Accommodation for postgraduate students
Whether you are here for just a few weeks or a few years, UC has accommodation options to meet your needs.
Halls of residence
We recognise that postgraduate study comes with different demands to undergraduate study and a postgraduate living environment can help support you and others at the same level of study. We also understand that you can arrive at any time of year, therefore if you are arriving outside standard semester dates (January-June or July-December), you can apply for a Postgraduate Flexi Start that will enable the hall to adjust the start date of your contract to align with your arrival date.
Self-Catered
Hayashi - Hayashi comprises 16 two-storey townhouses for students in their second year of study and beyond. Hayashi is a 15 minute walk to campus.
Sonoda - located adjacent to Hayashi, Sonoda offers single rooms for students in their second year of study and beyond. Sonoda is also a 15 minute walk to campus and offers a peaceful, tranquil environment surrounded by Japanese inspired grounds.
Ilam Student Accommodation - Ilam offers a diverse community from first year through to postgraduate level. Just a 5 minute walk to campus, you will be accommodated with students of similar age and level of study.
The availability of rooms will depend on the time of year you plan to arrive. All rooms are fully-furnished providing a shared kitchen equipped with basic essentials, and rates include power and unlimited wi-fi for UC students. There are several food outlets within close proximity to all sites.
An optional bed linen pack or cutlery/crockery pack is available to purchase online.
To apply, please complete an online application form. Click on "Registration" to begin your application and select the term "2023 Postgraduate Flexi Start" indicating a preferred location. If you are arriving during standard semester dates, please apply for the appropriate term:
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.
Students applying for Semester 2 can extend their stay over the summer by contacting the hall directly. From 1 August, students can apply as a returner for the 2024 Academic Year or 2024 Semester 1. Applications for the Academic Year will be prioritised over Semester 1 applications.
Couples or families apply for a 52 week contract with the term "Couples/Family Accommodation" and apply for a room type rather than a location.
For any questions, please email Accommodation Services.
Renting privately
Private rental accommodation is popular with postgraduate students offering an independent lifestyle and a great way to meet new people. 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. For families, we recommend arriving on your own first as temporary accommodation can be booked on campus at Sonoda whilst you find a suitable house to enable your family to join you. Temporary accommodation for a family can be very expensive.
Rental homes must meet insulation standards to avoid $4,000 fines. Your landlord should provide you with an Insulation Statement to enable you to make an informed decision about the property you are about to rent. You can also view healthy home standards on the Tenancy Services website. If you are new to renting in New Zealand, refer to the online Renting and You booklet published by Tenancy Services.
Find out more about renting privately.
Homestay
If you are a single student, you may prefer homestay or private board. Homestay provides an affordable and attractive accommodation option in a New Zealand family environment. If you choose homestay accommodation, you can expect to be treated as part of the family – eating, socialising and relaxing with members of the household. There is an 8 week miniumum stay.
Find out more about homestay and private board.
Temporary accommodation
Temporary accommodation is usually paid for on a daily basis, for example a hotel or hostel. If you are only coming to UC for a short amount of time, or if you need short term accommodation while you look for a flat, temporary accommodation could be the answer.
Find out more about temporary accommodation.
More information
For more information about postgraduate accommodation options, contact Accommodation Services/Te Ratonga Nohonga.