Are you moving to Wellington to study this year? Whether you’ve enrolled in Political Science at Victoria University or are studying design at Massey, New Zealand’s capital offers many high-quality institutions for study.
Moving to Wellington is exciting, and the city’s cute compactness (its CBD is just 1km squared) opens up a wide variety of places to live.
From the student-dense suburbs like Mt Cook or Kelburn to city-fringe suburbs like Mt Victoria, Brooklyn and Te Aro, this guide is designed to help you navigate the rental market in Wellington as a student in Te Whanganui-A-Tara. Discover the types of student accommodation, the best neighbourhoods, the cost of student accommodation and where to find it.
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In Wellington, student accommodation is split between halls of residence, which are dotted around the CBD, university residential apartments, and student flats located in the city fringe.
Here are the main types of student accommodation you'll find in the city:
If you’re a first-year student at Victoria University, the most popular option is to stay in a hall of residence. These halls act like a stepping stone between home and living completely independently.
You’ll get a private room, access to a shared bathroom on your floor and usually eat meals in a shared dining room. All your meals and bills will be taken care of by the Hall. Otago University (Wellington) students can often apply for VU halls.
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If you’re a student at Massey, you’ll most likely stay in the university’s self-catered hall: The Cube.
It’s worth noting that the Kāinga Rua Hall is currently closed.
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If you’re looking for student accommodation that’s not tied to any one university but still eases you into living in Wellington, UniLodge can be a good option.
While there are lots of options for where to stay in Wellington, most second or third year students will choose suburbs that are close to bus routes or their place of study.
Find out more about student life in Wellington in our guide to New Zealand's univeristy towns.
If you live in the Wellington CBD, it’s most likely in an apartment with one or two others. New apartments have been cropping up everywhere in the past five years.
They’re perfect for those who want to walk to the Pipitea campus or the Te Herenga Waka (Victoria) architecture school. Pricing per room starts at around NZ$260 – NZ$320 for a shared apartment, or NZ$400+ for a modern studio.
Mt Cook is the primary hub for Massey University students and those attending Victoria’s Kelburn campus who don’t mind a bit of a hill climb. It’s a classic flatting suburb filled with character villas and some newer townhouses.
Because it sits right between the city and Newtown, you’re never far from a supermarket or a decent coffee.
Kelburn is the heart of Victoria University. If you’re lucky enough to find a flat here, you can literally roll out of bed and be in a lecture in 5 minutes. The suburb is famously hilly and can get quite windy, but the views over the harbour are unbeatable.
Expect to live in large, older wooden houses that have been converted into multi-room flats. It’s a very safe, academic-feeling neighbourhood. You’ll also have the Botanic Gardens and the iconic Cable Car right on your doorstep.
Aro Valley is the alternative soul of Wellington. Nestled in a steep valley right below the Kelburn campus, it’s a favourite for VUW students who want a short (but vertical) walk to class. It’s famous for its quirky heritage cottages, the beloved Aro Park, and a very strong community vibe.
But there are downsides… It’s often damp and doesn't get much sun in winter, but the proximity to the city and the legendary local bakery makes up for it.
Newtown is Wellington’s most diverse and vibrant suburb. While it’s a bit further from the Kelburn campus, it’s very close to Massey and the Hospital. It’s a hub of culture, incredible food, and op-shops.
The bus connections (the number 1 and 2 routes) are excellent, running every few minutes into the city. It’s a great choice for students who want a neighborhood feel that isn't just a university enclave.
Perched on the hills above the city, Brooklyn is ideal for students who want a bit more bang for their buck while staying within walking distance of the Kelburn campus. It’s famous for the Penthouse Cinema and the giant wind turbine.
The walk down the hill into town is easy, though the walk back up will definitely keep you fit. It’s generally quieter and a bit leafier than Mt Cook or the CBD, offering a nice escape from the campus buzz.
Mt Vic is arguably Wellington’s most beautiful suburb, famous for its rows of colourful Victorian villas and incredible sun. It’s one of the more expensive areas and more popular with older students or post-grads who are okay with paying a bit more.
Room prices often hit NZ$280 – NZ$350, but you’re a 2-minute walk from the nightlife of Courtenay Place and the waterfront at Oriental Bay.
If you’re a Law or Commerce student at the Pipitea campus, this is a great place to live. Thorndon is one of NZ’s oldest suburbs, full of historic charm and quiet, leafy streets.
You’re close to Victoria University Law School, the Beehive, embassies, and the botanical gardens, but it’s a bit pricier and therefore popular with older students.
While Wellington can be viewed as an expensive city, it does really depend on where and how you live.
Mt Cook, Kelburn, Newtown and Aro Valley are the most affordable options, followed by Te Aro, Mt Vic, and Pipitea. You’ll also pay more for university halls than for a room in a private flat.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for student accommodation in Wellington in 2026:
| Type of student accommodation | Expected weekly price |
| University halls (catered) | NZ$400 – NZ$578 |
| University residences (self-catered) | NZ$220 – NZ$409 |
| Private Residences (UniLodge) | NZ$310 – NZ$400 |
| Off-campus flatting (Room in a shared house) | NZ$200 – NZ$340 |
Check out our complete guide to student moving in New Zealand.
No matter where in Wellington you choose to live, the city’s size makes it easy to enjoy everything that the city has to offer, from the botanical gardens to Oriental Bay and the quirky stores on Cuba Street.
Once you’ve decided on a suburb, you can start looking for a hall or flat via university portals, Facebook groups, or TradeMe listings.
If you want to stay in an official hall, you can apply through the University’s accommodation portal. You must be studying at an associated or approved university to live in some Halls.
UniLodge Wellington: Open to students from any institution, you can apply via the UniLodge website.
Whether you’re looking for a room to rent or looking to rent a whole house with friends, you can apply for rooms and residences online via:
Whether you’re moving to Te Aro or Brooklyn, Kelburn or Newtown, professional student movers can make it easier to navigate Wellington’s steep and narrow streets. That’s where Wise Move comes in!
Booking an affordable student mover in Wellington becomes easy. You can compare prices from different Wellington moving services, read authentic reviews from other students, and book a team that fits your budget and your schedule.
Wise Move is New Zealand’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
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