Find everything you need to plan your accommodation in Christchurch, including on-campus accommodation, homestay, private renting, costs, applications, and arriving in Christchurch.
Starting university in a new country is an exciting experience, and choosing the right place to live can help you feel at home from day one. UCIC students have a range of accommodation options to choose from.
If you are coming to UC to study a UCIC taught programme, you can apply for on-campus accommodation at Ilam Student Accommodation. Ilam offers furnished, apartment-style living in a safe and supportive student community, with shared kitchen, bathroom, living and laundry facilities. You’ll have opportunities to meet students from New Zealand and around the world.
Whatever option you choose, we’re here to help you find accommodation that makes your transition to Christchurch comfortable, connected and enjoyable.
Accommodation is available for students aged 18 and over, subject to availability. Please check the contract dates carefully, as hall contracts may not align with all UCIC programme dates. If on-campus accommodation does not suit your programme dates, or if you are unable to secure a room, homestay is a recommended alternative.
You can also choose to rent privately, although this is generally a 12-month commitment and is not recommended as your first accommodation option when arriving in New Zealand.
Key accommodation options:
For detailed information about accommodation costs, contract dates, applications, arrival and check-in, please see the information below.
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.
Standard semester dates are:
2027 Academic Year
41 week contract – 13 February to 27 November 2027
2027 Semester 1
20 week contract – 13 February to 3 July 2027
2026 Semester 2
20 week contract – 10 July to 27 November 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$285 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
$400 Residential Life Fee ($200 for one semester)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explore Private Rental Accommodation here.
For information on renting law in New Zealand, see Tenancy Services.
The UC campus is approximately a 10-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport.
Options for transport to campus include:
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
