Whatever campus you're studying at, UCOL can provide advice on nearby, affordable accomodation options.
Homestays
Homestay accommodation is where you live with a New Zealand family. You are provided with your own fully furnished room and three meals a day.
Living in a homestay is ideal for international students. It will allow you to concentrate on your studies, learn about New Zealand culture, practice English, and get used to life in New Zealand with the support of a friendly and caring family.
The cost of homestay accommodation is approximately $245 NZD per week. This covers food, electricity, room and Internet.
UCOL can facilitate living in a homestay. There is a one-off placement fee of $230 NZD. Send a completed homestay accommodation application form to internationalstudent@ucol.ac.nz.
Hostels
There are hostels close to UCOL campuses with furnished rooms, kitchen and laundry facilities, offering both long term and short term accommodation, including:
Shared accommodation - flatting
Students also have the option to go flatting – i.e. renting a house or an apartment with friends. If you choose this type of shared accommodation, we recommend staying for the first four weeks in short term accommodation, as it can take some time to find a suitable place.
When flatting, you are responsible for providing your own furniture, paying your share of power/water/phone bills, cooking your own meals, doing your own laundry, and following the rental agreement.
Here is an example of what it may cost to share a flat with two other students (all costs are approximate and are given in New Zealand dollars):
- Bond (equivalent to two week's rent to be paid in advance) $600
- Two week's rent in advance $600
Regular expenses:
- Electricity $180 per month
- Phone $32 rental per month (tolls calls will be extra)
- Food $600 per month
- Rent $1200 per month
Students need enough money for buying any required furniture, bedding, cooking utensils and other household items.
Useful accommodation information
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Tenancy Services provides information on the Residential Tenancies Act and the Unit Titles Act.
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Housing Advice Centre also offers free 24 hour accommodation listing service for Palmerston North.