How to Apply for Accommodation at UC 2013 -
Applications for 2014 open 1 August

All rooms are currently reserved on campus, however applications remain open for waitlisted places.

Fully-catered (3 meals a day, 7 days a week)

  • University Hall (Ritz and Retro buildings)
  • Bishop Julius Hall and Rochester and Rutherford Hall (please note that a waitlist place is by offer only, you cannot request to be on a waitlist)

Semi-catered (dinners provided)

  • University Hall (Connon building - students 20 years of age and older only)

How to Complete the Online Application Form

It may be helpful to print off these instructions and follow them as you fill in the Online Application Form. (If you require a PDF of the Application Form, please call +64 3 364 2959 or email accommodation@canterbury.ac.nz.)

Please Note: The accommodation application form is for individual students only; if you are a student with a partner/spouse or family and are looking for accommodation, please visit Information for Couples or Students with Families for more details about your accommodation options.

Returning students are not required to apply online, please contact your hall directly.

Step 1 - Complete an Online Application Form

Step 2 - Complete (a) or (b) below:

(a) Domestic students and international students currently attending a NZ secondary school

Under 20 Please arrange for your referee to complete a Common Confidential Reference Form (see link below) and send it to the Accommodation Office on your behalf.* 
20 and Over Please arrange for a personal/character reference to be completed and sent to the Accommodation Office on your behalf.  An appropriate referee would be an employer, landlord, lecturer/tutor or minister – someone who knows you well but is not a friend or family member.  Please note:  This applies to the self-catered apartments at UC Accommodation Student Village only.  A second reference may be requested.

(b) International students (if currently attending a NZ secondary school, see (a) above)

Under 18
 Please arrange for your referee to complete a Common Confidential Reference Form (see link below) and send it to the Accommodation Office on your behalf.*  Students must stay in a fully-catered hall of residence to comply with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.
Please note:  Homestay accommodation is preferred.
18 and Over Please email accommodation@canterbury.ac.nz to let us know when you have completed your online application.  If you are on an approved Study Abroad or Exchange programme, or an NZAID Scholarship student, please tell us in your email. 
Please note:  This applies to the self-catered apartments at UC Accommodation Student Village only.  For all other on-campus accommodation, a Common Confidential Reference Form is required.


* An appropriate referee would be your School Principal, Careers Advisor, Year 13 Dean or other member of senior management.

What Happens Now (Placement Process)

Your application is sent to your preferred hall for consideration when both Steps 1 and 2 above have been completed. The Accommodation Office will email you to let you know when your reference form has been received. You can also check your application status online at any time by using your Account Login details (usercode and password).

Please Note: Equal consideration is given to all applications for a fully-catered hall of residence received between 1 August and the due date of 1 October 2012. The date of your application between these times is not taken into account in the selection process.