Student Accommodation Wellington

Wellington sits on a dramatic harbour surrounded by rugged hills, and while it is smaller than Auckland, it is New Zealand's capital and its cultural and political heart. Known for its creative energy, craft coffee scene, and world-class film industry, Wellington attracts a diverse and youthful population. Every year, thousands of students come to Wellington to study at top institutions like Victoria University of Wellington and Massey University.

Over 22,000 students are currently pursuing higher education in Wellington, with more arriving each year. One of the biggest challenges these students face is finding the right student apartments in Wellington. Although the city has many options, with rents ranging from NZD 800 to NZD 2000 per month depending on location and type, the search can still be overwhelming. Well, if you are looking for student rooms in Wellington, you are at the right place. We at University Living have over a decade of experience helping students find their perfect home away from home. Students can choose from several hundred properties available in our portfolio!

When it comes to student accommodation in Wellington, there are plenty of options for students to choose from. Student apartments in Wellington are 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 rooms in Wellington. 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 Wellington, wherein students get to have an entire room to themselves, along with an attached bathroom and a shared living room and kitchen.

• Non En-Suite Accommodation: These accommodations are very similar to 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 for 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.

Wellington, New Zealand, is the country's cool, creative, and compact capital city, nestled between a stunning harbor and rolling green hills. Nicknamed the "Windy City" for its strong, gusty breezes, Wellington has a vibrant, laid-back feel with a thriving arts scene, craft coffee culture, and colorful wooden houses stacked along steep hillsides. Unlike larger, faster-paced cities, Wellington is very walkable, with a charming waterfront, a famous cable car that takes you up to the Botanic Garden, and the national museum, Te Papa, which is free and world-class. The cost of living is moderate, though housing can be expensive, but the city offers a high quality of life with nature and city living right next to each other.

Wellington is also the political heart of New Zealand, home to the iconic Beehive (Parliament building), and a growing film industry, and houses director Sir Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop, which created effects for The Lord of the Rings, which is based here. Beyond the city, locals enjoy coastal walks, mountain biking, kayaking, and taking the ferry across the Cook Strait to the beautiful South Island. Wellington's motto could be: artsy, windy, and wonderfully walkable.

Wellington is the capital and one of the best 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 Wellington include:

Te Aro

One of the best neighbourhoods for student accommodation in Wellington is Te Aro, and it is located a short 5-minute walk from the Victoria University of Wellington! This neighbourhood is the undisputed center of student life in Wellington and is a highly walkable area which is home to the Cuba Street precinct, a lovely street which is packed with eclectic cafes, vintage shops, live music venues, and budget-friendly eateries. The street is pedestrian-friendly and comes alive day and night. Students love this neighbourhood for its vibe and convenience. Literally everything from a cinema to kebab shops to pubs, everything is available at a stone’s throw away! The neighbourhood also houses one of the best cafes in the city, Fidel’s cafe, and is a legendary spot that has been serving students for decades! It is known for its strong coffee, all-day breakfast, and cute punky decor. If you want to go on a classy date with someone special, Logan Brown is the best spot for you and is a fine dining restaurant which is built in a former bank building on Cuba Street itself. It is famous for its degustation menus and royal interior! One of the best places to quench your liquor thirst, Meow is an iconic live music venue and bar on Edward Street, and hosts everything from local indie bands to international acts. This bar is extremely popular with students for affordable gigs, dance parties, and a relaxed, artsy atmosphere. This neighbourhood is one of the best ones for students in the city and the average rental costs for PBSAs in the neighbourhood ranges between NZD 1500 and NZD 2000 per month!

Kelburn

Another one of the top neighbourhoods for student rooms in Wellington is Kelburn. This area is the best suited for the students of the Victoria University of Wellington, as the university is based in the neighbourhood and is just a short 2-minute walk away. The neighbourhood is characterized by steep, winding streets, older wooden villas converted into flats, and stunning panoramic views of Wellington Harbour. The world-famous Wellington Cable Car, also passes through this neighbourhood and is a historic funicular railway running from Lambton Quay up to the Kelburn campus. Students use it daily for commuting, and the journey offers spectacular harbour views. The Cable Car Museum at the top is free to visit. Kelburn is quieter and more residential than Te Aro and is the best suite for students who want academics at their doorstep and a peaceful study environment. One of the best places to live in Kelburn is the Te Puni Village, which is a purpose-built student apartments in Wellington complex on the Kelburn campus with stunning views of the harbour. It houses students in a three-building complex and offers athlete-friendly living options. The village is also a social hub for Kelburn residents, and is absolutely loved by people! One of the best places to shop in the neighbourhood is the Kelburn Village Shops, which is a small cluster of shops on Upland Road, including a dairy, a bakery, and a few cafes. This is the most convenient spot for grabbing a coffee, milk, or a quick bite without trekking down the hill. The average rent for student properties in Kelburn ranges between NZD 1400 and NZD 1800!

Pipitea

The top neighbourhood for the students of Victoria University of Wellington Pipitea campus – Law & Business in Pipitea, and is located at the northern edge of Wellington’s city center. This neighbourhood is the legal and political heart of the city, and is home to the New Zealand Parliament and the historic Thorndon residential precinct. The neighbourhood has a more professional, refined atmosphere compared to the gritty energy of Te Aro, but there are still plenty of student-friendly cafes and pubs. One of the best places to be in the city is the Beehive, which is an iconic circular building that houses New Zealand’s parliament, and some other government complexes. Students take free guided tours to learn about the country’s political system and history! The neighbourhood also houses one of the most majestic cathedrals in the city, the Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is a stunning Gothic Revival wooden cathedral located in Pipitea. It is a historic landmark and a popular venue for concerts, weddings, and events, and students love the positive atmosphere around the cathedral. The neighbourhood is also home to one of the oldest pubs in Wellington, The Thistle Inn, which was established in 1840, and is a cosy, historic spot for a pint after class. This spot is popular among law students for its proximity to the Pipitea campus and its classic pub atmosphere. The average rent for student rooms in Wellington ranges between NZD 1200 and NZD 1500 per month!

Mount Cook

Located just a short 15-minute walk from the university’s main campus, one of the most affordable neighbourhoods for student accommodation in Wellington is Mount Cook and it is the perfect area for students who wish to have a more residential, community-oriented vibe. Located towards the south of Te Aro, this area is much hillier and greener than the city centre, offering more space for less rent. This neighbourhood also has great transport connectivity throughout the city and therefore, is preferred by students a lot! One of the best places to visit in the neighbourhood is the Mount Cook Barracks, which is a historic military barracks site on Buckle Street, which is now home to the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. The carillon (bell tower) is an iconic Wellington landmark visible from across the city, and is one of the most visited places in the city! Mount Cook is also home to the famous Brooklyn Village, which is a charming, self-contained village centre on Brooklyn Road with a supermarket, bakery, cafes, a library, and a pub. Students living in Brooklyn often do all their daily errands here without going into the city, and this is the best part of the neighbourhood. Mount Cook is also home to the Wellington Zoo, which is just the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon. Although the zoo is not free for entry, students get discounted tickets on certain days, and hence, is frequented by students and locals alike. The average rent for PBSAs in the neighbourhood ranges between NZD 800 and NZD 1300 per month!

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 Wellington is a major city, the cost of living is quite high. One of the major expenses for students in the city is for student apartments in Wellington, 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 1,500! 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 Wellington, you can use University Living’s exclusive cost-of-living calculator!

When it comes to student rooms in Wellington, 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 out a few major things while looking for student apartments in Wellington. The most important factor is 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 accommodation in Wellington ranges between NZD 195 and NZD 510/wk!

• 135 Taranki Street

• Capital Accommodation

• Unilodge Stafford House

• St. George

• Haka House Wellington

• 18 Earp Street

• Capital House

Looking for student rooms in Wellington? Speak to our accommodation experts and secure the best pricing for your favourite apartment in Wellington!

With a population exceeding 500,000 people, Wellington also hosts more than 80,000 students. To simplify the everyday travel needs of this large student community, the city has established a comprehensive public transportation network that facilitates movement across different areas. For students travelling to and from their universities, the most effective options are the bus and train services, which are outlined briefly in the following section.

Bus Services

The bus services in Wellington are the most widely used mode of public transit in the city and cover the entire Wellington metropolitan area. The services run on over 100 routes, and 450 buses cater to the transportation needs of students. These services run 24/7 and cover most of the important areas in the city like Kelburn, Mount Cook, Brooklyn, and Newtown, as well as Miramar. Some of the most important bus routes for students in Wellington are Route 2, 3, 4, 20, 21, and 23. These services are used by millions of people every day and provide last-mile connectivity throughout the city!

Train Services

Wellington has an extensive train system which consists of 5 main lines that connect the city to the wider metropolitan region, including the Hutt Valley, Porirua, and the Kapiti Coast. The Wellington Railway Station is the most important railway station in the city and caters to thousands of passengers every day! The 5 railway lines are Johnsonville Line, Kapiti Line, Hutt Valley Line, Melling Line, and Wairarapa Line. Students can also take advantage of the Monthly rail passes, which provide quite a lot of discounts to students in the city!

Wellington is indeed one of the best cities in New Zealand, and it also contains some of the country's leading tourist attractions. The city boasts numerous museums, art galleries, volcanic peaks, and much more. Whether you are visiting as a tourist or studying here for higher education, you should not overlook the following attractions that the city has to offer.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa)

Located on the Wellington waterfront, Te Papa is the national museum of New Zealand, and is the largest museum in the southern hemisphere, and is the top tourist attraction in the country. The name Te Papa Tongarewa literally means "container of treasures" in Maori and is known for world-famous exhibits like Gallipoli, Te Taiao, Treaty of Waitangi Exhibit, Toi Art, the Earthquake Simulator, and the Colossal Squid! The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is free for all residents and citizens of New Zealand! For international visitors, the museum charges a NZD 35 ticket, which is valid for 48 hours!

Wellington Cable Car

Located between Lambton Quay and the suburb of Kelburn, this cable car has been in continuous operation for 120 years and was opened for public usage in 1902. The ride is over 600 meters long, and it takes approximately 5 minutes to complete the entire stretch! It is widely recognized as a top visitor attraction in Wellington! Each ride carries up to 100 passengers, and travels at a speed of 18 kmph! Some of the top stations include Lambton Quay Terminal, Clifton Station, Talavera Station, and the Kelburn Terminal. The annual ridership of the service is over 1 million passengers and is widely used by the residents and locals in the city!

Weta Workshop (Wētā Workshop Experiences)

The Weta Workshop is the world-famous special effects and prop company behind movies like The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, King Kong, and District 9. This is located in Miramar and is a short 5-minute walk from the Wellington airport. Students can enjoy a 45-minute guided tour through the creative heart of the workshop, wherein they can view the workspace through large viewing windows, observing artists creating props, weapons, armour, and creatures for upcoming films. This place seems nothing short of science fiction and is indeed one of the best places to visit in the city!

A key reason Wellington hosts such a large number of international students is that it is home to several of the world's finest universities. These institutions rank among the best globally and lead the way in educational research and training within the city, making them extremely popular with students. A brief overview of some of Wellington's top universities is provided below:

Victoria University of Wellington (VUW)

Founded in 1897, the Victoria University of Wellington is one of the largest and most prestigious research universities in New Zealand! The university ranks in the top 2% of universities worldwide! The university is known for its research intensity and is a QS 5-Star+ rated university! The university is home to over 22,000 students and has three campuses, Kelburn, Pipitea, Te Aro! Some of the top courses chosen by students in the university include Law, Artificial Intelligence, Linguistics & English Literature, and Business! The university has also produced several notable alumni including Sir Ashley Bloomfield, Eleanor Catton, and Winston Peters.

Massey University (Wellington Campus)

One of the best universities in Wellington is Massey University, which is known for its multi-model campus. The Wellington campus is the creative and arts hub of the university and is known for its research-led teaching and practical, industry-focused training! This campus is the only university in New Zealand to offer degrees in aviation, dispute resolution, veterinary medicine, and nanoscience. Some of the top courses chosen by students in the university include Creative Arts, Business Studies, and Communications and Journalism! Some of the top alumni produced by the university include Ross McEwan, Rico Gear, and Jo Aleh.

Whitireia and WelTec (Wellington Institute of Technology)

Whitireia and WelTec are two of New Zealand's oldest and most respected institutes of technology and polytechnics. The two universities have come together to build a strong partnership to deliver practical and vocational education, and are the primary providers of trades and applied professional training in the Wellington region. Some of the top courses chosen by students include Trades & Construction, Information Technology, Nursing Programmes, and Hospitality & Cookery. The institute has also produced several notable alumni, including Tolu Falaniko, Laila Wyllie & Toni Wade, and Dalvir Singh!