Many students live in private accommodation in New Zealand during their studies abroad, mostly in shared apartments. The search is designed differently depending on the region. In metropolitan areas like Auckland in particular , many people are looking for affordable housing in a convenient location. Smaller cities or suburbs often offer a relatively relaxed housing market for accommodation for studying in New Zealand.
Many universities recommend that their students rent temporary accommodation before arriving in New Zealand in order to then look for suitable accommodation on site . For example, a hostel costs between NZ $ 20 and NZ $ 30 per night. Sometimes universities also offer a bed in a dormitory or a single room for the transition.
Due to the short notice periods, apartments in New Zealand are ready for occupancy very quickly . Students usually either move into an existing shared apartment or look for suitable roommates in the first few weeks to set up a shared apartment. Many international students get to know their future fellow students in the hostel and thus exchange ideas.
The usual equipment of a New Zealand apartment includes a dishwasher, oven, washing machine and dryer. Depending on the location of the accommodation, a car is recommended to commute between campus and apartment.
If you need professional help looking for an apartment, you can turn to brokers and agencies. These usually charge a fee of at least one week’s rent. Numerous apartments can usually be found via advertisements on the Internet or in the newspaper, via the International Office and university pages or on the notice boards of universities .
For students abroad with children, it is better to have their own apartment while studying in New Zealand, as New Zealand universities often only have limited capacities.
Cost of private apartments in New Zealand
Compared to university accommodation, private apartments and shared flats in New Zealand are inexpensive . All roommates share the expenses for rent and ancillary costs. However, there are expenses for a deposit of at least one month’s rent and furniture.
Private housing costs between NZ $ 640 and NZ $ 1,200 . There is also electricity and gas as well as internet. Electricity costs are generally rather high in New Zealand, as electricity is also used for heating. Shorter rental periods of less than twelve months can lead to higher rental costs.
It is important to look at the rooms before signing the contract and to ask about the additional costs. In some weekly rents these are already included, in others they are billed monthly. The more central, the more expensive living space is, especially in the larger cities. There are no travel costs.
Advantages and disadvantages of private apartments and shared apartments
| advantages | disadvantage |
| Private living is usually cheaper and more flexible than university accommodation | Compliance with notice periods |
| The room can be furnished according to your own wishes | Travel costs can arise due to the greater distance to the campus |
| You can choose your future roommates yourself | Additional costs for furniture, meals and a deposit |
| More peace and privacy | Potentially stressful apartment search after arrival |
| More independence, as there are no controls and rules like in the student residence or with the host family | No specific contact person for questions or problems |
| Chance of international as well as Kiwis as roommates | Risk of isolation from student life |
| Getting to know the city and the surrounding area better | Possibly hidden or unplanned additional costs |
| More flexibility than in the university’s own accommodation for an extended stay after graduation |
Homestay : living with a host family
For international students in particular, host families offer an interesting opportunity to get to know the Kiwi country and culture up close . The universities often arrange this homestay and sometimes charge a fee for it. Students usually move into their own furnished room and share the bathroom, kitchen and living room with the host family.
Ideally, international students take part in the family events and are integrated as family members. Accordingly, compliance with duties and rules is a matter of course.
Underage students only have the option of staying with host families on the part of the New Zealand university.
Costs for accommodation with a host family
Host family accommodation costs between NZ $ 680 and NZ $ 1,000 a month . This includes rent and meals. In some cases, internet costs are paid extra. Depending on the university, placement fees may apply.
Since New Zealand host families often live on the outskirts or in suburbs, there are additional transportation costs.
Advantages and disadvantages of living with a host family
| advantages | disadvantage |
| Ideal for using English on a daily basis | Compliance with family rules and duties, less independence |
| Integration into everyday life and activities as a family member possible | Higher transport costs due to the remote location to the campus |
| Catering with individual wishes possible | Agency fees may apply |
| Local contacts for questions or problems | No international environment |
| Greater flexibility to extend your stay after your studies, often no minimum rental period | Risk of isolation from fellow students and student life |
| Private room provided for privacy | It is possible that you don’t get along with the host family |
| Safe environment | |
| No additional stress from looking for an apartment or buying furniture after arrival |