Student-friendly rents, an outdoorsy lifestyle, and just enough city buzz, Christchurch hits a sweet spot that’s hard to beat when you’re figuring out where to live while studying.
If you’re moving to Christchurch to study, you might not spot the thriving student scene at first glance – but trust us, it’s there.
Safe, walkable, and bike-friendly, the suburbs around the University of Canterbury (UC) will be your go-to. From student-heavy areas like Ilam and Avonhead to newly revitalised pockets like Addington, this guide will help you find the right fit for your lifestyle and your budget.
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Find out more about the thriving student life Christchurch has to offer in our complete guide to university cities in New Zealand.
Student accommodation is split between halls of residence, university residential apartments, or student flats.
If you’re a first-year student at the University of Canterbury (UC), the most popular option is to stay in a hall of residence. These halls act as a supportive stepping stone between home and independent living.
While you’ll have your own private room, most halls are fully catered, meaning your meals and utility bills are included.
Key halls for the University of Canterbury include:
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For those heading to Lincoln University, living on campus during your first year is a great way to immerse yourself into the community.
Key halls for Lincoln University include:
If you are studying at Ara Institute of Canterbury, Ōtautahi House (O-House) is the primary self-catered option, located right on the doorstep of the City campus.
It’s a modern, secure complex designed for students who want a social flatting environment with the safety net of on-site support.
Key halls for Ara Institute of Canterbury include:
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Both the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University provide self-catered facilities for students who have moved past the traditional halls of residence experience.
If you’re doing your Master's or PhD, they’re the ideal mix of communal living while giving you that independence you need.
Christchurch is geographically quite a sprawling city. There are a few suburbs close to Canterbury University, the CBD, or major bus routes that make walking, busing, or cycling to class a breeze.
Ilam is the ultimate student suburb for those attending UC. If you live here, you’ll likely be a 5–10 minute walk from campus. The suburb is mainly made up of 3–4 bedroom flats in that classic timber weatherboard style with large backyards. Being so close to campus, you’ll find a high concentration of student houses in the area, although Ilam is also home to some young professionals, families, and retirees.
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North Riccarton is home to Westfield Riccarton, affordable restaurants, shops, and bars. It’s slightly more urban than Ilam and puts you closer to the nightlife, shopping, and bus routes on Riccarton Road. It’s also a great location if you fancy cycling to class.
Tip: North Riccarton is also a great option for Lincoln University students, as the bus from Westfield takes you directly to Lincoln in about 40 minutes.
A bit further west, Upper Riccarton (often called Church Corner) is a favourite for students who want a slightly quieter vibe while remaining convenient to class.
You’ll find Asian supermarkets and diverse restaurants in the area too. It’s a very easy bike ride to UC, and the rent is often a touch more affordable than Ilam.
Addington is an up-and-coming neighbourhood that has gone through a rebirth following the Christchurch earthquake. It has a gritty, industrial vibe that mixes community hubs with cool hangouts.
If you’re a bit older, or just want to be in a suburb with more to offer, it’s a great choice. It’s perfectly positioned for Ara students and is a popular choice for UC post-grads who want to be closer to the central city.
Living in the CBD has changed completely in the last few years. The once sleepy centre is now full of sleek, high-density apartment complexes and townhouses. This is the #1 choice for Ara students. It’s perfect for those who want a city lifestyle with the Riverside Market and the Terrace bars right on hand, too.
Tip: It’s worth noting that UC students tend to opt for suburbs in the West (Ilam, Riccarton, Addington) over the CBD so that they’re closer to the UC campus.
To the west of Ilam, Avonhead is a leafy, professional suburb that’s more popular with final-year and postgraduate students. It’s much quieter than Riccarton and Ilam, offering a retreat from student party houses.
It's a great suburb for more ‘adult flatting’ while still offering a quick 10-minute cycle to campus.
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This is a great fringe suburb for students who want cheaper rent than the CBD or want a non-student flat. St Albans offers a nice mix of heritage cottages and new townhouses. It has a great community feel with local shops and is an easy commute for Ara students or those working part-time in the city. It’s also close to Hagley Park.
If you’re a student at Lincoln University, you probably want to be as close to class and the Lincoln campus as possible. While many students opt to live in Christchurch city, flatting in Lincoln Village itself means you can walk or bike to lectures, the library, and the Famous Grouse Hotel (the local student pub).
In Christchurch, the cost of living is generally more affordable than in other student cities. Christchurch pricing is largely driven by proximity to the University of Canterbury (UC) in Ilam or the central city for Ara students.
Here’s what you can expect to pay based on the type of student accommodation you opt for in the city:
| Type of student accommodation | Expected weekly price |
| University halls (catered) | NZ$490 – NZ$610 |
| University residences (self-catered) | NZ$230 – NZ$360 |
| Ara Ōtautahi house | NZ$272 |
| Private residences (UniLodge or managed) | NZ$280 – NZ$380 |
| Off-campus flatting (room in shared house) | NZ$190 – NZ$280 |
Find out more about the logistics of student moving in our ultimate guide.
If you’re looking for a true student experience in Christchurch, you may want to prioritise living in suburbs close to UC, Lincoln University, or Ara over the course of your study.
Once you’ve decided on where you want to live, finding accommodation is relatively straightforward.
To live in a university hall, you generally need to be a first-year student and be studying at the specific university that runs that hall.
The easiest way to look for a room to rent with other students at UC or LU is to search online.
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