Whether you are here for just a few weeks or a few years, UC has accommodation options to meet your needs.
Halls of residence
We recognise that postgraduate study comes with different demands to undergraduate study and a postgraduate living environment can help support you and others at the same level of study. We also understand the differing needs with start and end dates not always fitting into standard semester contracts (February-June or July-December).
To meet these needs, a postgraduate flexi contract is on offer with a 16 week minimum stay. You are able to extend your contract after your initial 16 week stay to the end of a standard semester contract (June or December). Alternatively, discuss your departure date directly with your hall at the time your contract is due to be extended.
- Hayashi – a new build in 2018, Hayashi comprises 16 two-storey townhouses for students in their second year of study and beyond.
- Ilam Apartments – a large hall for students of all ages and at all levels of study, and a short 5 minute walk to campus.
- Sonoda Christchurch Campus – for students in their second year of study and beyond, Sonoda is located adjacent to Hayashi with 107 rooms.
- Waimairi Village – a smaller community of 15 4-bedroom houses, Waimairi Village is available to all students. Waimairi Village will close at the end of 2020.
The availability of rooms will depend on the time of year you plan to arrive. Room rates range from NZ$218 per week including power. All rooms are fully-furnished and self-catered providing a shared kitchen equipped with basic essentials.
| POSTGRADUATE FLEXI CONTRACT | CONTRACT LENGTH | RESIDENTIAL FEE 2020 | RESIDENTIAL FEE 2021 | DEPOSIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayashi (5:2 bathroom ratio)King single room Double room (single occupancy) | 16 weeks (minimum) | $234 per week $239 per week | $241 per week $246 per week | $800* |
| Ilam Apartments (Hinau)Single room | 16 weeks (minimum) | Not Available | $242 per week | $800* |
| Sonoda Christchurch Campus Single room | 16 weeks (minimum) | $218 per week | Not available | $800* |
| Waimairi Village Single room Double room (single occupancy) | 16 weeks (minimum) | $218 per week $229 per week | Not available | $800* |
*The deposit consists of a $300 administration fee, $200 residential life fee and $300 refundable contingency fee.
To apply, please complete an online application form. Click on “Registration” to begin your application and select the term “Postgraduate Flexi” indicating a preferred location.
Couples or families apply for a 50 week contract with the term “Couples/Family Accommodation” and apply for a room type rather than a location.
To find out more please email [email protected].
Renting privately
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.
Private rental accommodation is popular with postgraduate students offering an independent lifestyle and a great way to meet new people. Market rent in Christchurch is 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.
If moving into an empty property, you will need to factor in set up costs into your budget:
- up to 4 weeks’ rent as bond
- 1-2 weeks’ rent in advance
- power and internet
- furniture and/or white ware (if unfurnished)
- contents and liability insurance
You also need to budget for ongoing monthly expenses such as power, internet, transport, food and personal items. Refer to https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/live-work/cost-of-living or https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Christchurch for cost of living information.
Do 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 whilst you find a suitable house to enable your family to join you. Temporary accommodation for a family can be very expensive.
Rental homes must meet insulation standards by July 2019 to avoid $4,000 fines. Your landlord should provide you with an Insulation Statement to enable you to make an informed decision about the property you are about to rent. If you are new to renting in New Zealand, refer to the online Renting and You booklet published by Tenancy Services.
Find out more about renting privately.
Homestay
If you are a single student, you may prefer homestay or private board. Homestay provides an affordable and attractive accommodation option in a New Zealand family environment. If you choose homestay accommodation, you can expect to be treated as part of the family – eating, socialising and relaxing with members of the household. There is an 8 week miniumum stay.
Temporary accommodation
Temporary accommodation is usually paid for on a daily basis, for example a hotel or hostel. If you are only coming to UC for a short amount of time, or if you need short term accommodation while you look for a flat, temporary accommodation could be the answer.
Find out more about temporary accommodation.
More information
For more information about postgraduate accommodation options, contact Accommodation Services/Te Ratonga Nohonga.