Homestay
Homestay places you with a local Hamilton family who will provide your own room and meals, making it a great option for international students settling into life in New Zealand.
Homestay is ideal if you want to improve your conversational English, experience local culture, and have the support of a family while you study. Our host families are welcoming and experienced in hosting students from around the world.
Your homestay family will provide you with a bedroom, bed, desk, and storage space. They will also provide three meals a day, seven days a week. You are expected to keep your room tidy and help with household tasks as part of the family.
Homestays are located across Hamilton with easy access to bus routes to campus.
Costs
| Costs | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly rate | $392 | Includes food, power, laundry and unlimited broadband in most homes. Phone and transport costs are not included. Some homes might still be on a plan and request a contribution. |
| Homestay Placement Fee | $490 | A non-refundable fee paid before you are placed with a family. |
| First payment | $2058 | Four weeks rent plus the placement fee, paid upfront before you are placed. |
How to apply
Submit an International Homestay Application Form at least three weeks before you arrive in New Zealand.
Under 18?
If you are under 18, you are required to stay in an approved homestay or with a designated caregiver approved by the University. Complete the Under 18 Accommodation Application Form to get started.
Designated caregivers
A designated caregiver is a family member or close family friend living near campus that you would like to live with. If you are under 18 and wish to live with a designated caregiver, your parent or guardian will need to complete the Indemnity Section of the Off-campus Accommodation Form.
Under the Ministry of Education Code of Practice, the University must visit the home before you enrol to check that it is a safe and suitable place for you to live. If it does not meet the required standards, you will not be able to enrol until suitable accommodation is found. A non-refundable fee applies for this visit.
Become a homestay family
We are always looking for warm, welcoming families to host our international students. As a homestay family, you will play an important role in helping students feel at home in New Zealand.
Before you apply, here is what you need to know:
- Students should be welcomed as part of the family and encouraged to join in family activities and conversation in English.
- Each student must have their own bedroom with access to internet, a bathroom, and laundry.
- Three meals a day plus snacks must be provided.
- English should be spoken in shared areas of the home.
- Students usually stay for a minimum of four weeks. After this, either party can give two weeks notice.
- Families can host a maximum of three students at one time.
- All household members aged 18 and over must complete a New Zealand Police vetting form.
To find out more or to apply, email homestay@waikato.ac.nz or phone +64 7 858 5621
Homestay contact details
Our team can arrange your Homestay, contact us for more information.
Have a question? Talk to us
From applying to settling in, the Accommodation Office is here to help you every step of the way.