Finding Student Accommodation in New Zealand

Thousands of students visit New Zealand each year to study different types of courses. From high school students to university students, numerous internationals check into the country to study because of excellent education opportunities available in various localities in New Zealand.

Accommodation for students varies from homestays, hostels, to independent apartments, student sharing flats, and work-stay facilities. About NZ$10,000 per year is easily spent on accommodation for students residing in moderately safe student accommodations.

Surveys reveal that most common form of accommodation in New Zealand is homestay, which make near 40 percent of the students coming from abroad. Rental accommodation takes the next place at little less than 40 percent. 10 percent or so take up student hostels.

Halls of Residence

On campus residential localities are also available in universities and colleges. Your university’s halls of resident are the most convenient option, as they are situated either on campus or very nearby.  Most on campus accommodation consists of single or twin share furnished bedrooms and will typically include cleaning, utilities, meals and linen in the cost (although some university’s do charge extra for linen and/or meals.).  Some universities also offer independent cottage style accommodation.

Nearly all halls of residence have an on site warden who provides guidance and advice to residents.  They often have events commitees who organise social events and excursions where one can meet students of different countries, and adapt to multi-cultural environment.

Students need to abide by basic rules at the Hall of Residence or on-campus hostels. Students on campus have access to Internet facilities, libraries and entertainment areas (student clubs, sport facilities etc). Some campus residences might also include room service, food and basic amenities. Students may have to pay more for some of these facilities. The student hostels are also sought-after by students studying tertiary education.

Student Hostels

Student hostels are group living facilities that offer anything from single bedrooms to dorm style accommodation, housing up to twelve people in one large room.  Some rooms have private bathrooms, but for the most part, bathrooms are communal.  Some self-catering hostels have six to eight private bedrooms, with residents sharing a kitchen and living room.

Hostels generally have computer labs and recreation rooms.  They are a cheap option for students and also provide a great opportunity to make new friends.

Dormitories

Many students stay at dormitories with fellow classmates and college mates. Although the students can generally stay independently, a student mess has strict rules, such as deposit issues, attendance, and so on.

Homestay

Homestay accommodation places you with a host family.  You will receive a room in a suburban house and live with a family who will provide you with meals.  By interacting with your host family and their friends and family, you receive invaluable opportunities to improve your English skills and experience true New Zealand culture.  Homestay families generally expect you to help with domestic chores.  Most universities will find a family for you through their homestay programme.

High schools and many language schools are situated at pristine locations in the city centres of New Zealand’s metropolis and therefore offer usually homestays. Students that book homestay for accommodation will live with a New Zealand family and get their own room in their house. Usually homestay includes half board which means that breakfast and dinner as well as lunch during weekends would be served. Fees depend on location and school and vary from 220 – 280 $ per week.

Internationals students studying secondary education at high school usually must stay with a host family. Being under the age of 18 requires a guardian and all homestay parents for high school students are especially trained to accommodate younger students. As guardianship fees are often included in the homestay fee, weekly fees for high school students are usually higher. Homestay is the right choice for students that only stay for a couple of weeks or months or for those who like living in a family environment and mix with the locals.

Renting

Going flatting is common among foreign students who are planning to study abroad in New Zealand. Some opt for independent apartments while many go for flat sharing.  Your university will usually have dozens of advertisements for flatting opportunities on noticeboards or on university related classified websites.  You should also check your local newpaper’s classified advertisements.

Apartments could range from 1-to-5 rooms. There are some organizations which arrange for rented houses just for the students. You can also depend on an online search to get the right connection. Cost could range from NZ$120 to NZ$250 per week.

Most rentals are unfurnished, but include built in fixtures such as an oven and washing machine. You are responsible for organising telephone or internet connection, and pay electrical and phone bills.  A deposit of four weeks rent is lodged with the Tenancy Services and refunded if you leave the dwelling in good condition.

Organising Accomodation

Before you organise accommodation, you should first consider your budget and your needs.  What can you afford?  Do you want to live with people?  Do you want to be in the middle of the action, or would you prefer a quieter space?  Once you’ve answered these questions, you’re ready to start looking. New Zealand has a range of accommodation options to suit all budget and personality types. It is a good idea to organise your student accommodation in New Zealand before you leave. For further assistance, contact us.

Be careful

While many accommodation providers are honest and friendly, the internet makes it easy for people to offer forged accommodation that not belong to them or not even exist. Not much can be done by the police to prevent fraud as imposters are often overseas and not even living in NZ. Therefore we advise that if you book your accommodation through a private person in NZ, please only pay a small deposit to show you are willing to enter in an agreement and sign any contract after you have seen what you will book and where you will live. Always pay by Paypal or directly into a New Zealand bank account and never through Western Union or other providers where you payment cannot be traced.

Studying and living in New Zealand can be done effortlessly if you know the right approach. Talk to our student adviser for details on various types of accommodation while booking your course.