Accommodation may be harder to find for couples or families, so you should start exploring your options early.
Couples
Accommodation on-campus in apartments and houses is available, however, options are in high demand and include:
- Hayashi – 10 self-contained studio units for students in their second year of study and beyond.
- Kirkwood Flats – 2 self-contained studio units, 2 1-bedroom units and 6 larger 1-bedroom flats.
- Sonoda Christchurch Campus – 4 studio units
- University Hall – 3 self-contained 1-bedroom units.
- Waimairi Village – 15 self-contained four-bedroom shared houses – each house can accommodate one couple in a premium double room with shared bathroom. Waimairi Village will close at the end of 2020.
Wtih the exception of Kirkwood Flats, all rates include electricity and you have on-site support available 24/7. All self-contained units are non-renewable contracts for 50 weeks.
| COUPLES AND FAMILY ACCOMMODATION | RESIDENTIAL FEE (2020) | RESIDENTIAL FEE (2021) | DEPOSIT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayashi (Couples Only) Studio Unit | $14,750 | $15,850 | $800 |
| Kirkwood Flats (Couples and Families) Studio Unit 1 Bedroom Unit 1 Bedroom Flat (can accommodate a young child) | $13,150 $13,650 $13,000 + power charged monthly | $13,400 $13,900 $13,250 + power charged monthly | $600 $600 $600 |
| Sonoda Christchurch Campus (Couples Only) Studio Unit | $16,950 | $17,450 | $600 |
| University Hall (Couples Only) 1 Bedroom Unit | $16,000 | $16,500 | $600 |
| Waimairi Village (Couples Only) Double Room with Shared Bathroom | $13,500 | Not available | $800 |
To apply, please complete an online application form. Applicants must select the term “Couples/Family Accommodation” and apply for a room type. As these options are in high demand, it is likely you will also need to investigate renting privately.
Families
Limited fully-furnished and self-contained units may be available for small families at Kirkwood Flats. To apply, please complete an online application form selecting the term “Couples/Family Accommodation” and apply for a “Self-contained unit – 1 bedroom” as your first preference. As these options are in high demand, priority will be given to international students who are new to New Zealand. It is likely you will also need to investigate renting privately.
Please ensure you book child care early, if required, as places are limited.
Renting privately
Most couples and families will be required to source an apartment or house off-campus on arrival in Christchurch. Market rent in Christchurch can be found on the Tenancy Services website and will give you an idea of what you can expect to pay. Please note that these rates do not differentiate between furnished or unfurnished or the condition of the room or property. You will need to factor in set up costs into your budget (for an empty house this can be up to 4 weeks’ rent as bond and 1-2 weeks’ rent in advance plus power and internet) as well as ongoing monthly expenses such as power, internet, transport, food, and contents/liability insurance.
You should not sign a contract or agreement without viewing a property personally, therefore, we recommend that you arrange temporary accommodation for when you first arrive in Christchurch to enable you time to find a property that you will be happy in. For families, we recommend arriving on your own first as temporary accommodation can be booked on campus at Sonoda Christchurch Campus whilst you find a suitable house to enable your family to join you. Temporary accommodation for a single person at Sonoda is NZ$289 (2020 rate) / NZ$298 (2021 rate) per week. Temporary accommodation for a family can be very expensive.
Graduate House offers 30 rooms for students and couples located on the perimeter of campus at 23 Creyke Road. There is a mix of single or double rooms with ensuite or shared bathrooms. Kitchen and laundry facilities are shared. Room rates are from $210 per week. Please enquire directly at [email protected]
Christchurch Student Accommodation offers fully-furnished Twin Studio Units, Double Studio Units, or Two Bedroom Units, just 10 minutes’ walk from campus at 252 Riccarton Road. Contact [email protected] or apply online.
More information
For assistance with finding suitable accommodation contact Accommodation Services/Te Ratonga Nohonga.