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 |
Location
The halls of residence are located 2-15 minutes’ walk away from campus facilities.
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, 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 Ilam Apartments. Hayashi and Sonoda Christchurch Campus will consider a first year student who will be 20+ on arrival.
- First Year Halls of Residence Comparison Chart
- Beyond First Year Comparison Chart
- Couples and Families Comparison Chart
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.
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 41 or 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
Applications for the University Hall Leadership Scholarship close on 24 September 2020 – University Hall Leadership Scholarship Application 2021.
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 in the year prior to study.
Accommodation applications for second semester for students starting studying in July are due by 1 May. 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.