What Are the Four Types of Student Accommodations?

Choosing where to live as a student isn’t just about finding a place to sleep. It’s about fitting your budget, your study habits, and your social life into one space. In New Zealand, especially in cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, students have a few clear options-and each one comes with trade-offs. There are four main types of student accommodations: university dorms, shared flats, homestays, and private student apartments. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right one for your first year-or your last.

University Dorms (On-Campus Housing)

University dorms are the most common starting point for first-year students. These are rooms or small apartments owned and run by the university itself. You’ll usually find them right on campus or within a 10-minute walk. Most include a bed, desk, storage, and shared bathrooms and kitchens with other students.

At the University of Auckland, for example, 78% of first-year international students live in on-campus housing. Why? Because it’s easy. Your meal plan is often included, you get free Wi-Fi, and you don’t need to worry about setting up utilities. There are also built-in social events-movie nights, study groups, and orientation trips-that make it easy to meet people.

But dorms aren’t for everyone. Rooms are small. You might share a bathroom with 10 other people. Noise is common, especially on weekends. And if you’re studying late or need quiet for exams, you might find the environment too chaotic. Rent usually ranges from $280 to $450 per week, depending on whether you get a single or double room and if meals are included.

Shared Flats (House Shares)

Shared flats are what most students move into after their first year. You rent a room in a house with 3 to 6 other students. Each person has their own bedroom, but you share the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. These are often found in suburbs near campus-like Mt. Eden, Newmarket, or Burnside in Christchurch.

The big advantage? More freedom. You can cook your own meals, set your own rules (if everyone agrees), and pick your housemates. Many students form close friendships this way. Rent here is cheaper than dorms-typically $200 to $320 per week, depending on the city and condition of the house.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. You need to handle bills, cleaning rosters, and sometimes difficult housemates. One person leaving mid-year can leave you stuck with a rent gap. You’ll also need to sign a tenancy agreement, which means you’re legally responsible for the whole rent if others don’t pay. Websites like Flatmates.co.nz and Trade Me are the go-to places to find these.

Homestays

Homestays are when you live with a local family. This is popular with international students, especially those under 18 or those who want to improve their English. You get your own room, meals (usually breakfast and dinner), and access to the family’s living space.

In Auckland, homestay providers are vetted by the university or agencies like Homestay New Zealand. The average cost is $350 to $480 per week, which includes food and laundry. You’re not just paying for a room-you’re paying for support. Host families often help with grocery shopping, give advice on public transport, and even invite you to family dinners.

The downside? Less independence. You’ll need to follow house rules-curfews, quiet hours, no parties. If you like to stay up late or cook spicy food at midnight, this might feel restrictive. But if you’re new to the country and want to feel safe and supported, homestays are one of the best options.

Private Student Apartments

These are purpose-built buildings designed only for students. Think of them as hotels with long-term leases. They’re newer, often with gyms, study rooms, cinema lounges, and 24/7 security. Examples include The Student Hotel in Auckland and Unilodge in Wellington.

You get your own studio or one-bedroom apartment-no shared kitchens, no shared bathrooms. Everything’s included: Wi-Fi, water, electricity, and sometimes even cleaning services. Rent is higher-$400 to $650 per week-but you’re paying for convenience and privacy.

These are ideal if you’re studying a demanding course like medicine or engineering and need quiet to focus. They’re also great for students who hate cleaning or don’t want to deal with housemates at all. But they’re not cheap. And you might feel isolated-there’s less built-in social interaction than in dorms or shared flats.

Which One Fits You?

Here’s a quick way to decide:

• Choose university dorms if you’re new to the country, want to meet people fast, and don’t mind sharing space.
• Go for shared flats if you’re independent, want to save money, and don’t mind handling chores and bills.
• Try a homestay if you’re under 18, learning English, or just want someone to look out for you.
• Pick a private student apartment if you need peace, privacy, and don’t mind paying extra for it.

Most students start in dorms, move to shared flats after Year 1, and maybe end up in a private apartment if they’re doing postgraduate work. There’s no right path-just the one that matches your needs right now.

What to Watch Out For

Don’t sign anything without reading the contract. In New Zealand, all student tenancies must follow the Residential Tenancies Act. That means:

• You can’t be charged a bond over four weeks’ rent.
• Landlords must give 90 days’ notice to end a tenancy.
• Every property must have a compliant smoke alarm and insulation.

Also, avoid deals that sound too good to be true. If someone asks for cash upfront or refuses to provide a tenancy agreement, walk away. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has a free tenancy advice service if you’re unsure.

Final Tip: Talk to Current Students

Before you sign, ask students who’ve been there. Facebook groups like "Auckland Uni Student Housing" or "Wellington Student Flats" are full of real reviews. Ask: "Did your room have a window? Was the kitchen clean? Did your housemates respect quiet hours?" Real stories beat any brochure.

Your accommodation affects your grades, your stress levels, and your overall experience. Don’t treat it like an afterthought. Pick wisely, and you’ll have a better year-not just a place to sleep.