Finding accommodation in Auckland, and near to AUT, can be difficult if you don’t already live here. The contacts and resources on this page may help you find accommodation near the campus you will be studying at.
AUT has not inspected or endorsed the accommodation options described on this page. You must contact the provider directly for details or more information.
How to choose accommodation
You should think about:
- How long you need to stay (short-term or long-term – a semester or longer?)
- If you want to live by yourself or with other people
- How close you want to be to shops and transport
- How much it will cost you to travel to AUT
Accommodation types
The type of accommodation you choose might depend on your budget and how long you want to stay.
Some types of popular accommodation include:
- Apartments and houses
- Homestays (living with a family)
- Backpackers and hostels
- Student accommodation
Finding accommodation
Any accommodation providers listed below are not inspected or endorsed by AUT and you must contact them directly.
Long-term accommodation providers
Long-term accommodation for either a semester or a full academic year is more cost effective while living in Auckland. Expect to pay a bond (typically two-four weeks of rent), and also one week’s rent (or more) in advance. The bond is returned to you at the end of your stay as long as the property is in a clean and tidy condition.
Accommodation close to City Campus
- Rocklands
- Empire Apartments
- Columbia Apartments
- YWCA
- UNISTAY Ponsonby
- UNISTAY Point Chevalier
- Campus@Waterview
Accommodation close to North Campus
- Buildcorp rooms to rent
- Uni House (Languages spoken: Korean and Chinese)
Accommodation close to South Campus
Long-term accommodation providers
Long-term accommodation for either a semester or a full academic year is more cost effective while living in Auckland. Expect to pay a bond (typically two-four weeks of rent), and also one week’s rent (or more) in advance. The bond is returned to you at the end of your stay as long as the property is in a clean and tidy condition.
Accommodation close to City Campus
- Rocklands
- Empire Apartments
- Columbia Apartments
- YWCA
- UNISTAY Ponsonby
- UNISTAY Point Chevalier
- Campus@Waterview
Accommodation close to North Campus
- Buildcorp rooms to rent
- Uni House (Languages spoken: Korean and Chinese)
Accommodation close to South Campus
Short-term accommodation providers
Short-term accommodation may be a good option if you are new to Auckland and want somewhere to stay while you settle in and look for longer-term accommodation.
Backpackers and youth hostels in central Auckland
- YMCA
- YHA Auckland City
- The Attic Backpackers
- Haka Lodge
- Ponsonby Backpackers
- Oaklands Lodge
- Metro Adventurer
- Bamber House
- The Brown Kiwi
Homestay providers
Living in a homestay can be a great way to experience New Zealand culture. You live with a family in their home, so you can expect to take part in Kiwi life and improve your English.
International students under 18 must live in a homestay if they will not be living with their parents or a designated caregiver.
Renting a room or house
Renting a house or apartment
If you want to live on your own, or you need accommodation for a family, renting a private apartment or house may be a good choice.
Most rentals in central Auckland are very expensive. Suburbs are a bit cheaper but you will need to think about the extra cost (and time) to travel to your campus each day.
TradeMe is a useful website to find rental accommodation.
Flat-sharing or ‘flatting’
Sharing a flat or house with other people – ‘flatting’ – is a good option if you’ve completed your first year or want to live independently.
Before you go flatting, think about the kind of flat you want and what you can afford.
Think about things like:
- Paying for upfront costs, like rent in advance and the ‘bond’ (security deposit)
- Transport costs and times to get to your classes
- Insurance – like contents insurance
- Costs for things like food, electricity, internet and other bills – how will you share them?
- The type of flat you want to live in, and who you want to share it with
Getting started
There are lots of websites that can give you information around how to choose a flat, what you need to consider, your legal rights and responsibilities, and how to budget. Some are listed below.
Advice and information about flatting
Flatting 101 (Tenancy Services website)
Going flatting and managing your money (Sorted website)
Citizens Advice Bureau website