Information for Postgraduate Students
If you are an individual coming to UC as a postgraduate or research assistant, some on-campus accommodation may be available.
If you are coming with a partner or spouse and/or a family – see our web page for couples and students with families for your accommodation options.
Halls of Residence
The most suitable hall of residence for postgraduate or 'adult' students are the Ilam Apartments or Sonoda Christchurch Campus. If your arrival date coincides with the standard contract dates, you can apply for either of these options following the standard application process. If you are a International student, new to the University of Canterbury you may like to take advantage of the guaranteed accommodation offer in the self-catered apartments (application dates apply).
If you are due to arrive at a time that is different to the standard contract dates, accommodation will depend on availability within the halls at the time. Often places are available for short-term - enquiries about booking a room and prices can be made by emailing the UC Accommodation Student Village. It can be a good option for short period of time until one of the contracted rooms becomes available or until you find your own apartment off-campus.
Private Renting
You may like to choose to live off-campus in private rental accommodation. You could look though Student Rent for either a room in an existing flat or you may like a whole apartment/house/unit to rent on your own. As you should always view the property yourself before signing into any agreement or lease, you will need to start your search for accommodation after you arrive in Christchurch. Therefore you will need to arrange temporary accommodation for your initial stay. Typically we suggest that you are able (and can afford) to stay for around 2 weeks – this should give you enough time to find a suitable property or room. Some possibilities are listed on our 'Temporary Accommodation' webpage.
See the Private Renting website for further information.
Homestay / Private Board
For individual students, you may choose to apply for homestay accommodation. This is where you stay with a New Zealand family in their home. The weekly fee of NZ$240 provides you with a fully furnished room, three meals per day, and power and telephone rental (toll calls and some internet charges could be extra). There is also an initial placement fee of NZ$330.
If you have any queries regarding your accommodation options, please contact us in the Accommodation Office.