Our main campus is located in the vibrant, multicultural city of Hamilton, with outdoor activities, shopping malls and eateries only a short drive away.
The river city has plenty to offer while you study here, to make your university experience one of a kind. On campus you'll find everything you need and more, including our state of the art Student Centre, sporting facilities, cafes, shops and ample parking. Look below to find out more about our main facilities, services, sports and fitness opportunities and cafes and shops you can find while studying on our Hamilton Campus.
Thinking about studying in Hamilton? Get a feel for what makes the University of Waikato and our Hamilton campus such a welcoming, vibrant place to live and learn.
With three halls of residence, apartments, cottages, studios and units, we have a range of options for all Hamilton students, from undergraduate to postgraduate.
The Pā is a centre for students, staff and the wider community.
Designed as a central meeting space, Te Āhurutanga honours the history of the site as a student safe-haven, cultural centre and gathering site for the University community. There are food and beverage outlets here that cater for a variety of tastes.
Our eco-friendly Student Centre contains two libraries, high-tech computer labs, student learning support, an Information Desk for enquiries and enrolments, Campus Books bookstore, a Momento Cafe, and hang out spaces for students.
The Library consists of the Central Library and Law Library, both of which can be found in the Student Centre. These also offer quiet and group study spaces. The Teaching Resources Library is located in the School of Education.
All our students studying performance programmes in music, theatre, dance and Māori will learn in our specialist venues and teaching rooms in the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts. The Academy also hosts music concerts, theatre and dance performances, art and photography exhibitions, festivals and student balls.
Opposite UniRec and next to one of the beautiful campus lakes, the Lady Goodfellow Chapel is available to students as a place to meet, worship, reflect or use as a quiet place to study. Two chaplains are available if you need someone to talk to.
We have over 1,300 bike spaces including bike racks, covered areas and lockable storage units.
On-campus parking is available to students at a maximum cost of $2 per day. Students can also purchase a parking permit for the whole semester. We encourage students to consider alternative forms of transport to campus, with preferential carpool parking.
Student Health Services offers nurse consultations, doctor appointments, prescriptions, mental health support and counselling services to students enrolled with us. Open 8.30am-5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 9.30am-5pm on Wednesday.
Security Services Centre is located in the Student Union Building (SUB) and are responsible for ensuring the Hamilton Campus is a safe and secure environment for all our staff and students. Security staff patrol the campus and can be contacted 24/7, on 07 838 4444 or by using one of the emergency phones located around the campus.
PCL Waikato Print is where you’ll purchase your course readings. They also offer photocopying, laminating, binding, printing and fax services. Contact 07 838 4119 or email copyshop@waikato.ac.nz.
The Waikato Students’ Union (WSU) is committed to ensuring you are heard on campus, and get the best out of your university experience. They provide advocacy services as well as advice around budgeting and more. WSU is located in the Student Union Building and are open 9am-4pm Monday to Friday.
Campus Crèche is a not-for-profit community childcare centre, located on the University of Waikato campus, providing childcare for staff, students and the general public. They have five different centres that cater for different age groups. Call 07 838 4034 for more information.
Te Kōhanga Reo o Ngā Kuaka is an on-campus ECE centre where the children are completely immersed in Māori language and culture. Fill out an enquiry form for more information or to enrol your child.
The Kaimai Shuttle is a free service for students who need to travel between regions for university matters. Students must register to use this service. The Waikato Regional Bus Service is a free daily service for students who live in the wider Waikato region. To use this service, simply show your student ID.
Our on-campus gym, UniRec, is one of the best-equipped gyms with weights and cardio equipment, personal trainers, exercise classes, physiotherapy services, a sports hall, and endless pools. If you don’t want to commit UniRec offers flexible memberships, and membership is discounted for University of Waikato students.
The sealed court areas beside the Pavilion hosts two basketball courts year-round, four tennis courts during summer, and one tennis court and three floodlit netball courts during winter. Two squash courts are also available, with 24-hour swipe card access once membership is purchased at UniRec.
Sport at Waikato run a large number of clubs that are based on campus, including rugby, hockey, rowing, soccer and netball.
Social sport is a great way to meet other students, make new friends and keep fit. Our University of Waikato Sport team manages the Social Sport league on our Hamilton campus and offers indoor and outdoor games in netball, touch rugby, futsal and six-a-side football.
The School of Education gym and mirrored dance room is available for bookings. Email uwsc-bookings@waikato.ac.nz for more information.
Parkrun is a free, weekly timed 5km event every Saturday at 8am, with participants meeting at the Village Green at 7:50am.
Bongo Café is located in the campus shopping complex. They have a variety of food including hot meals and a ‘select your own’ sushi bar. Open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Campus Books bookstore is where you can buy your university textbooks and stationery. It is located in the campus shopping complex. Open 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Email: waikato@campusbooks.nz
Phone: 07 856 6813
Website: www.campusbooks.nz
The Campus Pharmacy is located in the campus shopping complex. As well as fulfilling prescriptions and selling over-the-counter medicine and first aid, you can also buy stamps, post bags and envelopes. Open 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Located in the Pā, Food Paradise offers a range of Indian food. Open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday.
Kahurangi Café has locations both in the Pā and the campus shopping complex, offering a variety of cafe-style cabinet food and coffee. Open 8am-4pm Monday to Friday.
Website: https://www.kahurangi.co.nz/retail
Opus Cafe and Bar is located in the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts. They are open when performances and concerts are held in the Academy, for pre-show drinks and nibbles.
Sue's Cafe is located in the Pā, and offers a variety of Asian food including 'order made' Donburi, noodle and ramen as well. Open 8am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Also located in the Pā, TANK Waikato University offers an array of Smoothies, Raw Juices, Salads & Wraps. Open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Website: https://www.tankjuice.co.nz/
UniMart is located in the campus shopping complex and sells drinks, chips, ice cream, confectionery and other grocery items. Open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday.
We offer a range of degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Our flexible degree structures mean you can choose from a variety subjects to shape your qualification.
Waikato-Canterbury team pitches to transform New Zealand’s primary industries with AI
Waikato and Canterbury universities are shortlisted for a $70m national AI platform to develop Outdoor AI, boosting productivity, sustainability and exports in NZ’s primary industries sector.
Rising temperatures test survival of New Zealand’s giraffe weevils
Giraffe weevils play important ecological roles, making it vital to understand how they can withstand the impacts of climate change. This is the focus of research led by Dr Chrissie Painting.
From winner to judge: Becky Manawatu holds the pen as 2026 Sargeson Prize Chief Judge
From a primary school student who loved to write, Becky Manawatu has become an award-winning author and the 2026 Sargeson Prize Chief Judge, now urging New Zealand writers to craft empathetic, character-driven stories.
Waikato secures programme to strengthen pipeline of school principals across New Zealand
The University will deliver the Aspiring Principal Programme nationwide on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
You’re currently viewing the website as a domestic student, you might want to change to international.
You're a domestic student if you are:
You're an International student if you are:
