Accommodation
There are several accommodation options available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Students over 18 years at the time they plan to start their studies can apply for any of the following accommodation options:
Applying for Accommodation
Please note that only the University Halls of Residence and homestay accommodation arranged by the University have been assessed under the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.
Applying for On-Campus Halls of Residence (Dorms)
- Fully catered - three meals a day provided
- Self-catered - students buy and cook own food
You need to:
a) Complete the Online Application Form
b) Send an Arrival Form (pdf)
Applying for Off-Campus Accommodation
- Flatting
- Boarding
- *Homestay
- Arranged own accommodation
You need to:
a) Complete the Off Campus Application Form (pdf)
b) Send an Arrival Form (pdf)
* Homestay is compulsory for students under 18 years at the time they plan to start their studies (see below for more information)
Searching for Off-Campus Accommodation Online
Prior to arrival in New Zealand it is possible to search online for
houses, flats or available rooms. Please refer to the following
websites:
Homestay
Students under 18 years at the time they plan to start their studies are required to adhere to the following:
Under the New Zealand Ministry of Education's Code, students under 18 years are required to stay in homestay accommodation arranged by the University.
To assist in the homestay placement process students must complete and return the Accommodation Application Form and provide as much information as possible about their interests and any special dietary requirements.
Alternatively, students wishing to live with family located in Hamilton need to ask their parent/guardian to complete the Indemnity Form which is on the back of the Accommodation Application Form. Under the Code, the University is required to visit the home and meet the family that the student will be staying with to ensure it meets with the requirements of the Code. A non-refundable fee is required to be paid for this assessment.
Flatting (Sharing a House)
This is the leasing/renting of a house or apartment of your own, or more commonly, with other students. Students choosing this option can request to be placed into temporary accommodation for a few days until they find a flat/house to live in. Students will need to look in local newspapers and on lists at the Accommodation Office for flats/houses available for rent. This is best carried out after arriving in Hamilton.
Bond
A bond is an initial payment required for security by landlords when offering their premises for rental. Bonds are refundable if accounts are paid in full and the flat or house is well maintained. Landlords can request a sum of money as a bond equivalent to 1-4 weeks rent. Extra fees that can be added to the bond payment include 2 weeks rent in advance or/and a Real Estate Agent's fee which is usually equivalent to 1 week's rent. In New Zealand, the bond is not held by the landlord, but is deposited in trust with the New Zealand Tenancy Board.
Furniture
Students should check if the flat is fully furnished e.g. beds, fridge, washing machine, semi-furnished or unfurnished. Most houses for rent in New Zealand are unfurnished but there are plenty of ways to buy cheap, quality second-hand items. In most houses for rent students will need to provide their own basic necessities; bed, linen, chest of drawers, desk and light, etc.
Household appliances
Most houses for rent do not provide whiteware (fridge, washing machine, etc). Students need to decide if these items are going to be rented or provided by individual flatmates. There are many companies in Hamilton that lease whiteware at an affordable price.
More information on Flatting can be found on the accommodation page.
Halls of Residence
The University owns and operates four Halls of Residence known as College Hall, Student Village, Bryant Hall and Orchard Park. In the halls, you will be part of a community of students from both New Zealand and throughout the world.
Full details on the current prices and more information on on-campus accommodation at the University of Waikato can be found on the accommodation page.
*Please Note: If you are offered a place in one of the Halls of Residences the earliest you can move in is two weeks before classes start. So if you arrive earlier you will need to arrange alternative temporary accommodation. |
