Additional Information for International Students

Accommodation Options

Students over 18 years at the time they plan to start their studies can apply for the following accommodation options:

On Campus Halls of Residence

Fully catered - three meals a day provided
Self-catered - students buy and cook own food

Students are required to:
a) Complete the Online Application Form
b) Send an Arrival Form

Off Campus Accommodation

Flatting
Boarding
*Homestay
Arranged own accommodation

Students are required to:
a) Complete the Off Campus Application Form
b) Send an Arrival Form

* Homestay is compulsory for students under 18 years at the time they plan to start their studies

On Campus Halls of Residence

The University of Waikato has four Halls of Residence on campus: College Hall, Student Village, Bryant Hall and Orchard Park. The fully catered option provides you with your own room and you share facilities with others including the large dining room where you can enjoy three meals a day. The self-catered option involves living in a flat or cottage with 3-6 others and cooking/cleaning for yourself. Living in a Hall of Residence is a great way to meet people and there are many fun activities organised throughout the year.

Please note:

Places in the Halls are limited and not all students are able to be placed
There is no on campus accommodation available for couples or families

If you are starting your studies in February, you will be required to sign a contract committing you to remain in the Hall for a full academic year, that is, until November of that year. If you are starting your studies in July, you will be required to stay until November of that year
If you are a one semester study abroad or exchange student your contract will be for one semester only
The Hall of Residence contract is binding. If you wish to withdraw from a Hall of Residence, there are procedures you need to follow (see your Residential Manager for more advice on this). Your case will be assessed and a decision will be made. Note that if you move out without permission, you are liable for payment for your room in the Hall for the full period of the contract

Off Campus Accommodation

Students who are not placed in on-campus accommodation will be placed in temporary off-campus accommodation such as a backpackers' hostel or similar for three nights (extendable on arrival) costing from NZ$30 per night.

While staying in your temporary accommodation, the Accommodation Office can provide listings of flatting and private boarding situations, as well as listings of houses, flats and apartments for rent around the University area. These lists are available to view by going to www.studentrent.co.nz however you will not be able to sign up to any of these flats until you have arrived.

Advice on location, bonds and tenancy matters is also available, together with maps and general information regarding off-campus accommodation.

Homestay

Homestay students will live with New Zealand families in their homes - this is a good environment to experience New Zealand culture. Students choosing this option should be prepared for differences compared to living with their own family. Generally students will have their own room and most meals provided. Students may be expected to help with some of the household duties. There will also be house rules to follow: for example, there may be limits on telephone use, computer use or watching television. These house rules may vary between families.

The University will match a family as closely as possible to the student’s requirements.

A non-fundable application fee of NZ$275 and the first four weeks of homestay fees (NZ$896.00) must be paid before a homestay placement can be made. The 2011 cost of homestay accommodation in Hamilton is NZ$224 per week, inclusive of food, power and laundry, but exclusive of telephone, internet and transport costs.

Please note that homestay placements can be up to two bus rides away from the University.

Under 18 Years

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 of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (the 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 Off Campus Application Form and a Homestay Application Form which will provide as much information as possible about their interests and any special dietary requirements.

Alternatively, students wishing to live with family members located in Hamilton need to ask their parent/guardian to complete the Indemnity Form which is on the Homestay Application Form. Under the Code, the University is required to visit the home and meet the family the student will be staying with to ensure it meets the requirements of the Code. A non-refundable fee is payable for this assessment.

Students please note that only the University Halls of Residence and homestay accommodation arranged by the University have been assessed under the Code.

Shuttle

Students who are eligible for the complimentary shuttle service will be met at the Airport and taken to any pre-arranged accommodation in Hamilton. Please complete an Arrival Form and ensure that it reaches the Accommodation and Conference Service Office at least four working days prior to your departure.