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Student Accommodation FAQ

Sonoda Christchurch Campus
Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about living at Sonoda? Find out everything you need to know about our student accommodation by checking out our most frequently asked questions. Whether you’re unsure about moving logistics, living costs, leases, or another aspect about of living in our student apartments, these questions include all the essential information you’ll need before moving in. If you have a question that you don't see answered, feel free to contact us directly.

Where can I find more information about accommodation?

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

UniLodge Vision, Mission and Values

Please view our Vision, Mission and Values click here.

How much is the laundry?

There are washing machines and dryers located in each building. 
These are free to use.

What is my mailing address?

Sonoda
UC Accommodation Student Village
Sonoda
PO Box 1834
Christchurch
New Zealand 8140

What is the distance to the University of Canterbury main campus?

It is a 15-minute walk to the main campus on Ilam Road.

What is the distance to the bus stop?

There is a bus stop on Dovedale Ave 2-minute walk from Sonoda Village.  www.metroinfo.co.nz can assist in planning your trip.

What kind of nightlife can I expect?

There are a variety of events on site (check out the Sonoda Facebook group page).  It is also a short stroll to Bush Inn Shopping Centre and Riccarton where there are plenty of bars, eateries and shopping malls.

How long does it take to get into town?

It is about 10-15 minutes by car, 30 minutes by bus and 20 minutes by bicycle.

Can two people live in ONE room?

No, all rooms are single.

Are pets allowed?

No- sorry.

Is smoking or vaping allowed?

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

Is there a curfew?

No, but we do practice quiet hours. 

Is my room secure?

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

Is the property secure?

Yes, UC security patrols throughout the night.

Is insurance required for my personal belongings?

Yes, talk to your insurance provider for recommendations.

Is a television included?

Sonoda has a Sky TV in the common room by the office.

Is there a fitness centre?

Not at Sonoda, however all UC students are able to access the UC Recreation Centre on Kirkwood Village campus.

Are friends allowed to stay over?

Yes, be sure to let the team know you have a guest, and get them signed in.  You can have a guest stay for a maximum of 2 nights.  A guest ban applies over the study and exam break.

Is it co-ed?

Our halls are mixed but you can request a single sex floor/flat if you would prefer and we will do our best to allocate your preference.

What kind of heating will I have?

There are individual radiators in all rooms.

Is there air-conditioning?

No but with fully opening windows you will not need it.

Does someone clean?

We have a great housekeeping team who clean all common spaces regularly.  It is up to each resident to keep their room clean and we provide vacuum cleaners.

Is there a café close by?

Yes! There are cafés on the Sonoda campus; as well as the nearby Bush Inn.

Do I get a car park? How much is it?

There are a limited number of car parks on-site for a cost.

When am I able to move in?

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

What kind of programmes and events do you have?

 We offer a number of programmes (including tutorials) throughout the year which will support you to get the most out of your time at uni. These are advertised on the Sonoda Facebook page.

Is it noisy?

You will experience normal day-to-day noises and activity; we ask that people are respectful of their neighbours.

Is there a place to lock my bicycle?

Yes, covered bike storage is available for $10 deposit (refundable following return of key)

How do I do my washing?

There are washing machines and dryers in each building – use of these is free, but you need to provide your own laundry powder.

How can I decorate my room?

Your room is your own space! However it is absolutely NOT PERMITTED to use pins on walls or make alterations to any of the surfaces in your room. You are more than welcome however to use blue tack, or sticky hooks to attach anything to the wall.  Unless there are medical grounds and you have prior management approval, you are not permitted to have a fridge, freezer, microwave or cooking appliances in your room.

What is included in the price?

Power, WiFi (UC students only), furniture (bed, desk, chair, wardrobe) and meals.

Do you offer after hours check-in?

Monday to Friday between 9am - 5pm.

Do you offer after hours check-in?

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

What is the process for arranging an after hours check-in?

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.

What is the property complaint process?

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.

Further Resident Information

The Resident Handbook is designed to help you to get to know the building and familiarise yourself with your rights and responsibilities as a resident. We hope that this Handbook will prove useful to you in answering any questions you have and assisting you with the most common concerns you may have.