Whatever campus you're studying at, the following information may be helpful if you are looking for accommodation. You will need to contact accommodation providers directly yourself. UCOL Te Pūkenga can help facilitate living in homestay accommodation, see info below. UCOL Te Pūkenga does not own or operate any student accommodation.
Homestays
Homestay accommodation is where you live with a New Zealand family. You are provided with your own fully furnished room and three meals a day.
Living in a homestay is ideal for international students. It will allow you to concentrate on your studies, learn about New Zealand culture, practice English, and get used to life in New Zealand with the support of a friendly and caring family.
The cost of homestay accommodation is approximately $245 NZD per week. This covers food, electricity, room and Internet.
UCOL Te Pūkenga can facilitate living in a homestay. There is a one-off placement fee of $245 NZD. Send a completed homestay accommodation application form to internationalstudent@ucol.ac.nz.
Hostels
There are hostels close to UCOL Te Pūkenga campuses with furnished rooms, kitchen and laundry facilities, offering both long-term and short-term accommodation, including:
Palmerston North
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@ the hub (Furnished studio apartment. Priced $215-300 NZD per week.)
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Palmy 31 (Private studio rooms with communal facilities. Priced $200-$250 NZD per week.)
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Baxters (Private studio rooms with communal facilities. Priced $200-$250 NZD per week.)
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Baptist Youth Hostel (Faith-based accommodation with self caters and catered option.)
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Friendship House (Faith-based homestay-like accommodation. Priced $215-$250 per week. Family friendly)
Whanganui
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42b College House (Private or shared rooms with communal facilities. Priced $27-$95 NZD per night.)
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Tamara Riverside Lodge (Private or shared rooms with communal facilities. Priced from $28 NZD per night.)
Massey University Hall of Residence
UCOL Te Pūkenga students are welcome to apply for the Massey Hall of Residence accommodation in Palmerston North for 2022. Massey's halls, units and flats are fully furnished and have wifi internet access.
Shared accommodation - flatting
Students also have the option to go flatting – i.e. renting a house or an apartment with friends. If you choose this type of shared accommodation, we recommend staying for the first four weeks in short-term accommodation, as it can take some time to find a suitable place.
When flatting, you are responsible for providing your own furniture, paying your share of power/water/phone bills, cooking your own meals, doing your own laundry, and following the rental agreement.
Here is an example of what it may cost to share a three-bedroom flat with two other students (all costs are approximate and are given in New Zealand dollars):
- Bond (up to four week's rent to be paid in advance) $1,200
- Two week's rent in advance $600
Regular expenses:
- Electricity $180 per month
- Phone $32 rental per month (tolls calls will be extra)
- Food $600 per month
- Rent $1200 per month
Students need enough money for buying any required furniture, bedding, cooking utensils and other household items.
Useful accommodation information
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Tenancy Services provides information on the Residential Tenancies Act and the Unit Titles Act.
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Housing Advice Centre also offers free 24 hour accommodation listing service for Palmerston North.