Halls of residence
If you are coming to UC to complete a UCIC taught programme, accommodation can be arranged on campus. Please note that contracts may not align with all UCIC programme dates. In this case, homestay is recommended.
Halls of residence provide a safe and supportive student community on campus. Regular events and activities are organised for residents and the friendly staff are available to help and support you at any time.
Accommodation options
Standard semester dates are:
2026 Academic Year
41 week contract - 7 February to 21 November 2026
2026 Semester 1 Only
(Applications for the 2026 Academic Year will be prioritised, therefore, homestay is recommended.)
20 week contract - 7 February to 27 June 2026
2026 Semester 2 Only
20 week contract - 4 July to 21 November 2026
(For October 2026 arrivals, you will be offered a contract from your arrival date to 11 January 2027. A returners application will be required for accommodation in 2027.)
Costs (NZ$)
The recommended room type for UCIC taught programmes is a "Hinau - Single room" at Ilam Student Accommodation. You will have your own furnished room and share kitchen, living and bathroom facilities with other residents. Kitchens are equipped with basic essentials.
A 20 or 41 week contract is NZ$277 per week which includes your power. A deposit is required to confirm your room.
Your deposit is made up of the following:
$400 Contingency Fee (refundable)
$350 Administration Fee
$350 Residential Life Fee
An optional bed linen pack or cutlery/crockery pack is available to purchase online.
An initial payment of 5 weeks' rent is required followed by fortnightly payments. Details will be outlined in your contract.
How to apply
Please complete an online application form. Click on "Registration" to begin your application selecting "Independent International Student" in the "International Students Section" and "I am a single student in my first year of tertiary/university study" in the "Arrival Level of Study" section. We recommend that you apply as soon as your UCIC programme is confirmed.
For the "Proposed Course of Study" page, please select your institution and your qualification as "UCIC Taught Programme".
Accommodation is dependent on availability.
Homestay
An alternative option if you are not able to be accommodated on campus, is to apply for homestay. Students who will be under 18 years of age on arrival are recommended to apply for homestay or stay with a designated caregiver.
Homestay provides you with your own furnished room living with a New Zealand family in the family home.
An application form along with further information can be found on the Homestay webpage.
Private renting
Renting privately is generally for a fixed term of 12 months/52 weeks and is a private arrangement between you and your landlord.
Not all properties are furnished and this would need to be factored into your budget as well as transport, insurance, food and power/internet. This is not a recommended option for when you first arrive in New Zealand.
For information on renting law in New Zealand, see Tenancy Services.
Arriving in Christchurch
The UC campus is approximately a 10-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport.
Options for transport to campus include:
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. For homestay students, transport will be arranged by the homestay agent to your host as part of the placement service.
More information
Contact Accommodation Services/Te Ratonga Nohonga for more information and advice.
