Halls of Residence
Our four halls of residence are the perfect place to settle into university life, meet new people and gain more independence in a safe and secure environment.
Three of our halls have both fully catered and self-catered options and the other is solely self-catered. We only have on-campus accommodation in Hamilton. If you're studying at our Tauranga campus, check out your accommodation options.
Find out everything you need to know about costs and payment options.
Learn more about the application process and start your application.
Living in the halls of residence
A room in the halls is so much more than a place to live; it comes with a built-in social life, full support and endless opportunities.
- Make it your own
You’ll never have to share a room with another student, so you can make your room uniquely yours.
- Everything you need
Residents share bathroom and kitchenette facilities. Fully catered halls have a dining room where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. All halls have lounges with TV’s, computer rooms with quiet study areas, and free wi-fi.
- Support and Orientation
The beginning of the year kicks off with a full orientation for all residents. This is where you can get to know your Residential Assistant (RA) and the other people in your hall.
- Always something to do
From inter-hall sports competitions to shopping trips to going to watch the Chiefs play, you’ll quickly learn that living in the halls means there is always something exciting to do.
Our halls of residence
Bryant Hall
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Bryant Hall is our smallest hall, creating a tight-knit community of residents and staff who all look out for each other and are focused on balancing study and the student lifestyle.
There is a kaupapa Māori floor, Nga Tokoroa-a-Taingahue, which provides a space for Māori students wishing to live in an environment based on tikanga. Bryant Hall also has a floor for Pacific students. Nearby campus facilities: UniRec gym, Village Green, Student Centre, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences.
| Fully-catered | |
|---|---|
| Number of rooms | 178 |
| Number of blocks | 3 |
| Cost per week | $312 |
| Total cost for 37 weeks | $11,544 |
| Self-catered | |
|---|---|
| Number of rooms | 20 |
| Number of cottages | 4 |
| Cost per week | $165 |
| Total cost for 37 weeks | $6,105 |
College Hall
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College Hall is the largest hall and focuses on providing an energetic environment that supports aspirational students in their academic and sporting pursuits.
The hall has recently been refurbished and has modern lounges on each floor for study and leisure, and a TV projector room for the ultimate sports or movie experience.
Nearby campus facilities: Waikato Management School, Te Kura Toi Tangata Faculty of Education, Te Piringa – Faculty of Law, university swimming pool and sports courts.
| Fully-catered | |
|---|---|
| Number of rooms | 267 |
| Number of blocks | 3 |
| Cost per week | $355 |
| Total cost for 37 weeks | $13,135 |
| Self-catered | |
|---|---|
| Number of rooms | 27 |
| Number of flats | 4 |
| Cost per week | $180 |
| Total cost for 37 weeks | $6,660 |
Student Village
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Student Village is unique in that students live in pods of six residents rather than being spread across blocks of 50-60 students, meaning your pod become like your family while you’re in the hall. Residents at Student Village come from all over New Zealand and around the world, creating a melting pot of many different cultures, experiences and backgrounds. Nearby campus facilities: UniRec gym, Village Green, Student Centre, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences.
| Fully-catered | |
|---|---|
| Number of rooms | 252 |
| Number of blocks | 10 |
| Cost per week | $312 |
| Total cost for 37 weeks | $11,544 |
| Self-catered | |
|---|---|
| Number of rooms | 42 |
| Number of flats | 8 |
| Cost per week | $180 |
| Total cost for 37 weeks | $6,660 |
Orchard Park
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Orchard Park is designed for students who want to live in a flatting situation, have a good balance between meeting new people and having independence, and enjoy the security of being on campus. All rooms at Orchard Park are self-catered. Orchard Park is popular with second to fourth-year students, international students, and those studying at postgraduate level.
Each cottage has either 4 or 6 bedrooms. Each student has their own bedroom and shares the lounge kitchen and bathroom
The studios are allocated to postgraduate students only. Five studio rooms make up a cottage. Each student will have their own bathroom but share the kitchen facilities.
| Orchard Park Cottages | |
|---|---|
| Number of rooms | 110 |
| Number of cottages | 26 |
| Number of people per cottages | 23 four-bedroom and 3 six-bedroom |
| Cost per week | $160 |
| Total cost for 37 weeks | $5,920 |
| Orchard Park Studio - Postgraduate students only | |
|---|---|
| Number of studio rooms | 40 |
| Number of cottages | 8 |
| Cost per week | $215 |
| Total cost for 37 weeks | $7,955 |
FAQS
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For most students, living in the Halls of Residence will be a new experience and the first time living away from home. Here are some questions new students often ask:
How big are the rooms and what is in them?
The rooms are single study bedrooms with a single bed, mattress, mattress protector, duvet, blankets, pillow, chair, desk, desk light, bookcase, drawers and a wardrobe. All rooms have curtains, are fully carpeted and centrally heated.
What is linen hire?
Linen hire consists of two sheets, one pillowcase and two towels. You can pay a fee and have linen provided or you can bring your own. If you choose to hire linen you are expected to change used linen each week.
Each hall has a laundry with coin operated washing machines and dryers.
Is internet available in my room?
Yes. Free wireless internet is available in all hall blocks and across the university.
What are the payment options for the halls?
You have three options - weekly by direct debit, monthly by direct debit or credit card, or in full.
When does the payment come out of my bank account?
If you are paying weekly, payments are every Thursday (evening). If you are paying monthly, payments are due on the second of each month. Please note that any money from StudyLink will be paid directly into your bank account, not paid directly to the hall.
Are meals provided?
The meal plan provides three meals a day. Hot vegetarian and meat options are available at lunch and dinner. You can also pack your lunch for the day, and book a late meal. Please note that if you don't have a meal in the dining room you still have to pay.
What happens at hall orientation?
Each hall runs an orientation programme that begins on arrival day. The programme covers workshops run by your Residential Assistant, workshops for all residents run by the Hall Residential Life Manager, and workshops that include all hall residents and other first-year students run by Waikato's Student Services staff.
Can I stay for half a year or is it for a full year only?
If you are starting your studies in A Semester (February/March) you will be required to sign a contract committing you to stay in the hall for a full academic year - that is, until November of that year. If you are starting your studies in B Semester (July) you will be required to stay until November of that year. Preference is given to students enrolling for a full academic year (February - November).
Do I have to move out during the semester holidays?
No. The room is booked for the entire academic year.
Who is an 'RA'?
RA stands for residential assistant. They're trained senior students who live and work in the halls. It's their jobs to supervise and support students, give advice and plan fun things for the residents to do.
Each hall has a Residential Life Manager who is assisted by a team of RAs to ensure the smooth running of the hall. The RAs are students too so they know the kinds of issues you’re likely to have and can help you figure them out. Staff are rostered on duty every day, including evenings and weekends.
Who cleans my room?
It is your responsibility to keep your room in a clean and tidy condition. In fully catered halls, the housekeeper will clean and maintain bathrooms, hallways, lounges and common areas, and will vacuum each room on a regular basis.
Can I have people over to stay?
Residents' guests are allowed to stay in the hall at the discretion of the Residential Life Manager for up to four nights in total per academic year. A fee may be charged to the hall resident. Overnight guests must be registered with the Duty RA by 10pm.
What electrical equipment am I allowed to bring into my room?
Residents may have laptops, TVs, gaming equipment, stereos, alarm clocks, computers, hair straighteners and hair dryers in their rooms. If you bring your own computer we recommend you use a surge protector. Electric blankets are permitted, provided they have a current safety certificate issued by a qualified electrician within the last six months.
Residents are not permitted to use heaters, irons, toasters, grills, microwaves, fridges, cooking appliances, or any other electrical appliance (apart from those listed above) in their rooms.
Contact us
Accommodation Office
Gate 2, Knighton Road
Phone: +64 7 838 4084
Email: accom@waikato.ac.nz