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The Best Accommodation Options for Study Abroad Students in New Zealand

Study in New Zealand | How-to guides

Some of the most magnificent scenery on earth may be found in New Zealand. You can almost imagine the Lord of the Rings coming to life by the lovely mountainside, seemingly unspoiled by humanity. What’s more, besides the stunning scenery that springs to mind when you plan to study abroad in New Zealand? 

While the college responsibilities will keep you busy, you won’t spend entire days in college. It's time to start looking for the best places to live in New Zealand. You must start searching when you've decided New Zealand is where you want to study and have your acceptance letter. We look at several housing alternatives for international students here, depending on what you require and, of course, your budget:

 

Types of Student Accommodation for Study Abroad in New Zealand

Halls of Residence

Most universities in New Zealand offer on-campus housing options for international students, including residence halls and shared apartments. These halls provide student services and often have staff on-site to help with issues, making them an ideal option for those new to the country. Despite the potential for crowding, living in a residence hall is a fantastic way to meet fellow students and engage in campus life. Everyone is in the same boat, navigating new experiences together and fostering a strong camaraderie.

For example, the University of Auckland offers single or shared rooms in its residence halls, with access to shared living areas, bathrooms, and laundry facilities. Each hall functions as its community within the larger university, offering various events such as inter-hall sports competitions and social gatherings to help students make friends.

The cost of living in a residence hall depends on the length of your stay. Some universities, like Massey University, also offer studio or shared apartments, where students can have more privacy while still being part of the campus community. 

Homestay

Homestay is another popular option for international students in New Zealand. It involves living with a local family, providing a more immersive cultural experience. Homestay is ideal for students who prefer a more structured living arrangement with provided meals and a family environment to help them settle into New Zealand. It’s also a great way to practice English and learn more about the local culture. Many universities partner with homestay programs to ensure students are placed with reputable and welcoming families.

Flatting

In New Zealand, "flatting" refers to off-campus living in shared houses or apartments. This option is highly common among students, especially as they gain more independence. Flatting offers a more private and flexible living arrangement than residence halls but requires students to manage their utilities, groceries, and other day-to-day expenses.

Many universities provide support services to help students find flats. For instance, the University of Waikato’s Accommodation and Conference Services Office (ACSO) assists students in locating off-campus housing. 

While flatting provides a more independent study abroad experience, it may lack the close-knit community feel of living in residence halls. Students should carefully consider what educational and social experience they want when choosing between on-campus and off-campus options.

 

Student Agencies and Renting Privately

Several housing agencies specialize in student housing and connect with New Zealand colleges if you'd prefer to find accommodations independently. For instance, Campus Living Villages New Zealand collaborates closely with several universities nationwide: 

  • The University of Canterbury

  • The University of Auckland

  • Victoria University of Wellington

They provide students with fully catered, single, and shared housing options.

The weekly rent for a room in a shared home for three to five people will cost between US $ 60 and US $ 128.  Private student housing must adhere to New Zealand law's definition of local housing standards.

 

Accommodation Costs For Study Abroad In New Zealand

Students must be prepared to spend 1250 NZD monthly on living expenses while studying abroad in New Zealand. The average spending in New Zealand differs from city to city, nevertheless. Therefore, one must first confirm the university to determine the monthly cost of living in New Zealand. Numerous colleges have provided information about New Zealand's typical monthly fees. 

Universities offer various housing options for overseas students with varying price tags. The least expensive accommodation alternatives in New Zealand for students are found in Gold Coast, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Canberra. Shared apartments, studios, and staying as paying guests are all types of low-cost student housing available in New Zealand.

We include some of the typical rates for student housing in the best city to live in New Zealand. This will assist you in deciding where you want to live while you are there to study. Here is a breakdown of the best place to live in New Zealand:

Auckland

  • Halls of residence - $435 per week

  • Homestay - $343 per week

  • Flatting - $535 per week

Wellington

  • Halls of residence - $397 per week

  • Homestay - $280 per week

  • Flatting - $520 per week

Christchurch

  • Halls of residence - $354 per week

  • Homestay - $290 per week

  • Flatting - $150 per week

 

Extra Tips To Live In The Best City To Live In New Zealand

Some New Zealand universities are located in more rural areas than others. Thus, there may be fewer possibilities for students who want to rent or live off-campus. However you can research about these localities online to find the best accommodation options. 

Students are encouraged to research the university's feeling of campus spirit and the area and local real estate market. Do most students live on campus before you apply for housing? Are there a lot of planned events on campus? The greatest places to find this kind of 'ground-level' comments from former and present students are on social media profiles.

Numerous colleges also take applicants' housing requests before receiving a formal offer. There is a considerable demand for some university-managed housing, especially on-campus choices. But you can always decline the offer if your college application is denied. Even if their university offer has yet to be finalized, students looking for on-campus housing are recommended to apply soon.

 

How To Find Housing For Study Abroad in New Zealand?

1. Bulletins

A bulletin is a concise news item published regularly for people living in the twenty-first century. New Zealand sees little activity; hence, many communities frequently use bulletins instead of local newspapers. The local movie schedule, news items, job classifieds, and advertising for apartments for rent may all be found on its pages.

2. Facebook Groups

On Facebook, there are several backpacker communities where travelers may go to purchase, sell, and exchange items and ideas. Some of these groups are city-specific. Join the group in your neighborhood and look out for posts about people leaving the area or rooms for rent. If you're lucky, you can rent that person's room as they head out on their next adventure. 

3. Supermarket Boards

Most New Zealand towns come alive on a Saturday morning at the supermarket, where all the inhabitants shop for groceries. This is like every traditional small town. Look for "Flatmate Wanted" or "Room to Let" advertisements on the notice board, typically close to the exit or entrance. When you see an appropriate ad, call immediately because they frequently remain online for weeks and may no longer apply.

 

Conclusion

If you start planning for housing early enough, finding student housing in the best city in New Zealand is simple. Decide on the student housing in New Zealand that will best meet your needs and other considerations. Consider factors like your budget and other variables mentioned in this article. Additionally, get expert guidance from our counselors at New Zealand Gateways today!