Please note - all couples and family accommodation is currently allocated for 2026. Any new application will be waitlisted.
Couples
Self-contained
Accommodation on-campus includes studios and 1-bedroom units, however, options are in high demand:
- Hayashi - 10 studio units for students in their second year of study and beyond.
- Campus Houses - 2 x studio units, 7 x 1-bedroom units
- Sonoda Christchurch Campus - 4 x 1-bedroom units for students in their second year of study and beyond.
- University Hall - 3 x 1-bedroom units.
All units are furnished and rates include power. Due to demand for these units, contracts are not normally extended beyond a year long contract. You can apply to return, however, priority is given to new international students as an opportunity to settle into a new culture and become familiar with tenancy laws in New Zealand before moving into the private rental market.
Applications received outside normal semester dates are considered on a case by case basis.
| Couples Accommodation | Residential fee (2027) | Plus deposit |
| Campus Houses Studio Unit x 2 (48 weeks) 1-Bedroom Unit x 3 (48 weeks) 1-Bedroom Unit x 4 (50 weeks) | $16,656 ($347 per week) $17,904 ($373 per week) $18,650 ($373 per week) | $900 |
Hayashi |
|
|
Sonoda |
|
|
University Hall |
|
|
To apply, please complete an online application form.
Applicants must indicate they are a couple as their arrival level of study and select the term "Couples/Family Accommodation".
Applicants apply for a room type rather than a location ie "Self-contained unit - studio (couples only)" or a "Self-contained unit - 1-bedroom (couples only)".
It is likely you will also need to investigate renting privately.
Families
Please note: we are unable to accommodate a family on campus with more than two children.
Limited furnished and self-contained 2-bedroom units are allocated for families. To apply, please complete an online application form.
Applicants must indicate they are a family as their arrival level of study and select the term "Couples/Family Accommodation".
Families should apply for a "Self-contained unit - 2 bedroom (family)". Priority will be given to international students who are new to New Zealand. As these options are in high demand, it is likely you will also need to investigate renting privately.
Please ensure you book child care early, if required, as places are limited.
| Family Accommodation | Residential Fee (2027) | Plus Deposit |
| Campus Houses (1 or 2 children) 2-Bedroom Unit x 9 (50 weeks) | $25,800 ($516 per week) | 900 |
Renting privately
Most couples and families will be required to source an flat/unit or house off-campus on arrival in Christchurch.
Check out market rent in Christchurch on the Tenancy Services website. Please note that market rent does not differentiate between furnished or unfurnished or the condition of the room or property. It will give you guidance on what you can expect to pay. UC is located in the suburb of Ilam - other areas close to campus are Addington, Avonside, Bryndwr, Burnside, Riccarton, and Upper Riccarton.
If moving into an empty property, you will need to factor in set up costs into your budget:
- up to 4 weeks' rent as bond
- 1-2 weeks' rent in advance
- power and internet
- furniture and/or white ware (if unfurnished)
- contents and liability insurance
You also need to budget for ongoing monthly expenses such as power, internet, transport, food and personal items.
You should not sign a contract or agreement without viewing a property personally, therefore, we recommend that you arrange temporary accommodation for when you first arrive in Christchurch to enable you time to find a property that you will be happy in. As temporary accommodation for a family can be very expensive, we recommend arriving on your own first as a casual room can be booked on campus at Sonoda which will provide you with a base from which to source a suitable house to enable your family to join you. The casual rate at Sonoda is $430 (2026 rate) per week. Email sonoda@unilodge.co.nz.
Rental homes must meet minimum healthy homes standards for heating, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping - your landlord should provide you with a healthy homes compliance statement as part of your tenancy agreement. View healthy home standards and what a tenant needs to know, on the Tenancy Services website.
Find out more about renting privately.
For cost of living information, refer to:
