Here’s Some Information on Accommodation Providers in Christchurch and about Flatting to Give You a Head Start
“Where am I going to live while I study?” might be a question prospective ākonga / students ask. While we do not have accommodation on-campus, we can offer some suggestions and give you some information about possible accommodation and accommodation providers.
Sections on the Accommodation Options Page
Accommodation Providers
Below, you will find information on a small group of accommodation providers in Christchurch. This is a sample of accommodation that is available in Christchurch.
Contact the individual provider for information on how to apply, availability, characteristics and realistic costs of gaining accommodation with the provider. Please note some providers, like Ilam Student Accommodation, have several options available, and they will be best to discuss these options with you.
We have not assessed the suitability of these for international students at the time of printing.
Ilam Student Accommodation — UniLodge
Near the University of Canterbury
Address
Ilam Student Accommodation
2 Homestead Lane
Ilam
Christchurch 8041
Phone and Email
YMCA
Address
Christchurch YMCA
12 Hereford Street
Christchurch 8011
Mailing Address
PO Box 2004
Christchurch 8140
Phone and Email
Information about Flatting
About Flatting
Some ākonga / students rent flats as it is inexpensive and a place to share with other ākonga / students. International ākonga / students can gain experience in the day-to-day living of New Zealanders and valuable English skills.
With the University of Canterbury, Ara and various other institutions starting around the same time as us, good flats may be difficult to find.
When you flat, you supply the furniture in many cases. The landlord should supply an oven. Sometimes, the landlord supplies a washing machine and/or a refrigerator. Furnished flats usually cost more.
Visit www.tenancy.govt.nz for detailed information on flatting.
Finding a Flat in Christchurch
• Search Google for rentals available in Christchurch.
• www.trademe.co.nz/property is a good starting point to find rentals.
• Real estate companies like Harcourts and Bayleys also have a rental arm to their business.
• Friends and classmates may know of someone looking for a flatmate, so ask around.
Approximate Costs of Flatting
You can find out more information on tenancy costs in specific areas at www.tenancy.govt.nz You can also use the Sorted Cost of Living calculator on their Web site at www.sorted.org.nz
According to Tenancy Services, between 1 December 2023 and 31 May 2023, the median market rent for a person flatting with two other people in a three room flat in Riccarton, Christchurch costs approximately $190 per bedroom per week.
You will also have expenses like:
- Food
- Power
- Bus
- Phone
- Internet
- Clothing, toiletries and make-up
If you are looking at renting a flat or house just for you, rent can vary per week, depending on the area, situation, bedrooms, et cetera. See the Market Rent section on the Tenancy Services Web site for more information.
Healthy Homes Standards
All private rentals in New Zealand must comply with the health homes standards as of 1 July 2019. These standards are very specific about the minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, dampness and dryness, and draught-stopping in rental properties.
Having a healthy home, whether its our own or a rental, is important for our overall wellbeing.
You can find more information on the Tenancy Services Web site here: www.tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes/about-the-healthy-homes-standards/
Tenancy Protection and Issues
If you need advice or help with anything related to tenancy, see Tenancy Services on www.tenancy.govt.nz or contact them on 0800 836-262. You can also contact the Tenants Protection Association on www.tpa.org.nz or on (03) 379-2297.