Cost of living
In addition to paying your fees, you will need to ensure that you have enough money to cover your accommodation and living costs.
Estimated costs
Living costs depend on where and how you choose to live. Your costs will depend on factors like your course selection, personal circumstances and lifestyle.
The costs below should be treated as estimates to help you identify things you need to budget for.
Weekly costs
| Hall of residence accommodation Costs vary from hall to hall between $169 to $205 (self-catered) to between $326 to $473 (fully-catered). |
$205 |
| Internet 100GB provided per month for all UC students. An internet account will be activated on payment of tuition fees which can be topped up for $2.00 per GB. |
|
| Mobile phone Cost will vary on use and if you are using pre-paid or a plan. |
$5 |
| Food Will vary depending on whether you are living in a fully-catered or self-catered hall. If you are in a self-catered hall you can choose to add dinners only for $90.30 per week or three meals a day for $129.50 per week. |
$129.50 |
| Transport This will vary depending on your chosen mode of transport. |
$25 |
|
Other |
$20 |
| Weekly cost total (self-catered) | 384.50 |
Additional annual or one off costs
| Administration fee This fee is non-refundable and varies between $300 to $350. |
$325 |
| Resident/student association fee This fee is used to help fund student activities and varies between $200 to $300. |
$250 |
| Contingency fee (refundable) This is a payment made at the start of the year in case of possible loss/damage of accommodation buildings or property and varies between $300 to $500. |
$400 |
| Books and stationery Depending on your programme of study this can vary between $500 to $1,000 per year. |
$750 |
| Parking If you have a car and want to park it at the hall you need to pay an annual fee that varies from hall to hall from $120 to $195. |
$160 |
| Bed linen pack Optional pack includes 2 bed sheets, 1 pillow, 1 pillow case, 1 duvet inner, 1 duvet cover, 1 fleece blanket, 1 towel (some halls provide linen). |
$125 |
| Clothing Depending on your budget, clothing can cost between $600 - $900 per year. |
$750 |
| Additional annual or one-off costs total | $2,760 |
Weekly costs
| Shared rental accommodation Costs vary depending on the area you live in and the number of people in the flat. This figure is based on an average 4 bedroom house in Ilam shared by 4 people. The median rent in Ilam 1 January - 30 June 2018 was $525. This does not factor in if the property is furnished or not or the condition of the property - www.tenancy.govt.nz |
$131.25 |
| Power Will vary depending on your consumption and number of flatmates between $20 to $40. |
$30 |
| Internet Depending on your plan and number of flatmates costs vary from $6 to $10 per week. |
$8 |
| Mobile phone Cost will vary on use and if you are using pre-paid or a plan. |
$5 |
| Food Will vary depending on your diet and how often you eat out. |
$80 |
| Transport This will vary depending on your chosen mode of transport. |
$25 |
| Contents and Liability Insurance Check out packages offered by insurance companies. |
$6.50 |
| Other Incidentals such as emergencies, entertainment - costs will depend on what you choose to do. |
$20 |
| Weekly cost total | $305.75 |
Additional annual or one off costs
| Bond This is a deposit for your tenancy paid to your landlord before you move in, usually 1 to 4 weeks' rent. |
$525 |
| Furnishings Depending on what you need and if you buy new or second hand, costs can vary between $500 to $1,000. |
$750 |
| Books and stationery Depending on your programme of study this can vary between $500 to $1,000 per year. |
$750 |
| Parking If you have a car and want to park on campus you need to pay parking fees - either hourly, daily or annually. |
$400 |
| Clothing Depending on your budget, clothing can cost between $600 - $900 per year. |
$750 |
| Additional annual or one off costs total | $3,175 |
Weekly costs
| Homestay accommodation Usually includes power, internet and three meals a day (minimum stay is 8 weeks - $2,160 NZD). |
$270 |
| Mobile phone Cost will vary on use and if you are using pre-paid or a plan. |
$5 |
| Food Will vary depending on your diet and how often you eat out. |
$40 |
| Transport This will vary depending on your chosen mode of transport. |
$25 |
| Other Incidentals such as emergencies, entertainment - costs will depend on what you choose to do. |
$20 |
| Weekly cost total | $360 |
Additional annual or one off costs
| One off placement fee This covers vetting and selection of the host family as well as other co-ordination costs. |
$330 |
| Books and stationery Depending on your programme of study this can vary between $500 to $1,000 per year. |
$750 |
| Parking If you have a car and want to park on campus you need to pay parking fees - either hourly, daily or annually. |
$400 |
| Clothing Depending on your budget, clothing can cost between $600 - $900 per year. |
$750 |
| Additional annual or one off costs total | $2,230 |
More information
There are a number of websites that can be used to calculate your individual costs in detail: