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Accommodation


Accommodation Options for International Students

Christchurch North College accepts the following accommodation arrangements for international students, in line with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021:

  1. Parent or Legal Guardian – Students may live with a parent or legal guardian who is residing in New Zealand.
  2. School-Approved Accommodation – Students may live with a Christchurch North College-approved homestay family. Homestay families are carefully selected and approved by the school and must meet the requirements of the Code of Practice.
  3. Temporary Accommodation – Students may stay in temporary accommodation with an approved supervisor, either short-term or long-term, in group arrangements.
  4. Designated Caregiver – Students may stay with a designated caregiver approved by the school.

All accommodation arrangements are managed in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Practice. The school maintains regular contact with the student and their accommodation provider to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

Please note: All accommodation arrangements must be approved by the school prior to the student’s arrival or commencement of study. Christchurch North College enrols international learners aged 10–19 years.

CNC - Accommodation Policy  

Homestay Accommodation – Christchurch North College

Host families provide a safe physical and emotional environment for students.

Students will be provided with quality homestay accommodation during their stay in New Zealand, and their accommodation will be closely monitored by Christchurch North College staff. The school’s Homestay Coordinator is responsible for placing students in suitable accommodation within the local area and endeavours to meet the needs of both the student and the homestay family.

If a student does not require homestay accommodation, they must live with a parent or a designated caregiver approved by Christchurch North College. Police vetting will be carried out for all household members over the age of 18 in accordance with school policy.

Christchurch North College homestay accommodation will:

  • Provide a safe physical and emotional environment that is conducive to study.
  • Provide a warm, comfortable, furnished single room with appropriate study facilities.
  • Provide three meals per day.
  • Provide laundry facilities or services.
  • Treat the student as a member of the family.
  • Set reasonable house rules for guidance and mutual respect.
  • Encourage participation in family activities and events (e.g. household chores, sports, and family outings) and support the development of English language skills.
  • Maintain regular contact with the Homestay Coordinator to ensure the student’s wellbeing and satisfaction.

Please Note: Students are required to provide their own personal toiletries (e.g. toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, etc.).

A Home Away From Home

At Christchurch North College, we want every international student to feel safe, welcome, and part of the family. Our homestay accommodation provides a comfortable, supportive home environment where students can enjoy family life, develop their English, and feel cared for throughout their journey in New Zealand.

Transition to Life in New Zealand

Moving to a new country can feel exciting but also challenging. It is normal for international students to experience feelings such as homesickness, culture shock, or uncertainty while they are settling into life in Christchurch.

Christchurch North College provides ongoing pastoral care and support to help students adjust. Students are encouraged to talk to staff at any time if they are feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or need support. Support is available through classroom teachers, deans, and senior leadership, and students will also have regular check-ins to ensure they are settling well.

The International Student Orientation Programme introduces students to school life in New Zealand, expectations for learning and behaviour, and practical strategies for adjusting to a new culture. This includes support with communication, making friends, understanding routines, and building confidence in a new environment.

Where needed, the school will also work with students and families to connect them with additional wellbeing or community support services.

Families Settling in Christchurch

We understand that moving to Christchurch can feel overwhelming. Below are some helpful starting points for families arranging accommodation and transport.

Finding Accommodation

Christchurch offers a range of rental homes and apartments across the city. Popular northern suburbs near the school include Papanui, Redwood, Casebrook, and Northcote. Private rental accommodation in Christchurch (e.g. Burnside or Papanui) typically ranges from $550–$700 per week for a standard home, with larger or newer properties costing more.

You can search for rental properties here:

Trade Me Property 

Realestate.co.nz 

If you are planning to buy a home, we recommend working with a licensed real estate agent and a New Zealand lawyer or conveyancer.

Property listings for purchase:

Trade Me Property 

Realestate.co.nz 

Transport

Christchurch is easy to navigate and offers several transport options:

Metro Bus Services 

New Zealand Transport Agency (licensing information) 

Many families choose to drive, cycle, or use public transport depending on where they live.

Living Costs in New Zealand

When planning to study in New Zealand, it is important for students and their families to understand the general cost of living. These costs can vary depending on lifestyle and individual needs, but the following provides a helpful guide for prospective international students.

Estimated Weekly Living Costs

  • Homestay accommodation: $300–$350 per week (includes meals and utilities)
  • Food (if not included in homestay): $80–$120 per week
  • Public transport (bus fares): $15–$40 per week
  • Personal expenses (e.g. toiletries, entertainment): $50–$100 per week
  • Mobile phone and data: $20–$40 per month

Accommodation – Homestay

Christchurch North College offers homestay accommodation for international students, providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming home environment.

Homestay includes:

  • A private or shared bedroom
  • Meals (typically breakfast and dinner, with lunch provided or arranged)
  • Access to household facilities
  • A supportive family environment to help students settle into New Zealand life

Cost:

  • Homestay fees are approximately $350-$400 per week.

Important Information

All costs provided are estimates and may vary. We recommend families budget for additional personal expenses to ensure students are comfortable and able to fully participate in school life.

ADDITIONAL COSTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (APPROXIMATE)

In addition to tuition and accommodation, students and their families should be aware of potential additional costs associated with studying in New Zealand. These may vary depending on individual needs and choices.

Students and their families may be responsible for the following approximate costs:

  • Uniform: $300–$400
  • Stationery: Provided by the school
  • Dental/Health Visits: Approximately $100 per visit (costs may vary)
  • School Camps/Trips: Approximately $100 per camp
  • Sports Participation: Approximately $50–$150, depending on the activity
  • Public Transport (e.g. bus fares): Approximately $15–$40 per week, depending on travel needs

Other possible costs to consider:

  • Personal Spending Money: $50–$100 per week (recommended)
  • Mobile Phone and Data: $20–$40 per month
  • Travel and Insurance: Varies depending on provider. International students are required to have approved medical and travel insurance.
  • Uniform Replacement or Additional Items: As needed

PLEASE NOTE

Tuition fees do not include:

  • School uniform
  • Specialised music tuition and associated costs
  • Costs associated with any extracurricular activities, such as sport, camps, trips, and after-school activities
  • Entry into academic competitions
  • Any specialist teaching required other than English as an additional language
  • New Zealand school dental and health services

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Costs are approximate and may change. We recommend that families budget for additional personal expenses to ensure students are comfortable and able to participate fully in school life.

HELPFUL EXTERNAL LINKS