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Housing Guide

Student Accommodation in New Zealand

Many students start in a hall of residence (student housing run by the university) or a homestay (living with a family), then move to a flat. Here is what each is like and what it costs, in New Zealand dollars (NZD).

Accommodation Options

The main choices are halls of residence, homestays and flats.

Accommodation TypeAverage CostProsCons
Halls of residence

Student housing run by your university, close to where you study.

NZD 330 to NZD 360 a week at UoA

UoA weekly prices for 2027. Te Tirohanga o te Tōangaroa (a UoA hall) is NZD 360 a week for a 42-week stay. Another hall is NZD 330 a week for a 52-week stay. Ask the hall which stay applies.

  • Good for meeting new friends
  • Bed, desk and appliances provided
  • Power included, and some halls include meals
  • You need to apply early
Homestay

Living with a New Zealand family in their home.

-
  • Your own room, usually with a bed and desk
  • Meals usually provided
  • Power (electricity) included
-
Flat with flatmates

Join a rented home and share it.

NZD 360 to NZD 523 a week in smaller cities, NZD 410 to NZD 823 a week in bigger cities

The price of a whole 2-bedroom flat. Flatmates share it.

  • Share rent and bills
  • Learn to live independently
  • You pay power, heating, internet and food
  • Houses can be cold
Flat on your own

You sign the rental contract (the lease) yourself and you are the tenant.

-
  • Your own space
  • You must pay the rent and fix any damage
  • You may have to apply through a housing company's website

Finding and Securing Housing

After your offer

  • Apply for a hall through your university or college.
  • UoA hall applications for Semester One 2027 opened on 1 August 2026.

Before you arrive

  • Confirm your hall or homestay.
  • If you plan to live in a flat, get your referee contacts ready.

After you arrive

  • Meet your flatmates and ask them questions before you move in.
  • Read the Tenancy Agreement (the written rental contract) before you sign.

Reliable Platforms

  • Your university's accommodation office

    Most campuses have one, or someone who can give advice.

  • Trade Me

    A New Zealand website where most people look for a place to rent or for flatmates.

  • Tenancy Services

    The government service with a market rent tool and advice on problems.

Required Documents

For off-campus housing in New Zealand, you'll typically need to provide the following documents:

  • 1
    Referees

    Names and phone numbers of at least two people who can say good things about you, such as a teacher, employer or former flatmate.

  • 2
    Offer of place

    The letter that says you have a place at your university.

Costs and Things to Think About

Costs depend on the city and the type of housing. A flat in Auckland costs more than one in Dunedin.

Regional Cost Comparison

Higher Cost Regions

  • Auckland and Wellington

    Average studio: 2-bedroom unfurnished flat, the whole flat: NZD 410 to NZD 823 a week

Lower Cost Regions

  • Smaller cities, such as Dunedin and Rotorua

    Average studio: 2-bedroom unfurnished flat, the whole flat: NZD 360 to NZD 523 a week

Additional Costs to Consider

  • Power

    Included in halls and homestays. Flatmates share it in a flat.

    Auckland: NZD 181 a month on average

  • Bond

    Paid back at the end if the place is in good condition.

    Up to one month's rent

  • Heater

    Most houses have no central heating.

Location Considerations

  • Transport

    Most cities have buses. Auckland and Wellington also have trains and ferries.

  • Health

    If damp or cold rooms keep making you sick, tell your landlord.

Housing Tips

Apply for a hall as soon as you have your offer.

Look for flats through your campus accommodation office or on Trade Me (a New Zealand website for finding flats).

Have the names and phone numbers of two referees (people who write about you) ready for rental forms.

Never pay for a room you have not seen. Scammers target international students.

Get insurance for your own things, in case of theft, fire or earthquakes.

If your home keeps making you sick, you do not have to stay there. Tell your landlord.

Accommodation Questions

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