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:
Don’t bother trying to choose halls to align with where your friends are going. The universities make the decsions based on:
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.
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 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
Further information
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.
ScholarshipsAccommodation scholarships are available for selected halls, including:
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.
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.
Key considerations
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.
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.
AUT accommodation is generally accessible, with applications remaining open longer than at most universities.
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
More information is found here.