Top 5 student cities in New Zealand

If you’re thinking about studying abroad and are looking for a different destination, the top 5 student cities in New Zealand may be a good option. All of them stand out for their excellent educational standards, relaxed lifestyle and connection with nature. In addition, this country has become an increasingly popular choice for international students thanks to its prestigious universities, multicultural environment and the opportunity to enjoy unique outdoor experiences.

 

In this article, we tell you which are the most recommended cities for students in New Zealand and what each one has to offer. In each case, you’ll find practical information about the pros and cons of studying there, the most prominent universities, and what student accommodation is like, so you can compare options and choose the destination that best suits your budget and lifestyle. In addition, from our online platform, you’ll be able to search for and book student accommodation easily and securely before you travel.

 

Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's largest and most cosmopolitan city, and one of the top destinations for international students. It’s located on the country's North Island. It offers a very active urban life, a multicultural environment and quick access to beaches, parks and outdoor activities. All this makes it a very attractive option for those who want to enjoy both aspects of life in the country.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Auckland

The academic experience in Auckland has many advantages, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.

 

Pros of studying in Auckland

• It’s a city with great cultural diversity, where everyone feels welcome.
• It offers a wide range of academic programmes at prestigious universities internationally.
• It has a variety of options for leisure, entertainment, and nightlife.
• There are plenty of job and internship opportunities.

 

Cons of studying in Auckland

• Its cost of living is usually the highest in New Zealand.
• The demand for accommodation is high, as many local and foreign students are welcomed. This also makes the price of accommodation high.
• Distances in the city can be long, which leads to spending quite a lot on transport.

 

Top Universities in Auckland

Auckland is home to several prestigious institutions.

 

University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is the most prestigious university in the country, internationally recognised for the quality of its teaching. It also offers the most diverse range of programmes in the country.

The largest campus is the City Campus, located in Auckland CBD, and there are three other campuses in the city. Find useful information about areas and accommodation in the guide to accommodation near the University of Auckland.

 

Student housing in Auckland

Rent for students in Auckland is among the highest in New Zealand, so we recommend starting your search and making a reservation as soon as possible. For your reference, the cost of a single room in a shared flat is typically NZ$1,200 on average.

 

Are you looking for accommodation in this beautiful city? Read our guide to student accommodation in Auckland, with the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.

 

Wellington

The capital of New Zealand, located in the southern part of the country's North Island, is a creative and artistic city. Its cultural offerings are very diverse, with events, festivals and museums that give it a unique atmosphere. It’s smaller than Auckland, but that makes it easy to get from one place to another and enjoy everything it has to offer.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Wellington

Studying in Wellington can be very rewarding, although you’ll also encounter some more challenging aspects.

 

Pros of studying in Wellington

• It stands out for its artistic and cultural scene, with festivals, museums and an active artistic life.
• It’s a compact city where you can reach almost everywhere on foot in about 20 minutes.
• Great student atmosphere and excellent academic reputation.
• Good transport links to other parts of the country.

 

Cons of studying in Wellington

• It’s famous for being very windy (it’s nicknamed "Windy Wellington") and for its unpredictable weather.
• Being smaller, job opportunities are scarcer than in Auckland.
• The nightlife isn’t that varied.

 

Top Universities in Wellington

Some of the country's most prominent institutions are located in the capital.

 

Victoria University of Wellington

This is one of the most renowned universities in the country, particularly excelling in the fields of social sciences, law and humanities. It has three campuses in Wellington: one in the Kelburn neighbourhood, one in Pipitea and one in Te Aro.

In this guide, we tell you more about their locations and how to find housing close to Victoria University of Wellington.

 

Student housing in Wellington

The cost of rent in Wellington is generally more affordable than in Auckland, although it remains high in central areas. Students typically choose rooms in shared flats, which usually cost between NZ$650-900 per month.

 

If you’d like to see all the options available, check out our guide to student accommodation in Wellington.

 

Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island. Its atmosphere is more relaxed than that of Auckland and Wellington, making it ideal for students looking for a peaceful environment with a high academic standard and a more moderate cost of living. It also offers excellent access to the country's incredible natural areas.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Christchurch

Christchurch stands out for its benefits for students, but it also has some weaknesses.

 

Pros of studying in Christchurch

• It’s usually more affordable than Auckland and Wellington.
• It has a relaxed student atmosphere and a good quality of life.
• It offers easy access to natural landscapes, mountains, and outdoor activities.
• The options for dining and leisure are growing.

 

Cons of studying in Christchurch

• Less cultural and nightlife options compared to Auckland or Wellington.
• Fewer university options than in other large cities.
• Job opportunities are scarcer than in large cities.

 

Top Universities in Christchurch

Among the universities in Christchurch, one stands out in particular.

 

University of Canterbury

The University of Canterbury is the second oldest university in New Zealand and a prestigious institution recognised worldwide. It has a modern and spacious campus located in the suburban area of Ilam.

 

Student housing in Christchurch

Generally, student accommodation in Christchurch is more affordable than in the cities mentioned above. However, it always depends on the area you are looking in and the features it has. For example, the price of a room in a shared flat is usually between NZ$550-800 per month.

 

Hamilton

Hamilton’s a medium-sized city on the North Island that has a peaceful student atmosphere and a good quality of life. It’s an interesting option for those looking to study in New Zealand in a more relaxed environment with a more affordable cost of living than in the big cities. Despite its size and being less well known, it welcomes around 40,000 international students every year!

 

Pros and cons of studying in Hamilton

Being a student in Hamilton has many favourable aspects, but there are also factors that may be less appealing.

 

Pros of studying in Hamilton

• Lower cost of living and rent than in larger cities.
• Very good university life, with many services designed for students.
• Good location for exploring the North Island.
• It has beautiful green spaces, such as Hamilton Gardens.

 

Cons of studying in Hamilton

• A very quiet town in terms of nightlife.
• The cultural and leisure activities on offer are not very varied.
• It doesn’t have easy access to beaches or ski resorts.

 

Top Universities in Hamilton

Hamilton is home to a major New Zealand university.

 

University of Waikato

The University of Waikato is a highly reputable university in business, education and social sciences, known for its friendly atmosphere and for providing students with a great experience.

 

Student housing in Hamilton

Rent for students in Hamilton is among the most affordable of the country's major university towns. A room in a shared flat typically costs approximately NZ$500–750 per month, making it a very good option for students on a tight budget.

 

Dunedin

Dunedin is one of New Zealand's most traditional university towns and has an identity strongly marked by student life. Located on the South Island, it’s a compact city with a rich history and incredible architecture. In fact, it’s often referred to as "the Edinburgh of New Zealand". It also has a youthful atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a classic university experience in a more accessible setting.

 

Pros and cons of studying in Dunedin

Living and studying in Dunedin offers many benefits, although there are also certain negative aspects to consider during your stay.

 

Pros of studying in Dunedin

• Much of the city is geared towards students, so it has a strong university atmosphere.
• The student community is very active and close-knit.
• Daily expenses and rent are lower than in larger cities.
• The University of Otago is highly regarded worldwide.

 

Cons of studying in Dunedin

• The climate is colder than in other areas in the north of the country.
• Being a small town, there are few employment and leisure options.
• It’s more difficult to reach other parts of the country in order to travel around.

 

Top Universities in Dunedin

There is one institution that stands out in this New Zealand city.

 

University of Otago

The University of Otago is the oldest university in New Zealand. It’s known for its campus with iconic buildings, its lively student life and its excellent reputation in areas such as health, science and humanities. It has five campuses, the main and best known of which is in Dunedin North.

 

Student housing in Dunedin

Dunedin has the most affordable student rental prices of any major city in New Zealand. Single rooms in shared flats typically cost between NZ$450-700 per month, making it a very attractive option for those on a tight budget.

 

Find accommodation in New Zealand with Erasmus Play

Choosing among the top five student cities in New Zealand largely depends on your budget, lifestyle, and the type of academic experience you are seeking. Large cities such as Auckland or Wellington stand out for their university offerings and job opportunities, while options such as Christchurch, Hamilton, or Dunedin are more accessible and have a very distinct student life.

 

Regardless of the city you choose, having the right accommodation is key to starting your experience with peace of mind. Through our online student accommodation platform, you can compare verified rooms, flats and residences, and book securely before you travel, ensuring a much simpler arrival in New Zealand.

Other guides on studying and living in New Zealand

Here are some guidelines that may further assist you in your selection:

• Studying in New Zealand
• Accommodation near Auckland University of Technology
• Flatshare in Auckland