Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most commonly asked questions by International Students:
- What sort of things do you recommend I should bring with me?
- What is the flat like?
- What else should I know?
- What is the price range for flats?
- What is the term of the tenancy?
- How do I pay?
- Is there a Bond?
- Are there any other charges?
- Are the flats in complexes or are they houses with their own grounds?
- What furnishings are supplied?
- Do we get to choose our international students?
- Do I have a Kiwihost?
- How do I hire a bedding package?
- Do I have my own bedroom?
- Is there a close off date for applications?
What sort of things do you recommend I should bring with me?
The Dunedin climate can be very cold, warm clothing is essential, a sleeping bag for your first few nights in Dunedin, a book/brochure on your country to show New Zealanders. Please note the flats are not centrally heated.
What is the flat like?
Lounge, dining/kitchen and bathroom are shared with the other students in your flat. They are furnished and have a basic kitchen set-up ie pots, dinnerware, cutlery etc . All bedrooms have a double bed, mattres, drawers, desk and chair. Bedrooms are allocated to one student only, there are no shared rooms. Couples and families are allocated their own flats.
What else should I know?
- The flats do not have central heating.
- You will be expected to take your turn to cook and do housework.
- If you have any problems, you should talk to the Manager of University Flats.
- You are required to pay for the full term of your lease irrespective of how many nights you actually stay. There will be no exceptions.
- Whilst the majority of flats have a "kiwihost", some flats will house only international students.
- Electricity/Telephone (Utilities) costs are additional to rent and are shared between flatmates.
What is the price range for flats?
- NZ$3,000.00 per semester for shared flats (own bedroom) for 2010.
- NZ$3,565.00 - NZ$4,320.00 per semester for 1 bedroom self contained for 2010.
- NZ$3,000.00 - NZ$3,240.00 per semester per room for 2 bedroom self contained for 2010.
- Please note that the rent is charged per week and not by calendar months.
What is the term of the tenancy?
- Semester 1 2010, 7 January - 24 June 2010 (24 weeks)
- Semester 2 2010, 3 July - 18 December 2010 (24 weeks)
- These are fixed term tenancies regardless of your arrival and departure dates and the rent is charged for the full term.
How do I pay?
EFTPOS, cheque or cash after you arrive or wire transfer (you can request details from the University Flats Office). Rent is required to be paid two weeks in advance.
Is there a Bond?
Yes - a $200.00 bond is payable once you have arrived.
Are there any other charges?
Yes - a one off $20.00 charge to ensure electricity is connected to your flat prior to your arrival.
Yes - a one off NZ$85.00 (single semesters) or NZ$120.00 (full year) to cover your wireless internet access in your flat.
Are the flats in complexes or are they houses with their own grounds?
There are a number of complexes (varying from 5 to 9 units) with the remaining properties generally houses, some with their own grounds.
What furnishings are supplied?
Flats are fully furnished - Common areas: lounge seating, table and chairs, oven (cooker), microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dryer, basic kitchen set up ie cutlery, dinnerware, toaster, kettle. Bedroom: double bed, mattress, set of drawers, desk and chair.
Do we get to choose our other international flatmates/kiwi hosts?
No - University Flats staff match students based on your completed accommodation application. So the accurate completion of this, especially the additional information page, is very important. Specify big "likes"and big "dislikes". The more information that you give us, will help match you to compatible flatmates.
Do I have a Kiwihost?
Not all flats have a Kiwihost. If there is a Kiwihost living in the flat you have been allocated their name and email adddress will be in your "offer of accommodation ". All flats have a Community Support Person allocated to the area in which you will be living.
How do I hire a bedding package?
The bedding pacakges are hired on a first come first served basis. They cannot be pre-ordered. You will need to come to the University Flats office at 105 St David Street to collect a bedding package and sign a hire agreement. At the end of semester you will need to return the bedding package to the University Flats office. As our office is open Monday - Friday from 8.30 am - 5.00pm only, we strongly recommend that you bring a sleeping bag with you for your first and final nights. The one off hire cost is NZ$100.00. Please note that there is a limited supply of bedding packages available.
Do I have my own bedroom?
Bedrooms are allocated to one student only, there are no shared rooms. For your safety all bedrooms can be locked with our secure unique key system, your main door key will also open your bedroom door only.
Is there a close off date for applications?
As such there is no close off date, however it is strongly recommended that you complete an accommodation application as soon as possible in order to be considered in the first round of placements.
For Semester One 2010 all applications received before 1 December 2009 will be processed in the first round of placements.
Applications received after this date will be processed in the date order they are received until all available accommodation has been allocated.
