Accommodation offer for study abroad or exchange students

If you are planning to study at UC, an offer of place is guaranteed providing your application is received by 1 December for a February start or 1 May for a July start. This is the easiest option as accommodation can be arranged before you arrive.

Ilam Student Accommodation offers you independent apartment-style living with the bonus of living on-campus in a supportive community and are ideal for individual students over 18 years of age. You will have your own fully-furnished room and share a kitchen, bathroom, living and laundry facilities.  The apartments are home to students of all ages, at all levels of study, and from all over the world.  Accommodation is offered in a Hīnau 3-5 bedroom apartment. Due to demand for 2023 accommodation, students may be offered Sonoda Christchurch Campus.

TermContract Dates Rate (Hinau)
Rate (Sonoda)Plus Deposit
2023 Academic Year 16 January - 18 December (48 weeks) $11,616 $11,088 $800
2023 Semester 1 23 January - 26 June (22 weeks) $5,324 $5,082 $800
2023 Semester 2 3 July - 4 December (22 weeks) $5,324 $5,082 $800

Your deposit is made up of the following:

$300 Contingency Fee (refundable)
$300 Administration Fee
$200 Resident's Association Fee

An initial payment is required upfront then fortnightly payments thereafter.

An optional bed linen pack or cutlery/crockery pack is available to purchase online.  

International Welcome will be held on Monday 13 February 2023.

If you are coming to UC through a Study Abroad Programme, please check with your Programme Coordinator if you are required to complete an online application form or whether your application is covered by a group contract.

To apply, please complete the online application form for accommodation. A non-refundable application fee of NZ$100 (including GST) will be payable to UC as part of the application process. A reference is not required.

Applications received after the due dates will depend on availability.  

If you are coming for UC's Semester 2 2023 and also Semester 1 2024, you can apply for Semester 2, then reapply from 1 July 2023 as a returner for Semester 1 2024.  Applications for Semester 2 2023 are now open.

Arriving in Christchurch

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 Purple Line Bus, UberNZ Look Shuttles, or Taxis and Shuttles.  

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.