Advice for applicants

Check out our tips for applying for a hall of residence, so you have the best chance of getting into one of your preferred halls.

We select students to create a diverse hall community by considering gender balance, cultural diversity, degree type, and geographical representation.

If your application is successful, we do take your requests into account when we make our decisions about the hall and room you are offered, so it’s worth spending time on your application.

Get started early

Each year we generally receive more hall applications than the number of beds available.

To increase your chances of getting a place in a hall, start your application early. The earlier you submit your application, the more time we have to sort out any issues and the faster it can be processed.

Special requirements

If you have special requirements such as medical, cultural, religious, dietary, or a disability, note them on your application. This helps us make sure you have selected the best hall for your needs.

Contact us if you have questions.

Choosing halls

Select three halls that you would be happy to receive an offer from. You should research each hall and consider things like size and location to find the best ones that suits your needs.

Larger halls suit those who like meeting new people each day while smaller halls are better for students who are more comfortable when they know everyone in their community. If you plan to find a part-time job while you study, it might be easier for you to live in a hall in the CBD.

All halls offer alcohol-free floors, and for students in second year and above, there are halls for students who want to live in a tikanga Māori or Pasifika environment. There are also halls that have communities for athletes.

Visit a hall and see if it feels right for you.

Students who are not 17 by 1 August in the year they apply will be considered under our hall special admission process and will be placed in a particular hall that caters to our youngest residents. Contact us for more information.

Writing a good personal profile

Your profile is an important part of the selection process. It gives us some idea of who you are and what you would bring to the hall community.

Try to write at least three sentences for each question wherever possible.

Before you start, think about:

  • how you will describe yourself
  • occasions where you've got involved and helped others
  • what you hope your study will lead to
  • what you like to do in your free time.

School leavers

You'll need the following information to fill out the form:

  • an emergency contact person's details
  • your Year 12 results
  • details of any other significant qualifications or awards you hold
  • details of positions of responsibility or leadership you have held
  • your proposed course of study.