Couples
Self-contained
Accommodation on-campus in studios and 1-bedroom units are available, however, options are in high demand and include:
- Hayashi - 10 studio units for students in their second year of study and beyond.
- Campus Houses - 2 x studio units, 7 x 1-bedroom units (4 recently refurbished).
- Sonoda Christchurch Campus - 4 x 1-bedroom units for students in their second year of study and beyond.
- University Hall - 3 x 1-bedroom units.
In most cases all rates include power - the refurbished units are charged for power monthly. As our self-contained units are in such high demand, contracts are not normally extended. You can apply to return, however, priority is given to new international students as an opportunity to settle into a new culture and become familiar with tenancy laws in New ߣbefore moving into the private rental market.
Applications received outside normal semester dates are considered on a case by case basis.
| Couples Accommodation (52 weeks) | Residential fee (2025) | Plus deposit |
| Campus Houses Studio Unit x 2 1-Bedroom Unit x 3 1-Bedroom Unit (refurbished) x 4 | $17,004 ($327 per week) $17,628 ($339 per week) $17,628 ($339 per week) plus power charged monthly | $600 |
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University Hall |
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To apply, please complete an . Applicants must select the term "Couples/Family Accommodation" and apply for either a Studio or 1-Bedroom unit. It is likely you will also need to investigate renting privately.
Families
Please note: all family accommodation is currently on offer, any new application will be waitlisted.
We are unable to accommodate a family on campus with more than two children.
Limited furnished and self-contained 2-bedroom units are available for families. To apply, please complete an selecting the term "Couples/Family Accommodation" and apply for a "Self-contained unit - 2 bedroom (family)" as your preference. Priority will be given to international students who are new to New Zealand. As these options are in high demand, it is likely you will also need to investigate renting privately.
Please ensure you book early, if required, as places are limited.
| Family Accommodation (52 weeks) | Residential Fee (2025) | Plus Deposit |
| Campus Houses (1 or 2 children) 2-Bedroom Unit x 6 2-Bedroom Unit (refurbished) x 2 | $24,596 ($473 per week) $24,596 ($473 per week) plus power charged monthly | $600 |
Renting privately
Most couples and families will be required to source an flat/unit or house off-campus on arrival in Christchurch.
Check out market rent in Christchurch on the website. Please note that market rent does not differentiate between furnished or unfurnished or the condition of the room or property. It will give you guidance on what you can expect to pay. UC is located in the suburb of Ilam - other areas close to campus are Addington, Avonside, Bryndwr, Burnside, Riccarton, and Upper Riccarton.
If moving into an empty property, you will need to factor in set up costs into your budget:
- up to 4 weeks' rent as bond
- 1-2 weeks' rent in advance
- power and internet
- furniture and/or white ware (if unfurnished)
- contents and liability insurance
You also need to budget for ongoing monthly expenses such as power, internet, transport, food and personal items. Refer to ǰ for cost of living information.
You should not sign a contract or agreement without viewing a property personally, therefore, we recommend that you arrange temporary accommodation for when you first arrive in Christchurch to enable you time to find a property that you will be happy in. For families, we recommend arriving on your own first as temporary accommodation can be booked on campus at Sonoda whilst you find a suitable house to enable your family to join you. Temporary accommodation for a single person at Sonoda is NZ$427 (2025 rate) per week. Temporary accommodation for a family can be very expensive.
Rental homes must meet insulation standards - your landlord should provide you with an Insulation Statement to enable you to make an informed decision about the property you are about to rent. You can also view on the Tenancy Services website.
Find out more about renting privately.
