Applying for accommodation
You can apply for accommodation in our Halls of Residence, which are all located on our Hamilton campus.
International students can also apply for Homestay accommodation where we place you in the home of a Hamilton-based family. Regardless of your accommodation option, we will still need information from you on where you plan to stay during your stay in New Zealand - see the 'other off-campus accommodation' tab for information.
Apply for Halls of Residence
All applications for the Hamilton Halls of Residence are made online. You can apply for accommodation even if you don’t know whether you have gained admission to the University. There is no application fee.
New Zealand citizens and permanent residents
Please complete the online application form by the specified date to be considered for placement.
We will continue to make more offers subject to availability. This may be as late as January/ February.
New international students
Please complete the online application form by the specified date.
- Fill out the Arrival Form – see Accepting your Offer below.
Returning students
Please complete the online application form by the specified date. Refer to accommodation application dates for more information. Placement priority will be given to students enrolling for the full academic year (March – November).
Check your application status
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Once you have submitted your application for accommodation, you can check the status of your application at any time. You need to login, select ‘Application’ at the top of the menu bar. Under the term you have applied for it will show your current status. This is especially important leading up to the application deadline date. You will be able to check that your reference has been received and that your application is complete.
What does each ‘status’ mean?
| Application incomplete | You have not yet completed and submitted your online application. Please log in and complete your application. |
| Application submitted | You have completed and submitted your online application. |
| Ready for consideration | Your application is complete and will be submitted to your preferred Hall of Residence for consideration. |
| Place offered | You have been offered a place which you will need to either accept or decline by a specified date. Important: if your 'status' says "Place offered" and you have not received any information please contact us immediately – accom@waikato.ac.nz or +64 7 838 4084. |
| Offer accepted | You have accepted your contract and we have received your online payment of deposit/administration fee. |
| Payment agreement sent | A payment agreement has been sent to you outlining your payment options. This is to be completed and the required 'move in costs' paid online be a specified date in January. |
| Payment agreement completed | You have completed the payment agreement and we have received your 'move in costs' payment. |
| Application on hold | Your application has been placed on hold in the Accommodation Office pending confirmation from the University that you have been accepted into your chosen course. This may be after NCEA Level 3 results are released in January. |
| General waitlist | We are currently unable to make you an offer. Your application will be considered each time we make additional offers. This will be ongoing through until February. |
| Waitlist by applicant | You have been offered a place, but have chosen to go on a waiting list rather than accepting your offer. Should you require a place at a later date, please contact the Accommodation Office to see if there are rooms available (not guaranteed). |
| Offer expired | You have missed the deadline for accepting your offer. If you wish your application to be reconsidered, please contact the Accommodation Office. |
| Cancelled by applicant | Your application has been cancelled at your request. |
| Declined by applicant | You have been offered a place, however you have chosen to decline the offer. |
| Declined by the applicant after acceptance | You have accepted the offer (signed contract and paid required money), however you have now declined your place. |
Accepting your offer
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If you are successful and offered a place in the Halls of Residence, you will need to accept your offer and pay your deposit/admin fee online by the due date indicated in your offer letter. If you don't, the offer expires and your place will be offered to another student. If you have concerns about meeting this deadline, contact the Accommodation Office – accom@waikato.ac.nz or +64 7 838 4084.
Contract, deposit and rules and regulations
Please read and print off if required, the following information regarding your contract, deposit and, rules and regulations.
International students
Fill out the Arrival Form to let us know when you are arriving in New Zealand and whether you would like to be collected from the airport. We will need to receive the Arrival Form at least four days before you arrive in New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions
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When can I move in?
You will be advised of your arrival date and times in January. If you wish to arrive earlier than the specified date, you would need to contact the Hall office, however, you will be charged for the additional nights.
Do I have to move out during the semester holidays?
No. The room is booked for the full academic year.
How long do I have to stay in the Halls of Residence?
The contract you sign is for the academic year (March to November) which is approximately 36 weeks. If you are enrolled in a course for the full academic year, you are required to remain in the Halls of Residence for that time. Limited one semester contracts are offered for students enrolled for one semester only (Study Abroad/Exchange students or students completing their degree).
Students enrolled in the Certificate of University Preparation course sign a contract for the full academic year on the assumption they will go on to enrol in a degree programme for B semester.
When will I find out what room I am in?
You will not find out your actual room until you arrive.
How do I cancel my place?
You need to notify the Accommodation Office in writing (email: accom@waikato.ac.nz) along with a reason why.
Will I get a refund?
You are entitled to a refund of your $400.00 bond providing you notify us in writing with the reason why; by a specified date in January.
Apply for Homestay accommodation
Please complete the Off-Campus Application form by the specified date. Homestay accommodation is compulsory for international students under 18 years at the time they plan to start their studies.
- Complete and return the Off-Campus Application Form
- Ensure the accommodation fees are received by the university.
- Fill out the Arrival Form to let us know when you are arriving in New Zealand and whether you would like to be collected from the airport. We will need to receive the arrival form at least four days before you arrive in New Zealand.
Students aged Under 18 years wishing to live with a ‘Designated Caregiver’ (family member or close family friend) located in Hamilton will need to ask their parent/guardian to complete the Indemnity Section of the Off-Campus Accommodation Form.
Under the Ministry of Education Code of Practice, the University is required to visit the home to determine that a safe physical and emotional environment will be provided that meets the requirements of the Code.
If the University of Waikato deems the accommodation to be unsuitable, the University retains the right to refuse enrolment to the student until suitable replacement accommodation can be found. A non-refundable fee is payable for this assessment.
Other off-campus accommodation
International students who do not require on-campus accommodation or homestay accommodation are still required to let the university know of their accommodation arrangements while they study in New Zealand.
- Complete Off Campus Application Form – to be received three weeks before arriving in New Zealand.
| Homestay | Complete all pages |
| Flatting/private board or have arranged your own accommodation | Complete page 1 only |
| Couples/families who are after temporary accommodation or if you have arrange your own accommodation | Complete page 1 only |
- Fill out the Arrival Form to let us know when you are arriving in New Zealand and whether you would like to be collected from the airport. We will need to receive the arrival form at least four days before you arrive in New Zealand.
Please note: Under the New Zealand Ministry of Education’s Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, if you are under 18 years old, you are required to stay in an approved Homestay or with a Designated Caregiver approved by the University of Waikato.