Ilam Student Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions

All our student accommodation located in Christchurch can be found here.

Please view our Vision, Mission and Values click here.

It’s just a 5 minute walk to the main campus on Ilam Road and 10 minutes to the Engineering Block and their are Scooters in the area available if you are running late. 

There are 2 bus stops either end of Homestead Lane (less than 500 metres).  

Its a 20 minutes bike or bus ride, 5-6 km walk or $20-25 taxi ride.

No, all rooms are single.

No - Beds are provided. 

No sorry. 

No smoking is allowed on-site. UC is also a smoke free campus.

No, but we do practice quiet hours during exam times.

Yes, you will be allocated an individual front door card, a private bedroom door key and your bedroom windows will have secure locks.

Yes, UC security patrols throughout the night. After hours the Community Safety team are also on site and can be contacted 24/7 hours - 0508 864 425.

Yes, talk to your insurance provider for recommendations.

Yes, all apartments have a TV and there is Sky TV in our Common Space ‘HOME ‘.

The UC’s Recreation Centre is free for UC Students only and only a short walk away.

Yes, be sure to get your flat-mates’ permission. You can have a guest stay for a maximum of 2 nights and air mattresses can be hired from the office for their stay.

Our apartments are mixed but you can request a single sex apartment if you would prefer.

There are individual heaters in all rooms.

No but with fully opening windows you won’t need it.

We have a great housekeeping team who clean all common spaces in your flat every two weeks. It’s up to each resident to keep their room clean and we provide vacuum cleaners.

Yes! There are three on-campus plus a café onsite.  The local Bush Inn Centre with numerous food outlets and supermarkets is a short 10 minute walk.

Ilam Apartments is self-catered but you are able to purchase meals/plans from our University Hall Dining Room.

Arrival dates will be confirmed in your contract – early arrivals can be secured but are subject to availability.

Yes, fees are refundable (excluding administration fees) as long as you withdraw before the withdrawal date on your contract.

Yes, covered bike storage is available. A deposit of $10 is required, which will be refunded following the return of the key.

Washing machines and dryers are provided in Manuka and Kowhai blocks.  For Hinau apartments there is a large communal laundry (Eftpos operated $2 per wash $2 per dry)

Power, WiFi (UC students only), all our apartments are fully furnished and your bedroom will have a bed and desk.  The kitchen is fully equipped and includes pots and pans. The great thing about living here rather than private flats is you don’t have to worry about winter power bills or if a flat mate moves.

Residents can pay an initial fee at the start of the year to claim a car park within Uni Hall. Car parks are limited/subject to availability therefore get in quick to secure your spot! Those who miss out can park in various on-road spots around University.

You can apply to live at Ilam Apartments if you are planning on studying at other tertiary education provider in Christchurch.

Monday to Friday between 9am - 5pm.

Yes, by prior arrangement - please call our after hours on-site staff on 0508 864 425 or send us an email.

Please ensure that you have emailed us at least one business day before your arrival so that we can prepare in advance. Once you have arrived, please call the on-duty phone number advertised on the exterior door of the front entrance.

UniLodge aims to resolve resident complaints in a transparent and fair manner. With respect to our privacy policy UniLodge will disclose to the complainant any requested information or documentation required to fully address the complaint.

Our objective in providing a complaints process is to allow our residents to air their grievances in a constructive manner with a focus on reaching a mutually acceptable solution. Where a mutually acceptable solution cannot be reached, UniLodge may refer to the resident handbook or to your Occupancy Agreement in response to your grievance.

UniLodge aims to reach resolution of the complaint in a reasonable time frame, with a focus on minimising any ongoing impact to the resident engaging in the complaints process.

• Step 1: Contact a member of the UniLodge team. Explain your grievance and your desired outcome.
  • Staff will respond to your complaint within five business days and may request to meet with the complainant as part of reaching a solution.
  • (Not resolved?)
• Step 2: Contact the General Manager Portfolio via email and submit the details of your complaint in writing. The General Manager Portfolio will request a meeting to discuss the matter further.
  • (Not resolved?)
  • It is important to remember that you have signed an Occupancy Agreement. An Occupancy Agreement differs from a Tenancy Agreement quite significantly.
• Step 3: Should you be unhappy with the outcome from your complaint you can escalate it to the UCSA, or the University Grievance Coordinator to discuss your concerns and your options (phone number 03 369 0292).
• Step 4: Should your concerns not be resolved by these internal grievance procedures; you can then pursue an external complaint through Mana Tohu Mātauranga o Aotearoa | NZQA. You can submit your complaint query on the NZQA website or send an email to risk@nzqa.govt.nz. If you need more information, contact NZQA on 0800 697 296.