Types of accommodation for students in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the favourite destinations for international students looking to combine studies, nature and quality of life. Before travelling, one of the most important decisions will be choosing where to live during your stay.

Fortunately, there are different types of accommodation designed for different budgets, lifestyles and needs. From student residences to shared houses or host families, each option offers a different experience.

In this guide, we tell you about the most common types of accommodation in New Zealand, their advantages and disadvantages, and which aspects you should take into account before deciding where to live during your adventure.

Keep reading or fill in the following form and a Dingoos Guide will contact you to advise you on your best accommodation options in New Zealand.

Arriving in New Zealand can be exciting, but also a little overwhelming at first. Looking for accommodation from abroad, understanding how rentals work or choosing the best area to live in is not always easy, especially during the first few days.

At Dingoos, we want you to begin your experience with peace of mind. That is why, in addition to helping you with your course and the necessary procedures for travelling to New Zealand, we also support you in your accommodation search so that your arrival is much easier and more comfortable.

Our accommodation search support service is designed to help you both with a temporary place for your first few days and with finding a more stable option for your entire stay in New Zealand.

With the support of Dingoos, you will be able to enjoy:

• Booking accommodation for your first few days in New Zealand.
• Recommendations on the best areas to live in according to your profile.
• Guidance on available prices and types of accommodation.
• Personalised advice to answer questions before and after travelling.
• Practical tips for finding accommodation more quickly when you arrive.
• In addition, we will be by your side to help you settle in during your first few weeks and ensure that your experience in New Zealand begins in the best possible way.

Discover more about our accommodation search support service and find the ideal option for your adventure in New Zealand.

Hostels are one of the options most commonly used by international students during their first few days in New Zealand. They are affordable, flexible types of accommodation and are perfect for those who still do not have a permanent place to live when they arrive in the country.

Most hostels have shared rooms, communal kitchens and social areas where it is very easy to meet travellers and students from different parts of the world. In addition, they are usually located in central and well-connected areas, especially in cities such as Auckland, Wellington or Queenstown.

Although they are not usually the best alternative for long stays, they are an excellent temporary option while you look for a shared house or more stable accommodation.

The price of a hostel in New Zealand is usually between NZD 35 and NZD 50 per night in shared rooms. The cost may vary depending on the city, the season and the type of room. The most central or modern hostels usually have slightly higher prices.

Shared houses are one of the favourite options among international students in New Zealand, especially for those planning to stay in the country for several months. They involve renting a room in a home shared with other people, usually students or young workers.

This type of accommodation offers greater independence and is usually more affordable than a student residence. In addition, sharing a house is a good opportunity to practise English, make friends and adapt more quickly to the local lifestyle.

In cities such as Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington, it is very common to find rooms for rent, although demand can be high at certain times of the year. For this reason, many students begin their search as soon as they arrive in the country.

The price of a room in a shared house in New Zealand is usually between $1000 NZD and $1600 NZD per month. The cost will depend on the city, the location and the characteristics of the property. In some cases, utility expenses may be paid separately.

Student residences are one of the most comfortable options for those travelling to study in New Zealand for a while. They are usually located close to universities, schools and well-connected areas, which makes settling in during the first few weeks much easier.

This type of accommodation is designed especially for international students, so they offer furnished rooms and shared spaces such as kitchens, laundry facilities or common areas. In addition, living in a residence can help you meet people from different countries from the very first day and quickly form new friendships.

However, availability is usually limited and prices can be higher than other alternatives, especially in cities such as Auckland or Wellington.

The price of a student residence in New Zealand is usually between $350 and $450 NZD per week, although it may vary depending on the city, location and included services. Normally, this type of accommodation includes expenses such as internet, electricity or access to common areas, which makes organising your stay as an international student much easier.

A homestay is a very popular option among international students who want to enjoy a more authentic experience in New Zealand. This type of accommodation involves living with a local family, sharing some areas of the house and becoming part of their daily life.

In addition to having a place to stay, a homestay allows you to practise English constantly and gain a much closer understanding of New Zealand culture. In many cases, it also includes meals, which helps to reduce expenses and makes settling in during the first few weeks easier.

It is an especially recommended alternative for those travelling abroad for the first time or looking for a more family-oriented and peaceful atmosphere during their stay.

The price of a homestay in New Zealand is usually around NZD 250 to NZD 300 per week, depending on the city and the services included. Many host families offer meals, internet and basic expenses within the price, which can help you manage your monthly budget better.

Choosing where to live in New Zealand is a very important decision during your experience as an international student. Not all accommodation is the same, and finding the right option will depend on your budget, lifestyle and objectives during your stay.

Before booking any accommodation, it is advisable to compare several options and take into account some key factors that can make a difference in your daily life.

Finding accommodation in New Zealand may seem complicated at first, especially if you are still organising your trip from abroad. However, with a little planning and by using the right tools, the process will be much easier and safer.

• Here are some practical tips that will help you find accommodation that suits your budget, lifestyle and needs during your experience as an international student.
• Start searching in advance. In cities such as Auckland, Wellington or Queenstown, demand for accommodation can be quite high, especially during course start periods. Ideally, you should begin your search several weeks before travelling.
• Book temporary accommodation for the first few days. Many students first arrive at a hostel or temporary accommodation while they look for something more stable. This will allow you to visit rooms in person and get to know the areas better before making a decision.
• Clearly define your monthly budget. Before choosing accommodation, calculate how much you can spend, including rent, transport, food and other expenses. Remember that in New Zealand some rentals include expenses and others do not.
• Check the location carefully. Living close to your school or a public transport stop can save you a great deal of time and money. It is also advisable to check whether the area has supermarkets, gyms or other services nearby.
• Ask which expenses are included. Before booking, confirm whether the price includes internet, electricity, water or heating. In some shared houses, these expenses are paid separately at the end of each month.
• Use reliable platforms. There are several very popular platforms for finding accommodation in New Zealand. Some of the most commonly used by international students are Trade Me Property, NZ Flatmates, Roomies NZ y Flathive. These websites allow you to search for rooms, shared houses and flats in different cities around the country.
• Be careful with possible scams. Avoid making advance payments without first checking that the accommodation actually exists. Whenever possible, try to visit the property in person or arrange a video call before booking. Many students recommend using well-known platforms to avoid problems.
• Read reviews and experiences from other students. Looking for references or experiences from other international students can help you identify recommended areas, typical prices and possible problems before choosing accommodation. Facebook groups are a good alternative.

If, after reading all of this, you need more information or a little help, contact us. At Dingoos, we help you free of charge with all the procedures you need to complete to begin the adventure of living in New Zealand, including finding accommodation.