Accommodation options for UC International College students (UCIC)
Accommodation can be arranged for students in a safe and secure study environment.
Halls of residence
If you are coming to UC to complete a Foundation Studies (FS) course or for the University Transfer Programme (UTP), accommodation can be arranged on campus. Regular events and activities are arranged for residents and the friendly staff are available to help and support you at any time.
Self-catered apartments
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, however, due to demand you may be offered an alternative apartment type at Ilam Student Accommodation or Sonoda Christchurch Campus. You will be placed with students of similar age and level of study.
Students will be offered a semester contract depending on your arrival date. Accommodation can be arranged over the summer directly with the hall.
Standard semester dates are:
2023 Academic Year (Feb-Nov)
48 week contract - 16 January 2023 to 18 December 2023.
52 week contract - 16 January 2023 to 15 January 2024.
2023 Semester 1 (Feb-June)
22 week contract - 23 January to 26 June 2023.
2023 Semester 2 (July-Dec)
22 week contract - 3 July to 4 December 2023.
Costs (NZ$)
Residential costs will vary depending on where you are offered. The weekly rate for a room in a Hinau 3-5 bedroom apartment on a 22 or 48 week contract NZ$242. A deposit is required to confirm your place.
Your deposit is made up of the following:
$300 Contingency Fee (refundable)
$300 Administration Fee
$200 Resident's Association Fee
An optional bed linen pack or cutlery/crockery pack is available to purchase online.
An initial payment is required followed by fortnightly payments made in advance. Details will be outlined in your contract.
How to apply
Please complete an online application form. Click on "Registration" to begin your application selecting "UC International College (UCIC) 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. Your term to select is "2023 UC International College (UCIC)". We recommend that you apply as soon as your UCIC course is confirmed.
A non-refundable application fee of $100 is applicable as part of the application process. A reference is also required for students who will be under 20 years of age on arrival. A suitable referee is an agent or school teacher (someone in authority who knows you well but is not a friend or family member).
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 must apply for homestay or stay with a designated caregiver.
Homestay provides you with your own fully-furnished room living with a New Zealand family in the family home. The 2023 room rate is $300 plus a $350 placement fee. There is a minimum stay of 8 weeks with at least 2 weeks' notice required to make a placement, although earlier applications are recommended. 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 and is a private arrangement between you and your landlord. Not all properties are fully-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.
Arriving in Christchurch
The UC campus is approximately 10 minutes' drive from Christchurch International Airport. Options for transport to campus include the Metro Bus, NZ Look Shuttles, or Taxis and Shuttles.
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.