Student Accommodation Auckland

Built over a volcanic field of 53 dormant volcanoes, Auckland is the largest and most populous city in New Zealand. It is considered the world's largest Polynesian city and holds a very diverse population, with over 40% of residents born overseas. Every year, several thousand students come to Auckland to pursue higher education at the city's top higher education institutions.

More than 300,000 students are currently pursuing their higher education in Auckland, with thousands coming in every year. One of the main problems that these students face is finding the right student accommodation Auckland. Although the city has a plethora of options with rents ranging from NZD 210 to NZD 1400 per month! Well, if you are looking for student properties in Auckland, you are at the right place. We at University Living have a decade-plus experience helping students find their perfect home away from home. Students can choose from the several hundred properties that we have in our kit!

When it comes to student housing in Auckland, there are plenty of options for students to choose from. Student accommodation in New Zealand is divided into 2 broad categories: Student Housing and Private Apartments. Out of these, accommodation is further divided into 4 parts to provide a range of options for students to choose from. Student Housing is one of the most preferred types of stays in the city and are explained briefly below:

Student Housing:

Popularly known as PBSAs, these properties are made specifically for students. The best part about PBSAs is that these properties already come with all the furnishings and amenities you might need as a student in the city. Also, the rent for these properties includes utility bills, such as electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi. In order to cater to a diverse range of students, PBSAs are further divided into 4 types, namely:

• Shared Apartments: These are some of the most affordable types of student accommodation in Auckland. In these properties, students get to have an entire room that is shared among 2/3 other students, along with a shared bathroom, living room, and kitchen.

• En-Suite Accommodation: This is the most preferred type of student accommodation in Auckland, wherein students get to have an entire room to themselves, along with a attached bathroom and a shared living room and kitchen.

• Non En-Suite Accommodation: These accommodations are very similar to an En-Suite accommodation, apart from one major difference. A Non En-Suite accommodation does not come with a bathroom and is to be shared among other occupants of the property.

• Studio Apartments: These types of properties are the most comfortable and private that a student can get in a city. In these properties, students get to have an entire room to themselves, along with a bathroom and a kitchen. These properties do not come with a living room.

Private Apartments

Private Apartments are another type of property that is available for students to lease. These properties are leased as independent units that sometimes come with all important furnishings. In these properties, students get to have an entire home to themselves, which comes with 2/3 rooms along with a bathroom, a living room and a kitchen. Students must note that the rent for these properties does not include any utility bills like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi bills.

Auckland, known as the "City of Sails," is New Zealand's largest and most cosmopolitan metropolis, famously built upon a volcanic field of over 50 dormant cones. Situated on a narrow isthmus between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, it is one of the few cities in the world to border two separate major bodies of water. Originally established as the colonial capital in 1840 by Governor William Hobson, it served in this role until 1865. Today, it is a global hub of Polynesian culture, boasting the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world and a vibrant skyline punctuated by the 328-metre Sky Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere.

As the country’s primary economic and educational powerhouse, Auckland is home to over 1.7 million people, roughly one-third of New Zealand's total population. The city's youthful energy is driven by a massive student community, with the University of Auckland alone enrolling more than 46,000 students, including nearly 10,000 from overseas. Combined with the Auckland University of Technology (AUT), which hosts another 29,000 learners, the city supports a diverse academic population of over 75,000 tertiary students. This demographic contributes to the city's reputation as a "UNESCO City of Music" and a leader in high-tech industry and research, balancing its rugged natural beauty with a fast-paced, multicultural urban lifestyle.

Auckland is one of the best and oldest cities in New Zealand, which is known for its vibrant neighbourhoods and peaceful vibe. Although students can stay in any neighbourhood they deem fit. However, there are several areas that already have an established student community. Staying in such locations ensures that students can reach out to their peers easily in case of any issues or problems while staying in the city. Some of the top areas for students to live in Auckland include:

Auckland CBD (City Centre)

One of the best neighbourhoods for student accommodation in Auckland is the Central Business District (CBD), which is located right in the center of the city! The University of Auckland is a short 5-minute walk from the neighbourhood and therefore, is one of the primary choices for students in the city! The Auckland CBD is the most convenient and vibrant area option in the city and is a noisy, happening neighbourhood. Students gain 24/7 access to almost everything! This neighbourhood also houses one of the best rooftop bars in the city, Dr. Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co, which is famous for its in-house brews, free ten-pin bowling, and sunset city views! It is one of the best student hangout spots for students in the city! The CBD is also home to Auckland’s most iconic landmark, the Sky Tower, which offers great panoramic views of the city, along with the Skyjump thrill experience! It also houses the Silo Park Night Markets, which are Harbourside night markets with live music, food stalls, and a great sunset atmosphere. Literally the best place to be in the city! The average rent for student properties in Auckland ranges between NZD 1000 and NZD 1400/wk!

Grafton

Located at the fringe of the CBD, another one of the top neighboruhoods for student properties in Auckland is Grafton. This is a quieter and more residential area than the CBD, and thus, is a popular neighbourhood among students of the city! Grafton is located a short 15-minute walk from the University of Auckland and is home to the Auckland City Hospital, which gives the neighbourhood a more medical precinct feel. Grafton is home to the city’s oldest and largest park, the Auckland Domain, and is the perfect spot for picnics, study breaks, jogging, or simple recreation! It also houses the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which is an iconic neoclassical building with Māori and Pacific exhibits. Grafton is famous for housing some of the top restaurants and cafes in the city. If you are ever craving good Malay cuisine, the Empire Malaysia Cuisine is your best place to be! It is extremely popular among students for lunch and dinner! For some upscale French Cuisines, Le Garde Manger can be your top choice for a romantic date night or just a simple group party! The average rent for student properties in Grafton ranges between NZD 800 and NZD 1100/wk!

Northcote (North Shore)

One of the best neighbourhoods for student apartments in Auckland for the students of the Auckland University of Technology is Northcote, which is also popularly known as North Shore! The AUT campus is a short 5-minute walk from the university, and offers a more suburban, quieter atmosphere compared to the CBD, with lower rents and a stronger sense of local community. Northcote is not a nightlife hub, but it has all the essential amenities like supermarkets, a pharmacy, and takeaway shops, and provides great transport connectivity throughout the city! One of the best places to shop, which is frequented by almost every student in the neigbourhood is the Northcote Countdown, which is the main supermarket hub for students. This is the best place for some weekly grocery shopping in the city! Established back in 1879, Northcote Tavern is a historic local pub, which has a relaxed atmosphere, a beer garden, and affordable pub meals. This is truly a neighbourhood landmark for students in Northcote! The average rent for student properties in the neighbourhood ranges between NZD 500 and NZD 800/wk!

Mount Eden

One of the most affordable and sought-after neighbourhoods for student rooms in Auckland is Mount Eden. This area is just a short 15-minute bus ride from the University of Auckland, and is known for its charming village centre along Mount Eden Road, lined with independent cafes, bookshops, vintage stores, and restaurants. The iconic volcanic cone at the top of Mount Eden provides spectacular 360-degree views of Auckland! Students visit the volcanic top for sunrise/sunset views, exercise, and picnics. It is also famous for housing the Circus Circus Cafe, a legendary circus themed cafe which is famous for its breakfast, brunch, and excellent coffee. Always busy with students and locals. It is frequented by students and locals alike! Who doesn’t like authentic British fish and chips, and therefore, Mount Eden Village Fish Shop is the best place in Auckland where you can have Classic British fish and chips! The best part about Mount Eden is that it houses the Dominion Road, which is also known as Auckland’s Eatery Mile and has dozens of restaurants selling authentic and affordable Chinese, Korean, Malaysian, and Indian cuisines. The average rent for student properties in Mount Eden ranges between NZD 250 and NZD 550 per week!

The cost of living is a major concern for international students in any city, and therefore, it's important to make a note of it before deciding on the university and city! Since Auckland is a major city, the cost of living is quite high. One of the major expenses for students in the city is for student housing, followed by transportation and food costs. If students make a proper budget and follow it properly, they can expect to spend a month in the city in well under NZD 1,600! The table below highlights some of the major expenses that students might undertake whilst their stay in the city:

PS: Students must note that these figures are tentative and are subject to change based on their actual consumption and expenses. If you wish to have a better estimate of the cost of living in Auckland, you can use University Living’s exclusive cost-of-living calculator!

When it comes to student accommodation in Auckland, there are several properties for students to choose from. However, not every property is the best. Some charge astonishingly high rent, while some do not even offer basic amenities. It is important for students to check a few major things while looking for student properties in Auckland. The most important factor is the proximity to your university, along with other important places in the city. Another thing that must be kept in mind is the availability of bus stops and train stations nearby so that the daily commute is not an issue. The rent for student accommodations in Auckland ranges between NZD 210 and NZD 1400/wk!

Here is a list of some of the top properties for students in Auckland:

• Nesuto Newhaven Apartments

• Nesuto St Martins Apartments

• Belong Auckand

• 196 Hobson Street

• 85 Beach Road

• Mayoral Drive

• Unilodge Auckland Central

• Unilodge Auckland City

• Student Living Auckland

• 17 Vogel Lane

Looking for top student apartments in Auckland? Speak to our accommodation experts now and get excusive discounts!

Even when it comes to affordable student homes in Auckland, the city does not let you down. There is a plethora of affordable options for student accommodation in the city. These options are best suited for students who wish to live in a modest accommodation at affordable costs. The best part about these properties is that, despite being affordable, there is no cost-cutting in major facilities provided to students. The rent for these affordable student properties starts at just NZD 210/wk!

Here are the top 5 affordable options for student apartments in Auckland.

• Unilodge Wellesley Apartments

• 421 Quess Street

• 142 Vincent Street

• Haka House Auckland City

• 11 Union Street

• Empire Apartments

• Luan Mount

• Luan Albert

Book the most affordable student properties in Auckland, only at University Living!

Auckland is home to more than 1,800,000 residents and over 300,000 students. Now, in order to make the daily commute easier for these students, the city of Auckland has developed an extensive network of public transit systems that help these people commute from one place to another. The best way for students to commute to their university is the bus and train services in Auckland, and these have been explained briefly below:

Buses

One of the most convenient and affordable mode of public transit in Auckland are the bus services, which connect almost every suburb of the city to the CBD! Buses are the best mode of transit because Auckland has specific dedicated Bus Lanes, which further help students to reach their university on time, even in times of traffic. These services cover the entire Auckland Metropolitan Area and offer last-mile connectivity throughout the city! The Northern Express (NX1, NX2) provide rapid service from the North Shore to the city center. Some of the top bus routes that cater to the University of Auckland and nearby areas include 70, 75, 322, 505, 532, 595, 625, 881, and 966.

Trains

One of the fastest ways to reach the city center from the suburbs of Auckland are the train services. These Train lines run from Britomart (central city station) to southern and western lines run from Britomart (central city station) to southern and western suburbs. Regular train services run to Glen Innes station, which is within walking distance of the University of Auckland's Tamaki Campus.

AT HOP Card

Students in Auckland generally tend to use the Auckland Transport (AT) HOP card, which is the primary smartcard used for paying fares on buses, trains, and ferries across the region. This card significantly reduces the transportation costs of students. To enroll for a card, a student must be enrolled on a full-time course at an eligible institution!

Auckland is one of the largest and most populous cities in New Zealand and is home to some of the top tourist destinations in the country! The city is home to several museums, art galleries, volcanic mountains and whatnot! If you are a tourist in the city or even a student pursuing higher education, you simply can’t miss out on the following tourist destinations in the city!

Sky Tower

Located in the Central Business District, Sky Tower is based in the SkyCity complex and is the most iconic landmark in the city and is also the tallest freestanding structure in the southern hemisphere at a height of 328 meters. Built in 1997, this tower offers spectacular views of the city, the Waitemata Harbour and beyond! The sunset and sunrise views cannot be missed! For those who love adventure sports, the SkyJump is a controlled base-jump from a height of 192 meters. This is indeed one of the best spots in the city!

Maungawhau / Mount Eden

Standing at a height of 196 meters, Mount Eden is Auckland's tallest volcanic cone, and attracts at least a million tourists every year! From the top of the volcano, you can enjoy amazing views in all directions of the city, including the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, the Coromandel Peninsula to the east, and the Waitakere Ranges to the west. Vehicles are not allowed on the summit road out of respect for its importance to the Maori community, which makes the walk uphill quite a powerful experience!

Auckland War Memorial Museum

One of the best museums in the country is the Auckland War Memorial Museum. This is not just a normal history museum; it is also located within the beautiful Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park! The building is made in a neoclassical style, and the building in itself is worth viewing! The museum is renowned for its outstanding collection of Māori and Pacific treasures (taonga), as well as natural history, volcanic field exhibits, and immersive exhibitions about New Zealand's involvement in global conflicts.