Why live in University of Auckland Accommodation?

• You can live in University of Auckland Accommodation for your entire degree – whether you study with us for three years or more – undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• First-year residents in University Accommodation statistically perform better than non-residents, 3% with a higher pass rate and 20% with higher ‘A’ grades.
• We offer a wide range of Accommodation scholarship opportunities to help you with your cost of living.
• Living in our Accommodation will often cost you less than trying to set up your own flat in the  Auckland CBD or Parnell, or even at some other universities around the country. Really, it’s true!

“They say they’re struggling to survive – tertiary students living in mouldy, unhealthy homes, unable to afford heating or pay for essentials like good food, clothing and transport costs. Poor student life has been a rite of passage for many, so why is it worse now than ever before?” - TVNZ, Sunday, Flat Broke

"Even these really basic Healthy Homes standard haven't been met, but there's no accountability...." - RNZ

This doesn’t have to be you.

For the 2025 academic year, Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland is committed to offering on-campus housing for over 4,500 students across our City and Grafton campuses. Our diverse range of accommodation options includes both catered and self-catered choices, providing a convenient and immersive campus experience.  

Our accommodation fees cover not only rent, but also a comprehensive package of utilities and resources. This includes power, heating/cooling, laundry facilities, cleaning services for common areas, and membership to the University’s Recreation Centre. Residents also benefit from access to the University’s WiFi network. Additionally, our Halls of Residence feature two academic mentoring programs, a variety of student-focused events, Inter-Residential activities, and round-the-clock security and pastoral care.  

The increase in our 2025 Accommodation Fees reflects rising inflation over the past two years, as well as increased costs for catering services, staff salaries (including minimum and living wage adjustments), and enhanced pastoral care initiatives. Despite this increase, our housing remains competitively priced compared to other New Zealand universities and private rentals in the Auckland CBD and Parnell areas.   

The University of Auckland offers quality accommodation in the heart of Auckland City, at comparable prices to other New Zealand universities – making Auckland an affordable option. 

How much will it cost? 

Below is a comparison of catered accommodation at universities in Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington, and Christchurch, using published (2025) costs which shows that the University of Auckland has very competitive rates: 

• University of Auckland: $19,810 - $22,540
• University of Otago: $20,937 - $24,053
• Victoria University of Wellington: $18,784 - $21,436
• University of Canterbury: $20,214 - $29,168

* At the University of Auckland, our Accommodation fee includes electricity, water, food, on-site laundry, and membership to the University’s gym. Residents are also given access to the University WiFi. 

Accommodation scholarships 

The University offers a range of scholarships opportunities, including scholarships with a dedicated Accommodation component. Whether you’re starting in Semester One or Two, there are scholarships available to Māori and Pacific students, high achiever and those with Academic Potentional who are active members of their community.

Our University-managed, self-catered accommodation offer you a more independent lifestyle just steps away from the University, at rates comparable with the cost of living in private accommodation in Auckland. You'll also benefit from engaging residential events, 24/7 security, pastoral care and support from a range of University services. 

How much will it cost? 

Below is a comparison of self-catered accommodation in Auckland, and a room in a shared private house in Auckland, using estimated (2025) weekly living costs.

Note: the stories below are fictional student personas, so we can share with you the different types of experiences you might have as a student in Auckland. These people aren’t real, but the numbers are! 

*Cost of living calculations based on Numbeo research.
**Food and groceries calculations based on IRD Household Expenditure Guide.

***Based on travel to campus five days per week within AT Transport Zone 1 with student concession.

At the University of Auckland, our Accommodation fees include rent plus:

• A fully-furnished room
• Utilities
• A communal lounge, dining room and kitchen
• Games room and music room
• On-site laundry (washer & dryer)
• Security, on-site support staff, and front desk reception
• Gym membership, and
• Events programme

Why I chose to live in Carlaw Park Student Village

Kia ora, my name is Britney. I’m a second-year student at the University of Auckland, studying a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communication. I live at Carlaw Park Student Village - Nicholls, which is a fully furnished self-catered residence. While I pay for my own groceries, which costs me about $201.40/week, all my rent and utilities (like water, electricity) are all included in my weekly expenses for just $350/week! Living just down the road from City Campus, I’m able to walk to class every day. I find the environment at Carlaw Park to be supportive. I love my RA, who helped me when I was going through a tough time personally. Since I lived in the halls my first year, I already have a solid group of friends on campus. We like to meet up at the gym, which is covered by my Accommodation fee and only a block away from where I live. I can't wait to visit Hiwa, the new Recreation Centre on Symonds St! All the support I have around me has enabled me to succeed both in my classes and personal life. I don’t worry about juggling bills and study, as it’s all taken care of for me in my single Accommodation expense. Overall, I pay $559.40/week, which fits my budget.

Why I chose to live in my own private room in Auckland

Hi, my name is Mike. I’m a third-year student at the University of Auckland, studying a Bachelor of Business in Commerce. I found my own private room to rent in a shared house in Parnell for $348/week. I wanted to have my own independence, so I found my own place which I paid to furnish myself. Every week I coordinate with my roommates to split the bills. We each pay $8 for internet, $8 for insurance, and $20.62 for electricity, water, garbage and laundry. Staying fit and active is important to me too, so I also joined Hiwa, Recreation Centre which costs $3.85 per week. I take the bus to campus, which costs me $20/week and takes about an hour round-trip. Overall, my expenses cost me $609.87/week, if I can budget my food costs down to $201.40/week.

Living in Accommodation is a convenient solutions for students who want to focus on their academic and social lives. When you move in, all you have to bring is yourself and your suitcase! In our fully-furnished rooms and flats, we provide residents with an engaging calendar of events and support to better integrate into University support systems. 

So whether you just don't want to deal with a long commute or want support in making new friends, we've got you covered! 

Live with us on-campus and don't stress about the details.