Applying for accommodation
Applications for accommodation open on 1 August each year. We recommend applying in advance to ensure a smooth application process
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.
Apply for Homestay accommodation
Homestay accommodation is compulsory for international students under 18 years at the time they plan to start their studies.
How to apply
- Complete and return the Off-Campus Accommodation Form by the specified date
- 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.
Living with a designated caregiver
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.
Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice
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.
Please note: 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.
How to apply
- 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 require temporary accommodation or have arranged 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.
Checking your application status
Once you have submitted your application for accommodation, you can check the status of your application at any time. You need to log in, 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 for Halls of Residence accommodation
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.
Contact the Accommodation Office
Accommodation Office
Gate 2, Knighton Road
Phone:
Email: accom@waikato.ac.nz