properties are fully-furnished and this would need to be factored into your budget as well as transport, insurance, food and power/internet. This is not a recommended option for when you first arrive in New Zealand.
Arriving in Christchurch
The UC campus is approximately a 10-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport.
Options for transport to campus include:
Check-in
Ensure your accommodation provider is expecting you. Each hall of residence will have specific check-in times. Temporary accommodation may be required depending on your flight arrival time. For homestay students, transport will be arranged by the homestay agent to your host as part of the placement service.
More information
Contact Accommodation Services/Te Ratonga Nohonga for more information and advice.
