Students in Auckland and Wellington have a range of accommodation options. You may choose to live in a flat, hostel, private boarding house, or homestay (board with a family).

Once you have decided upon your accommodation you must notify administration of your address and contact details. If you change your accommodation you must notify administration immediately.

Homestay

International students with homestay family Homestay accommodation with an Auckland or Wellington family includes your board and meals. The School can refer you to reputable agencies who will arrange a homestay for you. The average cost for this type of accommodation is about $195 per week. In home-stays you will have:

• A single room
• A desk and a chair for study
• A lamp
• A heater
• Access to a telephone
• Shared use of a bathroom and toilet
• Laundry facilities for your soiled clothing
• Fresh bed linen and a towel each week
• Breakfast and an evening meal

Please Note: Agencies charge placement and airport pick-up fees. The home-stay agency is required to check the home-stay before you go to it and thereafter, on a regular basis. Should you have any concerns raise it with the agency or with one of our Administrative Staff.

Flatting

If you choose to look for your own accommodation, you may consider sharing a rented house (flat) in order to reduce expenses and enjoy company. Weekly rents for flats in Auckland and Wellington vary depending on location. The School does not take any responsibility for flats that you select but is happy to provide advice and assistance should you require it.

You can expect to pay from $80 to over $200 for a room in a shared house, and on top of this you will need to pay for your electricity, heating, telephone and food costs. Flats may be furnished, but often you also need to provide your own furniture. When you move into a flat, you may be required to pay a bond and usually two weeks rent in advance.

You can do your own search for a shared flat or other independent accommodation on: www.flathunt.co.nz or www.varsity.co.nz
If you want to rent a flat and become the principal tenant, you should contact a letting agent.

Hostel Accommodation

There are many hostels in Auckland and Wellington, ranging from backpackers to purpose-built student accommodation. It is advisable to book well in advance for the latter type of hostel. Administration can provide you with a list of hostels.

Costs vary considerably, depending on whether you rent a self-contained studio, single room with shared facilities, (kitchen, bathroom), or a shared dormitory-style bedroom.

Within these options, you could pay from $125 to $290 per week. Some hostels require payment for a full semester in advance. There may also be a placement fee and a refundable bond payable in advance. NZSATCM does not take any responsibility for hostels that you select but is happy to provide advice and assistance should you require it.