Types of Halls
- Fully catered – They feed you
- Self-catered – There are cooking facilities, but you have to buy your own food.
- Self-contained units – an apartment with four or five bedrooms and shared cooking and bathroom facilities.
Basic room information
- Room-only: most halls offer rooms with shared bathrooms, dining rooms, hangout areas, and recreation facilities.
- Ensuite room: some rooms have ensuite facilities. These are more expensive and are usually offered first to those with greater needs.
- Room size: in some halls, you can opt for a smaller room (cheaper) or a larger room (more expensive)
- Alcohol-free: a number of halls have alcohol-free floors or apartments. If you are keen on this, mention it in your personal statement.
- Shared rooms: a few halls offered them. These are cheaper. You can opt to go with a friend or be put in with a random.
Hall facilities
Every hall is different, but they all offer a range of facilities, so it is worth carefully checking what each one offers before deciding which one to choose. Some of the things that they offer include:
- Internet
- TV rooms
- Computer rooms
- Leisure centre
- Library
- Laundry
- Bike and motorbike sheds
- Art rooms
- Chapels
- Pool tables/table tennis tables
- Playstations/xboxes
More information
Don’t bother trying to choose halls to align with where your friends are going. The universities make the decsions based on:
- Gender split
- Geographics (trying to make a spread throughout the country)
- School-based (trying to have multiple schools represented).
What does going on a waitlist mean?
If you do not get into a hall the first time around, you may be offered a place on the waitlist. This is common at Canterbury and Auckland. It basically means you are waiting to see if someone else declines their accommodation offer.
In general, if you are offered a place in a hall, you should accept it rather than opting to waitlist for a hall you prefer. At the end of the day, they are all pretty similar.
Applying to multiple universities
It is highly recommended that you apply for halls at more than one university. At most universities, applying in the first place costs nothing.
On (or close to) the 1 of September, universities offer places. Some people will be offered places at more than one university.
At that point, students need to pay a deposit to lock in their place at the hall. There are two weeks to pay this deposit before the place is lost. If a student is not offered a place in the first round, don’t panic, the second round usually comes out around 15 September. This round is made up of extra places that weren’t taken up in round 1. There is usually a much smaller Round 3 that comes out in October.
Halls at the University of Otago
Halls of residence at Otago are highly sought after and fill quickly. Students are encouraged to accept any offer received, even if it is not their first choice, as waitlists are common.
Applicants can select up to three preferred halls. Including one of the more competitive halls as a first choice is common, but selecting a less competitive option as a second choice can improve the likelihood of receiving an offer.
The Otago halls experience is widely regarded as a significant and enjoyable part of student life.
Applications
- Applications are submitted through eVision (the same platform used for scholarships)
- Applications close 1 October, though applying by 15 September is recommended
Further information
- Hall details and virtual tours: here
- Application information: here
University of Canterbury
Halls at Canterbury are extremely competitive and typically reach capacity.
Applicants must rank their hall preferences from 1 to 3. Highly sought-after halls such as Rochester and Rutherford, College House, and Tupuanuku should be listed as first preference to be considered. Uni Hall and Ilam Apartments are often chosen as alternatives.
A personal statement is required as part of the application.
Applications
- Open: 1 August
- Application fee: $100
- Applications are submitted via a dedicated accommodation platform (separate from scholarships)
Scholarships
Accommodation scholarships are available for selected halls, including:
- Arcady Hall
- College House
- Rochester and Rutherford Hall
Further information
- Halls overview and virtual tours: here. Application details: here. Scholarships: here.
Lincoln University
Lincoln offers both fully catered halls and self-catered units, all located on campus. Availability is generally good, with accommodation typically accessible to all applicants.
Further information here.
Victoria University of Wellington
Halls at Victoria are popular and fill quickly. Applicants are encouraged to accept an offer if received, even if it is not their preferred option.
Applications are assessed using a combination of academic results (including Level 2 NCEA) and personal information. Providing detailed personal context, including any financial considerations, is beneficial.
Applications
- Open: 1 August
- Close: 1 October
- Early offers released after 15 September
- Offer acceptance deadline: 24 October
- Deposit: Approximately $600 (non-refundable)
Key considerations
- Strong emphasis on building balanced student communities
- Behaviour expectations are taken seriously
Massey University
Massey operates across three campuses, each offering different accommodation options. Applications are submitted through the accommodation portal.
Availability is generally good at the Auckland (Albany) and Palmerston North campuses, while Wellington is more limited.
Auckland (Albany)
- First-year students typically stay in Pūkeko, Tui, or Weka halls
- Fully catered, with two meals per day
Palmerston North
- First-year halls are fully catered and furnished
- Self-catered options are available for students aged 20+
Wellington
- All accommodation is self-catered
- Options include studio apartments and 2- or 4-bedroom flats
- Some students may apply for Victoria University halls as an alternative (some accept Massey students and offer catered options)
University of Waikato
Accommodation at Waikato is generally more accessible than at other universities, and halls do not typically fill to capacity. Costs are often lower compared to other institutions.
Hamilton
- Three halls of residence available
- Both catered and self-catered options offered
- “Student Village” accommodation features pod-style living (groups of six students)
Tauranga
- Selwyn Street Studios offer modern, self-contained accommodation with ensuite bathrooms
- All options are self-catered
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
AUT accommodation is generally accessible, with applications remaining open longer than at most universities.
Campuses
- City Campus
- North Campus
- Students studying at the South Campus often stay in city accommodation and commute
Accommodation style
- Apartment-style living with 4–6 bedrooms per unit
- All options are self-catered
Further information
- AUT accommodation website
University of Auckland
Accommodation at the University of Auckland is highly competitive.
Most first-year halls are fully catered, with additional self-catered options available at Grafton Student Flats. Some halls offer large single or twin-share rooms.
Applicants may select only one hall preference.
Application requirements
- Recent academic results (Year 12 or equivalent, or Year 13 if applicable)
- National Student Number (NSN), if available
- Intended course of study
- Emergency contact details
More information is found here.
