University Hall offers a supportive and fun environment in your first year of study. With 535 residents, you are bound to meet other residents who are studying the same courses as you, or have similar interests, whether they are sporting, cultural or musical. The hall offers the flexibility of single-gender or non-alcohol floors.

There are three room options, the older Retro rooms (standard or premium) or the newer Ritz rooms. Some Ritz rooms are apartment-style. Each Residential Assistant has a key group of residents to support throughout the first year. A mix of academic tutorials and an active social programme encourages a healthy work-life balance.

With residents studying a wide range of degrees and with a number of international students, you will gain access to diverse ideas and cultures.

Halls of Residence

Halls combine academic support, and social events and activities, into a student experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

Key Dates 2021

KEY DATES FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2021 ACADEMIC YEAR
1 August 2020	Online applications open for February 2021 start
15 September 2020	Common Confidential Reference Form (CCRF) due for New Zealand school leavers
24 September 2020	Application due date
From 1 October 2020	Offers and waitlist offers made
21 October 2020	Due date for responses to offers plus required deposit if accepting
23 October 2020	Late applications considered. All waitlisted students will be merged to a General Waitlist.
1 December 2020	Due date for guaranteed international offer
Mid-December 2020	Offers made to non-UC students or Semester 1 only students (depending on availability)
1 May 2021	Due date for Semester 2 applications

Compare halls of residence

Each hall of residence has its own unique culture, so check out the options to decide what will suit you best. Deciding which to apply for is an individual decision. What would suit one student will not necessarily suit you – some students like formality, others prefer independence.

Compare your options based on things like location, accommodation type, facilities, meals, contract lengths and cost.

Check out each hall for in depth information:

Bishop Julius Hall (first year, fully-catered)
College House (first year, fully-catered)
Hayashi (second year+, self-catered)
Ilam Apartments (all students, fully-catered and self-catered)
Kirkwood Avenue Hall (first year, self-catered)
Kirkwood Flats (couples only, self-contained units)
Rochester and Rutherford Hall (first year, fully-catered)
Sonoda Christchurch Campus (second year+, self-catered)
Tupuānuku (first year, fully-catered and self-catered) – for 2021
University Hall (first year, fully-catered)
Waimairi Village (all students, self-catered) – not available in 2021

A first year student is a school leaver generally 17-19 years of age. First year students 20+ are recommended to apply for a self-catered hall.

View halls of residence

Hall tours are available April-September but must be booked in advance – please check dates before booking your travel. To respect the privacy of residents, hall tours are available only on specific Fridays and during secondary school holidays. The Accommodation Services team will provide information, answer questions, and accompany you between each first-year location. Tupuānuku will not be available to view in 2020 but limited accessibility to view a single room and ensuite room will be available on Open Day – 27 August.

Alternatively, view 360 panoramas and video tours or review options in the 2021 Accommodation Guide.

Who halls of residence are suitable for

Halls of residence are a great option to settle into Christchurch, particularly if you are a new student who is from out of town or overseas.

Meals and catering

Halls of residence offer a range of convenient catering choices. Fully-catered (3 meals a day, 7 days a week) and self-catered options are available. Most dietary requirements are catered for whether they are based on health, religious or ethnic reasons. Casual meals or meal plans are available at University Hall if you are staying in a self-catered apartment or house on campus.

A supportive environment

A range of staff are on hand in various residential and non-residential roles to make sure your stay is safe, secure and happy. They also provide support for you if you need practical or emotional help.

Activities on your doorstep

Living in a hall of residence there is always something to do. With Ilam Sports Fields a short walk away, you can easily join a wide range of sports teams for example rugby, soccer or netball. Throughout the year, there are also events for example formal dinners, ski trips, quiz nights and balls.

Guaranteed places for international students

Ease your transition to New Zealand life by living in a hall of residence.

If you are a single international student who is over 18, UC guarantees you a place in a single fully-furnished room in one of the self-catered apartments at Ilam Apartments. You must apply for a 48-week contract by 1 December in the year prior to study to be eligible.

Accommodation scholarships

There are a number of scholarships available to full year students in halls of residence. Some are UC scholarships, others are offered by the hall directly.

2021 Accommodation Scholarships

Apply for a hall of residence

You can apply for a hall of residence even before you know you have been accepted into your university courses.

Applications for accommodation in the halls of residence for Semester 1 (February) and full year open on 1 August and are due the last Friday in September (12 noon) in the year prior to study for a February start.

Accommodation applications for second semester for students starting studying in July are due by 1 June. Late applications will be accepted if places are still available.

Find more out about accommodation for international students or apply for a hall now.

More information

Contact Accommodation Services/Te Ratonga Nohonga for more information and advice.