You can apply if you are, or are going to be, a full-time student of the University of Canterbury or any other tertiary institution in Christchurch. Please note, however, that preference will be given to UC students.

Can I live in a hall of residence if my family home is in Christchurch?

College House has a 20 km restriction unless there are special circumstances (ie parents transferring out of town early in the New Year.)

Bishop Julius Hall and Rochester and Rutherford Hall consider applications from Christchurch-based students on a case-by-case basis depending on their circumstances.

The Ilam Apartments, Sonoda Apartments and University Hall do not have restrictions on Christchurch-based students.

I am only coming to study for one semester; can I stay in a hall of residence?

The UC Accommodation Student Village (Ilam Apartments, Sonoda Apartments and University Hall) has a special package available for any student coming to UC on an approved Study Abroad or Exchange programme. More details are available at www.canterbury.ac.nz/accom/international/study_abroad.shtml. If you are not coming on one of these approved programmes, UCA will consider applications on a case-by-case basis but as preference is given to full year applicants, this will depend on availability.

Bishop Julius Hall, College House, and Rochester and Rutherford Hall prefer full year applicants so will not normally accept one semester applications.

I am coming to UC to carry out research or am a visiting academic; is there accommodation available for me on-campus?

Depending on availability, there are self-catered rooms at UC Accommodation Student Village (UCA) suitable for visiting academics or postgraduate research students that come for times that are different to our standard semesters. Contact the Accommodation Office for the booking form and more details.

Can I get any accommodation for when I am doing a short-course on campus?

Dependent on availability, there are rooms at UC Accommodation Student Village (UCA) which may be available for ‘casual stay' bookings. Contact UCA directly for the registration form and to check availability – email enquiries@ucastudentvillage.co.nz. If this is not available, you would need to book accommodation in an external accommodation provider such as a backpackers or motel – some possibilities are listed at www.canterbury.ac.nz/accom/other.shtml

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How close are the halls of residence to campus?

All of UC halls of residence are on the University of Canterbury campus and no more than approximately 10 minutes' walk from any lecture theatre or facility.

Will I need a vehicle to get from the hall to lectures on campus?

No – all halls of residence are on the University of Canterbury campus and no more than approximately 10 minutes' walk from any lecture theatre.

How far away are the nearest shops and supermarket?

There are a good variety of shops and malls within a 10-15 minute walk from our halls of residence or a few minutes' bus ride. There are grocery, liquor and fresh fruit and vegetable markets plus ethnic supermarkets.

Where is UC located within Christchurch and how can I get around?

UC is located in the suburb of Ilam which is west of the city centre. The campus is approximately 7 kms from the city centre and around 6 kms to Christchurch International Airport.

Christchurch has an excellent public transport system and there are six major bus routes which come past UC and several more a few minutes' walk away. Students usually do not have to wait long before there is a bus to the city or to nearby shopping malls and using a ‘Metrocard' means it is really affordable. More information about bus routes and the metrocard can be found at http://www.metroinfo.org.nz/. A bus trip to the city centre would take around 10 minutes and cost under $3 or it may cost around $20-$30 in a taxi.

Christchurch is great for cycling either on-road or off-road, tracks and trails or on city streets. A quick 15-20 minute ride would get you to the city centre through the picturesque Hagley Park. More information about cycle routes can be found at the City Council website.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Southern Alps, Port Hills and the Pacific Ocean are all in close proximity – you will find there are opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, surfing, mountain biking, climbing, tramping, kayaking and much more. There are two buses that travel past UC to Christchurch's major beaches, Brighton and Sumner, and during the winter months buses often come past the University taking students to the Mt Hutt Ski Field.

Christchurch is famous for its festivals, with heaps of free events to look out for. For the culturally minded the city boasts its own orchestra, opera company and professional theatre company. The stunning art gallery is one of its latest assets. Visit the online events calendar at http://bethere.co.nz/ to see what is happening around Christchurch.

With the Christchurch International Airport only a 5-10 minute drive away, it is easy to get home. Within NZ there are direct flights from Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Napier, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Blenheim, Nelson, Queenstown, Oamaru, Wanaka, Dunedin, Hokitika and Invercargill. Bus Route 3 will take you directly from the campus to the Christchurch International Airport.

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Which hall is the best for me?

Deciding which hall to apply for is really a very individual thing – just like when you choose your courses. What would suit one student will not necessarily suit another – some students like formality, some like independence. Be aware that the hall your friend thinks is the best, may not necessarily be for you as well. We are lucky here at UC that all of our halls are of excellent quality. They are all located on campus and have excellent facilities; students are well supported and are encouraged to be involved and a part of their hall community. All halls offer academic assistance through tutorials in main UC subjects.

Read the Accommodation Section in the Undergraduate Prospectus carefully and have a look at the hall's individual websites – if you need more specific details about some of the unique differences between each, contact the Accommodation Office. Consider coming down to look at all the halls during the University Open Days in early July or outside of these times arrange a Campus Tour which can include visits to halls of residence.

Can I come and see the halls of residence?

Yes – with advanced notice you can book tours of the halls and also the UC campus. Book online at www.canterbury.ac.nz/liaison/campus_tours.shtml. You can also visit the halls of residence during the university's Open Day which is held each year in early July. Dates for events on-campus are available at www.canterbury.ac.nz/liaison/eventsdiary.shtml

I am a first year student coming out from secondary school, which hall would be most suitable for me?

All of our halls are suitable for first-year students. Some are fully-catered offering 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. Others offer self-catered apartment-style living for more independent students.

I am studying to be a teacher (my term dates are different to standard University term dates and I will be on placement during the year), which hall can I apply for?

Bishop Julius Hall, Ilam Apartments, Rochester and Rutherford Hall, Sonoda Apartments and University Hall will all consider applications from College of Education students studying to be a teacher.

I am an adult student, which hall would be most suitable for me?

The fully-catered halls typically have mainly first-year students (17-18 year olds) so usually students a little older would prefer the independence offered at the self-catered Ilam or Sonoda Apartments.

I am an international student under 18 years of age, which halls can I apply for?

We recommend homestay accommodation for all international students under 18 years of age, however Bishop Julius Hall, College House, Rochester and Rutherford Hall and University Hall will consider an application from an under 18 year old international student.

Is there any accommodation in the halls for students with families?

We have a small number of student apartments that have been made available for families at UC Accommodation Student Village (UCA). Accommodation is limited and booked well in advance.

If accommodation on-campus is not available, you will need to find private rental accommodation after you arrive in Christchurch.

Is there any accommodation on-campus for couples?

Sonoda Apartments and University Hall have a small number of self-contained one bedroom units which are suitable for couples only. These units are in high demand and can often be booked out a year in advance. Contact enquiries@ucastudentvillage.co.nz to check the availability and if necessary apply for a waitlist position.

Alternatively, couples would need to find accommodation off-campus in either an apartment or motel complex or private rental property. See www.canterbury.ac.nz/accom/families.shtml for more details.

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What is the food like?

Bishop Julius Hall, College House, Rochester and Rutherford Hall and University Hall all offer meals throughout the academic year (February-November). They all have several breakfast options including a hot option each day. There are usually at least a couple of different main meal options (including a hot option) and desserts are served each night. Salads, fruit and hot and cold drink options are usually also available at each meal.

Halls pride themselves on their well balanced, nutritious meals which are often offered on a rotated basis. With prior notice, halls offer late meals or packed lunch options for those students with extra commitments. Most halls can cater for a variety of diets; contact them directly to discuss your specific requirement.

Ilam Apartments and Sonoda Apartments are self-catered, however, meal plans can be purchased from University Hall, if required.

Will the halls cater for my special diet?

All halls endeavour to cater for most dietary requirements – whether they be for health, religious or ethnic reasons. Vegetarian, gluten free, specific allergies or intolerances are able to be arranged with prior notice, however, contact the hall directly to discuss your specific requirement.

If I miss a meal do I still have to pay?

Yes – the fee for halls of residence accommodation is packaged for the academic year and is not separated out. The total is due whether you are there or not, so if you miss meals, this is your choice. If you know you will miss the meal time due to another engagement, check with the staff beforehand – you can arrange to have a late dinner or packaged lunch put aside for you.

I have lectures that run through the designated lunch times at the halls – what will I do?

If you know you will miss a meal time due to lectures/laboratory or another engagement, check with the staff beforehand – you can arrange to have a late dinner or packaged lunch put aside for you.

What facilities are in the halls that I can use to make snacks between meals?

All halls have small common area(s) set aside per floor or building which has basic equipment such as hot water facilities (eg jug or zip), microwave and a sink. Although these areas will be cleaned regularly, you would still be expected to take responsibility for cleaning up after yourself if you use these facilities. Some halls also have other kitchen facilities such as an oven available to students in Common Room areas.

Apartments at Ilam and Sonoda have kitchens equipped with basic essentials.

What meal options are available for residents in self-catered apartments?

Residents at Ilam Apartments and Sonoda Apartments have the option of self-catered, semi-catered (dinners only), or fully-catered meal options. However, meals plans are only available during the academic year (February - November) at University Hall.

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When can I apply for accommodation?

Applications for accommodation in the halls of residence open on 1 August and are due by 1 October in the year prior to study for a February start. Applications for accommodation for students starting studying in July are due by 1 May. Late applications will be accepted if places are still available. You can apply for accommodation even before you know you have been accepted into your university courses.

Can I apply for accommodation before I know I am accepted to the University?

Yes.

Do I have to pay a fee just to apply?

No – currently UC does not have a hall of residence application fee.

Why do I need to fill in so many questions about myself on the application form?

Just making an application does not guarantee you a place in one of our halls of residence. Most halls undergo a selection process where they look carefully at each applicant and their references. They look to select a variety of students from various backgrounds and abilities so they can establish a well-rounded student community within the hall. The only information the hall can use for this selection process is obviously what you write about yourself and what your referee writes about you. Therefore, you need to be as open and forthright as you can. Complete all areas of the application carefully and with consideration as it will be important for your selection.

Ilam Apartments, Sonoda Apartments and University Hall applicants are able to select their own room based on profiles created by other students who has already selected rooms. Students applying to these halls are not required to complete all questions in the application form, as this information is asked for later in the application process.

How will I be contacted by the hall of residence or the Accommodation Office?

The main method for contacting you will be by email so please supply an appropriate reliable email address that you are able to check daily, especially if you are away on holiday. Check that you can receive large attachments and note that some emails can be bounced into junkmail or spam folders by the spam filters, so you must be sure you can also check these folders regularly. Please do not use a school email address unless you know you will be able to access this throughout the holidays including into the next year.

How do I change my contact details or correct a mistake on my application?

Contact the Accommodation Office with your login username and password and we can change this for you. Do not complete another application.

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What do the halls look for in an application when they are making their selection?

The halls are typically looking for a student who is going to contribute to the activities of the hall. They are looking for a well-rounded student who is not only going to study hard, but has other interests to contribute whether they be sporting, musical, cultural etc. Therefore, it is important that you list all your extra-curricular activities in your application form and promote yourself well.

How do the halls make their selection?

What you say in your application form is very important to the halls when making their selection. Equally important is what your referee says about you in your Common Confidential Reference Form. Halls are generally looking to build a community of students from a wide range of areas geographically and across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Choosing too many students from one particular school or in one area of study is avoided if possible, especially in the smaller halls. Students from the same school are generally spread throughout the hall to encourage you to make new friends, get involved in hall activities and form new interests. You will not necessarily be located near your best mate, but you will have someone with similar interests to your own close by.

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How much does it cost and what are the payment options?

Fees are set July-September for the following year, however in the meantime you will need to use the previous year's fees as a guideline. As soon as they are confirmed they are made available online at http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/accom/fees.shtml. Each hall has different payment options but a general summary of when payments are required is listed on the above website.

How much will I need to pay up-front?

Most halls require a deposit upon accepting an offer of a place. This ranges from around $700-$880 depending on the hall. First instalments are due at the end of January. For some halls this is 40% of the yearly fee, for others it is the first 10 weeks (or 25%).

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When will I know if I have been offered a place?

For 2013, offers and waitlist offers (for February start) will be made on 5 October 2012. Responses are due on 17 October 2012. Further offers are made throughout November to February as places become available.

What happens if I do not accept the offer of a place before the due date specified in the offer letter?

Your offer will expire and your place will be offered to another student. If you wish to be re-considered, please ask the Accommodation Office to re-instate your application, however, you will likely have lost your place at your first hall of choice.

What happens if I do not get sent an offer from my preferred hall?

The Accommodation Office will email you to advise that you have not been successful in obtaining a place in the hall and invite you to select your next preferred hall from those with places still available.

You are able to check the status of your application at any time by using your login username and password.

UC can guarantee an offer of place for any student studying full-time in a tertiary institution in Christchurch in 2013.

Can I remain on a waitlist at one hall and have my application considered by another hall?

No – you will need to choose if you wish to remain on the waitlist or have your application sent on to another hall.

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What do I do if I want to cancel my application?

If you change your mind and no longer require accommodation, please let us know in writing as soon as possible. Email us or send by post a letter with your full name, login username and password to us indicating that you wish to withdraw. We cannot accept a withdrawal by telephone.

Will I get a refund if I withdraw?

This will depend on when you withdraw and from which hall of residence. For all halls, the Administration/Enrolment Fee is non-refundable.

Every hall has an early withdrawal date which is specified in your offer documents. If you withdraw before this date for any reason you would normally get a full refund of your deposit/contingency fee.
If you withdraw after this date, refunds are on a case by case basis but in most cases you would lose your deposit as well.
If you choose to withdraw some time during the year before your contract end-date, each hall has its own policy but you would normally be liable for your full contract fee unless they are able to find another suitable student to occupy your room.

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When can I move in to the hall?

It will depend on the hall - all contract start and end dates will be listed on the Fees website at www.canterbury.ac.nz/accom/halls/fees.shtml

If you need to arrive early, please contact your hall directly.

Can I arrive earlier than the contract start date?

It will depend on the hall, contact them directly to find out if it is possible and how much it will be.

When will I have to leave?

This depends on which hall you are in. In some halls you have a particular date which applies to all residents; others have a policy that you must leave 24 hours after your final exam. Details are listed on the Fees website at www.canterbury.ac.nz/accom/halls/fees.shtml

Do I have to move out of my room for the holidays during the year?

This depends on what hall you are in. For Ilam Apartments, Sonoda Apartments and University Hall residents, your contract runs throughout the term and semester breaks so you have your room for the holidays as well.

For Bishop Julius Hall, College House and Rochester and Rutherford Hall residents, usually you would need to vacate your room as they often get conference groups in during the holidays. By prior arrangement, in most cases, residents can apply to stay during this time, however, there may be an extra cost involved and meals may not be available. Check with your hall for more details.

Is there accommodation for students over summer (December-January)?

The Ilam Apartments is the only hall which is open to students over the summer – this is self-catering accommodation only, no meals are available. Contact the Accommodation Office for details on prices and the application form.

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When will I be allocated my room?

At Bishop Julius Hall, College House and Rochester and Rutherford Hall, you will not be notified what specific room you have been allocated until you arrive at the hall.

UC Accommodation Student Village (Ilam Apartments, Sonoda Apartments and University Hall) have a self-selection room allocation process allowing students the ability to book their own room online.

Will I be placed in a room next to my friends?

Bishop Julius Hall, College House and Rochester and Rutherford Hall will consider specific requests from students, however, one of the best things about living in a hall of residence is that you meet so many new people. In allocating rooms, the Head of Hall will be looking to house you with other similar minded people but also mix you with people from different cultures or backgrounds. You are more likely to get out and meet more people if you are surrounded by others in the same position. This will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life and you are likely to form many long-lasting friendships. Even if you are in different halls, your friends are not that far away.

If your preferred hall is either Ilam Apartments, Sonoda Apartments or University Hall, you will be able to book your own room online.

Can I ask to be housed with my friends in one of the Ilam Apartments?

The Ilam Apartments offer a self-selection room allocation process allowing students to book their own room online.

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What are the rooms like?

All halls have single study bedrooms with a single bed (some have King-singles), study desk and chair, bookshelves, wardrobe and drawer facilities. All have curtains, are carpeted and are centrally heated. All rooms have internet access. There are telephones with voicemail service within each room in most halls. All rooms are single occupancy.

Do I have internet access in my room?

All of our halls of residence have internet connection in each bedroom. All Internet services are then supplied by the University's ISP, “SNAP Internet”. Halls Connections use a high-speed connection via an Ethernet network card, not dial-up via telephone lines and modem nor DSL.

Do I have my own phone in my room?

Bishop Julius Hall, College House, Rochester and Rutherford Hall, University Hall, and the Manuka and Kowhai Apartments at Ilam all have individual phones in each bedroom, all with their own voicemail service. In the Sonoda Apartments and the Hinau Apartments at Ilam, there is one phone per apartment which also has a voicemail service.

Do I have to provide my own linen?

Each hall will send their residents detailed information before they are due to arrive about what they will need to bring. Generally Bishop Julius Hall, College House and Rochester and Rutherford Hall all provide bed linen which is included in the year's accommodation costs. Ilam Apartments, Sonoda Apartments and University Hall do not automatically provide bed linen, however, Bed Linen Packs are available for purchase if required. You need to bring your own towels for all halls.

Do I have to do my own laundry?

Yes – each hall has a communal laundry with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. Some halls have coin/token operated machines, whereas in others it is included in your yearly fees. Whichever hall you are in you will need to take care of all your own personal laundry although some will wash your bed linen for you.

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Can I have a friend come to stay?

Each hall has its own policy on this, but in most halls you are able to have a friend stay for one or two nights. You must obtain permission from the Head of Hall prior to them arriving and they would sleep on a mattress within your room. Some halls may require payment for any meals they may have.

What sorts of activities are arranged within the hall?

All halls do have both formal and informal social activities/events happening throughout the year, all are well managed and each hall has their own philosophy/rules about acceptable student behaviour and having respect for others.

From day one your hall will have events scheduled which will help you to settle in, meet others, make friends, have fun and find your way around the campus and city. Some previous year activities included trips around Christchurch or Hanmer Springs, movie nights, BBQ's and smaller group or house events.

Throughout the year there are other events within each of the halls such as formal dinners, ski trips, quiz nights, secret admirers week or Hall Balls and then there are also the competitions between the halls like the Inter-Hall Sports Shield (which can include athletics, swimming, tennis, badminton, basketball, volleyball, netball, squash, table tennis, soccer and touch rugby) and the Inter-hall Cultural Shield (which includes debating, theatre sports and music performances).

Which halls offer extra tutorials/academic support?

All our halls of residence offer tutorials in their residents' main subjects – these are mainly first or possibly some second year papers. Residents of Ilam Apartments and Sonoda Apartments are able to take part in any tutorials that are offered at University Hall.

Can I bring a car?

Each hall has car parks available that are allocated on a first-in first-served basis. If you wish to have a car park, you will need to inform the hall as soon as you have received an offer of a place from them. The costs of the parking permits vary depending on the hall, but range from around $60-$125 for the year. These permits are specific to the halls of residence and do not include parking in any of the permitted areas on the University campus.

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