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Student Services

Accommodation

You have plenty of choice when it comes to living arrangements in Christchurch. You can choose to homestay or private board, live in a halls of residence or student hostel, or share the rent on a house with others (flatting). Most schools or care providers will arrange accommodation for you.

Homestay and Private Boarding

Many students choose to live in a homestay situation with a Christchurch family with their own comfortable bedroom and study facilities. Becoming part of a typical New Zealand family is very good for improving English conversation, making good friends and experiencing the 'kiwi' way of life.

Halls of Residence/Student Hostels

Some Christchurch schools and institutions have their own fully catered halls of residence or student hostels, usually located on the campus or nearby, with single or twin rooms. Some institutions provide 'self catering' hostels where six to eight students have their own bedrooms and share a kitchen and living room.

 Accommodation Homestay Accommodation

Work and Immigration

You may need a Student Visa or Permit to study at secondary or tertiary level in New Zealand. Have a look at www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/study/

Working while studying

You can work part time while studying full time under certain circumstances:

  • to meet course requirements for practical work experience, or
  • during the Christmas and New Year holiday period if you are in a full-time course of study lasting 12 months or longer, and/or
  • for up to 20 hours in any given week during the academic year if you are in full-time study:
  • at a private training establishment or tertiary institution and taking at least two academic years to complete, or
  • culminating in a New Zealand qualification that would qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category, or
  • at a secondary school full year course of study in years 12 or 13, provided you have written permission from your school and written consent from your parent, or
  • in a full-time study course lasting at least six months, at a private training establishment or tertiary institution. Your visa or immigration officer has to be satisfied that the main purpose of your course of study is to develop English language skills, and, you have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall band score of 5.0 or above (General or Academic Module), or
  • at a tertiary level of at least one academic year duration as part of an approved tertiary student exchange scheme.
  • To find out more check out : www.immigration.govt.nz

Cultural Support

Moving to a new country is a bold and exciting choice, one that takes courage! Getting used to a new environment takes time and sometimes it helps to talk to someone who understands what you are going through.

We have many well developed student support networks or Care Providers where study, cultural, health, recreation and religious needs are easily met. Most Christchurch Institutions have specialised support services available to assist with all aspects of your transition. It helps if you can talk to someone who understands.

Christchurch is often the beginning of lifelong friendships for many students. One of the easiest ways of integrating into the community is by joining a cultural or sporting group.

Kiwi Culture

New Zealanders are often called 'Kiwis' after the national bird. One of the first things you will notice about Kiwis/New Zealanders is that we are one of the planet's most relaxed and friendly people. We are known for our laid back approach to life and Christchurch people are considered to be less formal than their city counterparts in Wellington and Auckland. You will find residents here are more likely to say hello, introduce themselves and invite you over for social gatherings.