Homestay accommodation is when you live with a local family in the family’s home. You become a member of the family and your new family will support you as you start your university journey.
As a homestay student you will have unlimited access to your own fully furnished room in the home of a family that has:
- a bed, with bed linen that is laundered weekly.
- a desk, chair and reading lamp.
- pillows, blankets and towels.
- at least one set of drawers and a wardrobe.
- power points.
- unlimited internet.
- a working smoke detector.
You will also have access to a kitchen, bathroom, toilet, laundry facilities and living and dining rooms within the home.
Some homestay families may have more than one student living in their home so you can share the homestay experience with another student.
Applying for homestay accommodation
Applications for homestay accommodation can be submitted at any time. However, our homestay advisers require a minimum of two weeks to find a suitable homestay match for you.
Download or print a copy of the accommodation application form from the link below.
Homestay accommodation application form (82 KB)
Email the completed application form to the relevant campus team.
You need to pay the relevant non-refundable fees before your homestay accommodation can be found. You’ll find instructions on how to pay on page two of the application form.
Homestay costs
The establishment fees are non-refundable and paid when you submit your application. If you’re an international student and under 18 years of age, you must pay the Under 18 homestay administration fee too.
Auckland
Auckland homestay establishment fees and weekly board costs
- $254.80 homestay administration fee
- $620.00 homestay board advancement fee (paid to your homestay hosts for your first two weeks board)
- $218.40 under 18 homestay administration fee
- $254.80 designated caregiver administration fee
If you’re an international student, under 18, requesting designated caregiver accommodation, you must pay the Designated caregiver administration fee, not the Homestay administration fee when submitting your application.
Your weekly homestay board, paid directly to the host, is:
- $310.00 per week. This includes three meals a day, seven days per week and unlimited internet.
Palmerston North
Palmerston North homestay establishment fees and weekly board costs
- $254.80 homestay administration fee
- $520.00 homestay board advancement fee (paid to your homestay hosts for your first two weeks board)
- $218.40 under 18 homestay administration fee
- $254.80 designated caregiver administration fee
If you’re an international student, under 18, requesting designated caregiver accommodation, you must pay the Designated caregiver administration fee, not the Homestay administration fee when submitting your application.
Your weekly homestay board, paid directly to the host, is:
- $260.00 per week. This includes three meals a day, seven days per week and unlimited internet.
Wellington
Wellington homestay establishment fees and weekly board costs
For details about the 2020 fees please email [email protected]
Living with a local family
There is no typical homestay family. New Zealand is a diverse, multicultural society so our homestay families reflect this and include:
- People born in New Zealand
- Migrants who have settled in New Zealand and call New Zealand home
- Families comprising two parents or one parent with children or no children
- Families with indoor or outdoor pets or no pets
How a homestay family is chosen
How a homestay family is chosen
Massey University is committed to providing a safe and happy homestay experience for you. All approved homestay hosts undergo a strict selection process including:
- a home visit
- referee checks and police vetting of all adults over the age of 18 years in the household.
Our Accommodation and Welfare Advisers will try and match you with a homestay family that meets your requirements and has similar interests to you so that you feel at home. Our advisers are always there to support you before and during your stay.
We’re committed to providing you with quality and safe homestay accommodation.
Food and meal options
Food and meal options
All homestay students are provided with three meals per day and may comprise of:
- Breakfast: cereal, toast, fruit, tea or coffee – students usually help themselves.
- Lunch: sandwiches, fruit, leftovers – students usually prepare their own packed lunch.
- Dinner: usually the main meal of the day comprising a hot meal – prepared by the homestay host and is generally a time everyone eats together and catches up with each other.
Is homestay accommodation for you?
The homestay accommodation option is available to all Massey students ranging from students studying introductory English language, Foundation English (Bridging) to degree – both international and domestic.
International students
International students
Homestay accommodation is popular with international students. It provides you with a unique introduction to New Zealand life, culture and the English language.
Living in a homestay provides a total immersion experience. You can listen and speak English in a safe and trusted environment that will help develope of your English language skills.
International students under 18 years old
International students under 18 years old
At Massey University, all international students under the age of 18 years must live in Massey approved:
- homestay accommodation.
- designated caregiver accommodation or with their parents.
Moving from homestay to campus accommodation
Moving from homestay to campus accommodation
Homestay accommodation is a great way to settle in to university life. A homestay family will give you the support and care you need for your new study and social life.
Once you’re comfortable with university life you might want to try campus accommodation. Campus accommodation may not suit you when you first start university. You need to adjust to living away from home, independent study and making new social networks. It can be overwhelming for both international and domestic students.
We recommend that you consider living with a local homestay family for your first semester. This will provide that home away from home experience as you settle into university life. After your first semester you may then feel ready to move onto campus accommodation or other accommodation options.
Contact a homestay adviser
If you need more information about homestay accommodation, please email the Homestay Accommodation and Welfare Advisers at your campus:
- Auckland campus: [email protected]
- Manawatū campus: [email protected]
- Wellington campus: [email protected]