Student Accommodation in New Zealand

As per QS World Rankings 2022, eight universities from New Zealand have been listed in the top 500 universities of the world. An emerging student destination; New Zealand's higher education system offers courses of varying lengths and levels, focusing on practical skills and hands-on experience.

Most towns and cities in New Zealand are relatively smaller than student cities in other countries, making them less crowded and easier to explore. Framework,which is popular in the entire world for it’s accountability. The average cost of accommodation across New Zealand is NZD 1200-2500. According to NZ Universities, students should keep a budget around NZD 15,000-20,000 per year for accommodation in South Island and an average of NZD 18,000-25,000 per year for North Island.

New Zealand is popular for its street culture be it live music, theatres, dance, street art or other forms of performance arts. Being an island country, it is home to several breath-taking landscapes and popular places to hang-out with your new gang! Known for its affordability and quality of education,it is a highly preferred nation for studying abroad. Additionally the quality of education is kept in check by New Zealand's Qualifications

Finding student accommodation in New Zealand is a fairly simple task considering all locations are closer to each other and the market. New Zealand provides its students with multiple choices to choose from when it comes to student accommodation. For students willing to gain admission in New Zealand for further studies, one can apply in either of the two semesters i.e. February-June or July- November. Short term summer programs are also available during June-July.

Student Accommodation in New Zealand as per Cities

Living in New Zealand could be confusing considering the land is divided into two separate islands and has multiple popular cities. However, certain cities are closer and much more accessible when it comes to student-friendly locations. Listed below are the popular student cities in New Zealand to help you choose your perfect home abroad:

Auckland

• The most populous city in New Zealand, Auckland is the perfect blend of modern and cultural diversity.
• New Zealand’s largest city and its financial and economic powerhouse;Auckland is rated the most liveable city in the world in the 2021 Economist intelligence unit’s annual survey.
• Home to many universities, it is one of the top cities to live in for international students in New Zealand.

Hamilton

• Located in the heart of North Island, Hamilton is a great place for students in New zealand.
• One of the fastest growing cities in the country;it surely is the perfect location for taking a break during stressful days.
• Hamilton is not more than a 2 hour drive from Auckland and is close to many major universities in New Zealand.
• It also has several beautiful places and cosy cafes to hangout with friends post classes!

Christchurch

• The largest city in the South Island, Christchurch is popular for Arts,especially street art and live music. It is home to various popular universities in New Zealand like the University of Canterbury.
• Christchurch is a perfect location for art enthusiasts, since street art at Christchurch is prevalent in several areas of the City.

The table below discusses student cities in New Zealand across various parameters such as nearby universities and cost of living:

On Campus Student Accommodation in New Zealand

There are several accommodation options for international students studying at universities in New Zealand. Popular among freshmen, on-campus living is the easiest way to lead your college life. Students usually share rooms,common spaces and dining halls with fellow batchmates within the campus of their chosen universities.

• The concept of university-owned student accommodations in New Zealand is quite popular in the country; this not only includes residential halls and dormitories but also university-owned flats with a local student as a co-host.
• Living on campus exposes students to a diverse and cultural campus life alongside opening doors to networking.
• On campus accommodation has an extremely high demand, universities in New Zealand advise students to start booking their accommodation as early as possible.
• On campus accommodations are usually costlier than off-campus accommodations.
• They are inclusive of additional costs of living and have proven to be beneficial for students in first year or the ones who do not like to be burdened with additional responsibilities.

The table below discusses costs for living on-campus across several universities in New Zealand:

Being a part of the residential community is a great way to network and explore various cultures. Students do not have to go through a whole other procedure to get to an agreement, it is much simpler than lease agreements for apartments.However, on campus accommodations are a year long commitment, in case of change of plans; the money will not be refunded. Students do face a lack of privacy due to shared space and are restricted through timing constraints and rules of the dormitories.

Check Types of Student Visa New Zealand

Off Campus Student Accommodation in New Zealand

Off campus student accommodations in New Zealand are generally preferred by students from sophomore year, since it adds a lot of responsibilities of managing an entire household. Living in a shared household/flat is called ‘flatting’ in New Zealand.

• These accommodations also add to the amount of opportunities available in form of internships, placements, networking, socialising and seeking job opportunities in New Zealand.
• Off-campus living is a great way to learn more about expenditure,management and cultures. However, it is not preferred for students in their first year.
• Most universities in New Zealand have partnered with private brands and websites in order to help students find accommodations outside of campus easily.
• Reducing the risk of fraud and scams.Discussed below are the types of off-campus accommodations available for students in New Zealand:

Short Term Accommodations

For students still struggling with what kind of accommodation they should go for, New Zealand’s backpacking/budget hotels provide weekly/day to day stays under a budget.

• Prices start at approximately NZ$30/night for a bed in a secure dormitory to approximately NZ$ 140/night (minimum 7 days) for a serviced studio apartment.
• One should realise that these places cater to socially active people in the sense that rooms, common spaces and diners are shared among different people.

Student Hostels

Similar to On-Campus hostels, private hostels have become popular in recent years.

• They are closer to campus and have much relaxed systems when it comes to rules and timing constraints. Hostel rooms are usually furnished with a bed, desk and wardrobe, with communal spaces for cooking and relaxing with other students.
• Living in a hostel is a great way to network with fellow students, be it from the same university or a different one.
• Students in hostels do have share rooms and dining spaces usually with fellow mates.

Apartments and Flats

• The most popular choice of accommodation for young students who want an insight into the lives of adults. Students can rent apartments with their friends in localities closer to their university.
• Apartments can range from 1BHK to 4 BHK, it is up to individuals if they want to share rooms or not. Freshers are usually advised to not live in flats initially due to the added responsibilities.
• Apartments are a great way to learn about financing, budgeting and management. They are usually available on monthly/yearly contracts.

Listed below is the estimated cost of renting an apartment across various cities in New Zealand:

Homestays

• Homestays are a great way to adjust in new places. It is an arrangement where an individual can live with one of the local families who have volunteered to offer students a place to live.
• The prices are usually cheaper starting from NZD 30/night it can go upto 80-100 NZD per night.
• This cost includes three meals a day and other facilities like laundry and cleaning.
• It is totally on the student to decide if they want to be involved with the host family or not. Privacy is ensured and at the same time the student might be expected to have meals with the family.

What to expect?

• A welcoming family environment Fully furnished room and bedding
• Laundry facilities
• Meals
• Internet, electricity, and water
• Emergency support

Off campus student accommodation in New Zealand is the perfect way to learn more about financing, budgeting and managing a household while living in college. However, students have added responsibilities like managing bills for additional services like electricity, water supply and other utilities. There is limited scope for living a campus life and making friends from campus since proximity to campus is limited.

Things to Remember while Choosing Student Accommodation in New Zealand

• Safety should be your number one priority. Look out for your neighbourhood and ensure that it is student friendly, check for crime rates, other accommodations that cater to students and accessibility to police stations.
• The distance between your university and accommodation should be taken into consideration, you don’t want to be late or travel a lot on an everyday basis. Going back and forth should be an easy process.
• Check for the availability of public transport and hospitals in case of emergency.
• Check what amenities are paid for and what all you have to shell out later, keep no room for confusion.
• Preferably look for easier access to marketplace, clinics, salons and other utilities.
• Choose places closer to business/commercial sectors;this will help you find internship/placement opportunities easily.
• Lastly, make sure that you keep it legal. Ask for copies of contracts and go through the documents before signing.

Student Accommodation in New Zealand is varied across the country. Just like general costs of living, cost of accommodation is absolutely dependent on lifestyle and choices. An average apartment in New Zealand costs around 800 NZD per month, however in city centres they can go upto 4000 NZD per month. Costs will vary from place to place but one must keep in mind their safety and accessibility to everyday places from their accommodation.