University Hall
Frequently Asked Questions

The accommodation guide 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.

There are 2 bus stops just outside the Uni Hall entrances.

There are heaps of events on site and these are posted on our Facebook page  It is also a short stroll to Bush Inn Shopping Centre and Riccarton where there are plenty of bars, eateries and shopping malls.

15 Minutes’ bike or bus ride, 5-6 km walk or $20-25 cab ride.

No, all rooms are single.

No - beds are provided.

There are 561 rooms in total.

No - sorry.

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

No, but we do practice quiet hours. (Sunday-Wednesday from 10pm, Thursday-Saturday from 12am and extended 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. We also have Evening Duty Managers who work in the evening. There are also RA’s at Uni Hall and Duty Managers who will pick up emergency calls. Support is always available 24/7 and throughout holidays.

Yes, talk to your insurance provider for recommendations.

Uni Hall has two Sky TV lounges available and there are TV’s in smaller common rooms around the campus.

Yes, you may have one guest per week stay for a maximum of two nights. Guests must:

• Be signed in at reception
• Be 18 years or older
• Stay with you at all times while on site
• Please note: Guests are not allowed during Orientation Week and will not be able to eat in the dining hall.

We also request that parents do not stay on site to support independence, unless there is a medical reason. Guests are your responsibility during their stay.

Are there restrictions on visiting hours?
Yes, visitors not staying overnight must leave the premises by 10:00pm.

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

There are individual radiators in all rooms.

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

We have a great housekeeping team who clean all common spaces regularly. It’s up to each resident to keep their room clean and we provide vacuum cleaners.  We do undertake room inspections twice each year.

Yes! There are a number of cafes on-campus and a row of eateries just a short walk from Uni Hall.

Uni Hall is fully catered and if you’re late home you can organise a late dinner. We also offer packed lunches so you can take your lunch with you if you won’t be back during the day. We cater for many dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten free etc), just let our team know so we can make sure we have the right food available to you. If you have a severe or life-threatening allergy, give our catering team a call prior to making your application.

What are the upfront costs when I move in?

• $350.00 administration fee
• $350.00 residential life fee
• $400.00 bond
• 5 weeks’ advanced payment (as set out in your contract)

What payment methods are available?
You can pay by bank transfer or direct debit. Payments can be made in full for the year, per semester, or fortnightly.

Do I need to pay a bond or deposit?
Yes, a $400.00 bond is required.

Credit card, bank transfer, EFTPOS, bank cheque, cheque.  Payments can be made quarterly or per semester.

There are a limited number of parks on-site.  These can be purchased when making your application for accommodation.

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

Apply online through the UC website.   This website also provides information on what you can do if your application is unsuccessful.

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

You apply for either Ritz or Retro when you make your application. You can make a request for a particular room, and/or the people you live next to, and the building you’d prefer once your application has been approved. We will do our best to meet your requirements.

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

Yes, covered bike storage is available.

There is a laundry room on-site, free of charge, with both washing machines and dryers available.

Power, WiFi (for UC students), furniture (bed, desk, chair, wardrobe) and food.

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.

Yes, you can decorate your room. Please do not use pins on the walls — use Blu Tack instead. Each room also has pinboards provided.

We implement designated quiet hours during exam periods to support focused study.

You may bring TVs, gaming consoles, hair styling appliances, and Nespresso machines.

• Do not bring fridges (unless required for medical purposes).
• Do not bring cooking appliances unless you live in a flat.
  All appliances must be tagged and tested before use.

It is possible to change rooms in the second term. We encourage residents to spend the first term settling in before requesting a move.

We have study rooms and common rooms equipped with Sky TV.

Yes, free Wi-Fi is included for all University of Canterbury students.

Mail and parcels can be collected from reception between 10:00am and 4:00pm daily.

Our staff are available 24/7 to provide support whenever you need it.

Yes! We run Orientation Week events when you first arrive and host a variety of social, sporting, and cultural events throughout the year.

Is parking available?
Yes, there are limited car parks available. Residents will be notified when they are available for purchase.

Is there secure bike storage?
Yes, there are three fully secure bike sheds on-site, as well as bike storage rooms in the East Flats for flat residents.

What is the move-out process?
You must be checked out by 10:00am on the final date of your contract.

Can I stay on for summer school or short-term accommodation?
University Hall does not provide summer stays, but Ilam Apartments does, and we can assist you when that time comes.

What happens if I need to leave my contract early?
You can end your contract early, but this will incur an early termination fee as set out in your contract.