As a participant on an Arcadia program, you are guaranteed housing. Our priority is to provide a safe, clean, cost-effective and convenient place for you to live, while offering you every opportunity to explore the local culture and community.

  • While housing options vary, all student residences in New Zealand feature self-catered, apartment-style living with single bedrooms and shared kitchens, living and bathroom facilities.
  • Your program fee does not include meals or meal plans but you’ll be within easy reach of food stores and amenities. Please check out our fees and budget estimates for additional expenses.
  • Where possible we will place you with local students. Except in very rare circumstances, we are not able to accommodate any roommate requests in New Zealand.
  • It is very common to live in mixed-gender housing in New Zealand. Your room will be single-gender, though shared common spaces, including bathrooms, can be mixed-gender. If you would prefer single-gender housing, please note this on your Housing Form and be sure to speak with your Program Advisor to find out what is available on your program.
  • Some flats choose to save costs and create a tighter sense of community and cultural sharing by taking turns to cook and eating communally some days of the week. Other flats choose to cook independently.
  • New Zealand is an environmentally friendly country and air-conditioning & central heating are not standard in a typical residence, though all flats will have heating.
  • If your housing venue does not provide bed linens, you will be shown where to buy them after you arrive.
  • Internet access will vary according to your specific program accommodation, though all flats and bedrooms have internet access.
  • You will have your accommodation throughout your term/semester, including breaks during the term/semester. For those students coming for two semesters, please check with your Program Advisor as there may be extra housing costs, especially for those coming for a full year July - June.
  • Every room is different, and while Arcadia ensures that all rooms satisfy general standards, there is no way to guarantee uniformity of apartment and room sizes, distance from your university, furnishings or facilities.
  • We will do our best to honor your housing preferences, however we cannot guarantee any specific housing assignments.
  • Since housing considerations can vary, we have to reserve our right to change accommodation options at any time.

Independent Living

We encourage you to take advantage of the accommodation provided by Arcadia or by your New Zealand institution. If you wish to decline these options and make your own arrangements, you must submit a written request. Your Program Advisor can talk you through your options.

Special needs

If you have any special needs regarding your accommodation – dietary, medical, physical – please let us know when applying. Any information received will be treated as confidential and only shared with individuals involved in your housing placement.

Housing Deadlines:

  • Semester 1 (US Spring): November 20
  • Semester 2 (US Fall): April 15

Read more

  • Specific program housing details are outlined on each program page.
  • Arcadia University Housing Policy is detailed in our Student Handbook.

Student Apartments and Flats

Student apartments or flats – whether on- or off-campus – afford a high degree of independence. You will prepare your own meals and should be prepared for a 5-15 minute walk to campus.