Ultimate Guide to Student Accommodation in Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and third-most populous city of New Zealand after Auckland and Wellington. An urban park is located along the banks of the Avon River, which flows through the centre of the city. It is one of the most diverse and welcoming cities in the world that attracts international students from all walks of life. It is home to three universities which includes- the University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, and campus of the University of Otago. The University of Canterbury ranks 231 in the QS World University Rankings, 2019 and offers world-class degrees to choose from. These universities offer admissions to thousands of international students each year, which makes securing a quality student accommodation Christchurch quite difficult.

If you’re an international student moving to Christchurch, don’t worry! The following parameters will help you secure comfortable student accommodation in the city without compromising on the facilities offered.

Travelling via Public Transport

Christchurch is well-connected by public transport, which makes it is quite easy to get around the city. Buses are the main mode of public transport available in Christchurch, with bus routes serving most areas of the city and towns. The local bus service, known as Metro, is provided by Environment Canterbury. If you plan to use buses regularly, it's worth getting a MetroCard, which will give you a 30% discount on fares. The city is not served by rail, but Christchurch acts as the main departure point for New Zealand’s famous TranzAlpine journey. Cycling is quite popular in Christchurch with separate lanes built especially for the cyclists.

Best Places to Live In

Merivale, Sumner, Cashmere, Fendalton, and more are some of the best areas for students in the city. They are located close to cafes, bars, and restaurants so you can enjoy the evenings with your friends.

Accommodation and Facilities on Offer

The city offers a variety of accommodation options depending on your budget and desired location. There are purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) with campus-like facilities designed for student living. Average rent is usually above NZD150/week, with all utilities (electricity, water, gas, Wi-Fi) included in the rent. They also provide a variety of amenities such as laundry, gym, fully-equipped kitchen, T.V, study room and more, so you don’t have to pay anything extra from your pocket. University Living, a global student housing marketplace allows students to book their accommodation and also provide 24/7 assistance to ensure a comfortable stay.

Cost of Living

Life in Christchurch is fairly affordable, provided you set a budget well in advance and stick to it. Students are advised to cook their own meals to save on eating out. Cathedral Square, the heart of the city, host regular market days, free-standing food, and coffee carts. The cost of living depends on your lifestyle and the location of your accommodation. Expect to shell out NZD90 for a three-course meal for 2 people, about NZD10 for a pint, and NZD14.50 for a trip to the cinema.

All these parameters will help you secure a comfortable student accommodation Christchurch that meets your needs and ensure a pleasant stay.

Arpita Moitra is a Content Writer at University Living. Her expertise lies in crafting Seo content with optimum use of keywords and conducting independent research to produce technical content as well.