Living on campus allows you to immerse yourself in a supportive student community while you study. Engage with the many activities and events on offer at UC, meet students with similar interests, join one or more of the 160+ Clubs on campus and make the most of your Exchange experience.
Accommodation application deadlines are 1 December for a February start or 1 May for a July start. Exchange students who apply for accommodation by these deadlines will be prioritised for on campus accommodation wherever possible, subject to availability.
By applying for the "Study Abroad/Exchange Accommodation Offer" your application will be considered for a room in one of the following:
- Campus Houses (located on the perimeter of campus)
- Hayashi (5 Bed Townhouses)
- Ilam Student Accommodation (Hinau 3-5 Bed Apartments)
- Sonoda (5 Bed Apartments)
UC affiliated accommodation offers you independent living and is ideal for individual students over 18 years of age. You will have your own fully-furnished room and share kitchen, living, bathroom, and laundry facilities. Apartments and houses are mixed gender unless you request to be in a single gender apartment/house in your online application form.
Kitchens are equipped with basic essentials to enable you to cook your own meals. You will need to supply your own linen, crockery and cutlery.
To apply, please complete the online application form for accommodation. A reference is not required.
Please indicate on the "Study Abroad or Exchange Student" page in the application portal that you are on an "Exchange Programme" and select the "Study Abroad/Exchange Accommodation Offer". Your application will then be prioritised for a room in one of the above halls. Offers will be made after students are accepted into the Exchange programme by the UC Global Engagement team.
| Term/contract dates | Hayashi | Ilam | Sonoda | UC Houses | Plus deposit |
| 2026 Academic Year 12 January - 14 December (48 weeks) | Single 1:2 Single 2:5 | $13,296 | $12,624 | Single Double | $900 |
| 2026 Semester 1 19 January - 22 June (22 weeks) | Single 1:2 Single 2:5 | $6,094 | $5,786 | Single Double | $775 |
2026 Semester 2 | Single 1:2 Single 2:5 | $6,094 | $5,786 | Single Double | $775 |
Hayashi (single 1:2) is a premium room with a bathroom/student ratio of 1:2.
Hayashi (single 2:5) is a single room with a bathroom/student ratio of 2:5.
Your deposit is made up of the following:
$300 Contingency Fee (refundable)
$350 Administration Fee
$250 Residential Life Fee or $125 Residential Life Fee for one semester.
An initial payment is required upfront then fortnightly payments thereafter.
An optional bed linen pack or cutlery/crockery pack is available to purchase online.
If you are coming for UC's Semester 2 2026 and also Semester 1 2027, you can apply for Semester 2 from 1 October 2025, then reapply from 1 August 2026 as a returner for Semester 1 2027.
Off-campus accommodation
Homestay/Private Board
Homestay and private board is an alternative option for Exchange students who require accommodation for one semester. In a welcoming family environment, you will have your own room, meals with the family, and the opportunity to practice your English every day.
Find out more about homestay and private board.
Private Renting
If you are bringing your partner, or are planning on living independently off campus, you will need to consider the following:
Please refer to our webpage for Couples and Families.
Tenancy agreements are generally for a 52 week contract and options may be limited for a shorter period of time.
Market rent in Christchurch is found on the Tenancy Services website and will give you an idea of what you can expect to pay. Please note that these rates do not differentiate between furnished or unfurnished or the condition of the room or property.
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. Refer to https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/live-work/cost-of-living or https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Christchurch for cost of living information.
Do 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.
Arriving in Christchurch
If you are living on campus, please contact the hall directly to arrange a free airport pickup on arrival in Christchurch. The UC campus is approximately 10 minutes' drive from Christchurch International Airport. Alternative options for transport to campus include:
The halls of residence are located 2-15 minutes' walk away from campus facilities.
Check-in
Ensure your accommodation provider is expecting you. Each hall of residence will have specific check-in times. Temporary accommodation may be required depending on your flight arrival time.
More information
Contact Accommodation Services/Te Ratonga Nohonga for more information and advice.
