Living in a flat with a local student and other international students is an enriching experience. The team at University Flats (commonly referred to as Uni Flats) manage approximately 160 flats that house mainly single semester international students.
Our flats are unique. Some are older, renovated houses and others are newer, purpose-built in a small complex.
The Sustainability Neighbourhood
A brand new initiative for 2021, you could have the opportunity to live in a “Sustainable flat” where your mates care about the environment, where you can learn about living more sustainably, and be part of research into how students can have a positive impact.If you got amongst it with “Green your Scene” this year the sustainability neighbourhood is an option to stay amongst it while flatting
All flats are:
- Well maintained and of a good standard
- An easy walk to the University campus and main shopping centre
- Furnished, including a basic kitchen set up
- Bedrooms have a double bed, mattress, desk, chair and drawers
- Each resident has their own bedroom
- Electricity and utilities are included
We also have accommodation for postgraduate international students and international families.
Apply through the Te Puna student accommodation portal
Applying to University Flats
In order to be considered for accommodation with Uni Flats you must first register and then apply online through the Accommodation Office using the link below.
Apply through the Te Puna student accommodation portal
For single semester students, the details provided under ‘Personal Information and Comments’, as well as the additional information page, are the most crucial part of our placement and selection criteria.
It is very important that this page contains accurate information about yourself. We use this information to match you with a Kiwi Host and other international students to maintain a harmonious and compatible flatting situation for everybody – so be honest and ensure you include both your ‘likes’ and ‘dis-likes’.
If you are a family, a couple or wanting to live on your own, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible as we are very limited on the number of one and two bedroom flats available. Please note that we do not place families or couples in shared flats.
Once we have chosen a suitable flat for you, you will receive an offer of accommodation directly from the Uni Flats team. It is important that you reply to our offer within the specified timeframe to guarantee your placement and that all correspondence in relation to your accommodation is now referred directly to the Uni Flats office ([email protected]).
Applying to be a Kiwi Host
Applicants must be NZ citizens or NZ permanent residents. You must currently be studying at the University of Otago and be at least a second year student. You must also intend to study at the University in the next year. It is preferable that you already have experience of flatting, or at least living independently. All applicants must provide a character referee who can provide advice regarding your payment history and responsibility as a student. You must also undergo an interview with University Flats staff.
Applications to become a Kiwi Host open at the beginning of August for the following year. Kiwi Hosts are offered a reduction in their residential fee in return for acting as a host.
- Apply online to be a Kiwi Host (available when applications open)
Applying to be a Resident Assistant (RA)
Residential Assistants are live-in Kiwi Hosts as above, but they are also employed part time by University Flats.
There are typically four to six appointed for the year, working together as a group to provide support and development for residents and each other.
Applications for Residential Assistant are sought during August/September with interviews conducted in September/October.
- Download the full job description (available when applications open)