Halls of Residence

You will find information about the Halls, including the application process, rental fees and the online application form.

Halls Available

The Halls of Residence are available to full-time students attending Victoria University and Wellington College of Education.

Which Hall is for the particular student?

Halls of Residence are for full-time Victoria University and Wellington College of Education students who plan to stay for the full academic year unless specific arrangements are made. Priority is given to students whose homes are outside the Wellington-Hutt Valley area. Please view/download the chart below if you are unsure whether the Halls of Residence is suitable for you.
 

How are Residents Chosen?

Halls select residents from large numbers of applications. They look for a balance of backgrounds, interests, experiences and academic ability. For school leavers the school's confidential reference is most important. Please ensure that the university will receive this form from your school by 1 October 2004. The Accommodation Service processes the application forms but has no part in the selection process.

When will the student know if Accepted?

First offers to students will be made in October. Further offers will be made as places become available. If you are not offered a place in your first choice of Hall, your application will automatically be forwarded to your second choice.

About Payment

When you are offered a place in a Hall of Residence you must pay a deposit as part of your acceptance. All Halls apart from University Hall and Everton Hall require you to pay your accommodation in quarterly instalments.

Living in a Community

At Victoria University we have Halls of Residence which provide support for study, facilities for leisure, and opportunities for making new friends. You will be part of a community of students made up of men, women, New Zealanders and international students. Living in a Hall gives you a unique opportunity to enhance your life experience, and you are an integral part of the university.

Rules are kept to a minimum and are based on consideration and respect for others. They will be outlined in the information sent with the offer of a place in a Hall. Make sure you read them carefully before accepting the offer.

Halls Head Start Programme

All first-year residents in Helen Lowry Hall, Unicomm, Victoria House, VicCentral, Southern Cross, Stafford House and Weir House will be expected to arrive in time to attend the Halls Head Start Programme. This takes place in conjunction with the general Victoria University first-year academic orientation starting 14 February 2005. A series of activities will give new residents the opportunity to get to know each other, the campus and the city as well as have a good time!

Halls of Residence Application Form

There are 3 sections to your online application form:

• Personal Details
• Alternative Contact
• Education Details
• Declaration

Halls of Residence are for full-time Victoria University and Wellington College of Education students. Priority is given to students whose homes are outside the Wellington-Hutt Valley area.

Few Frequently Asked Questions of Students:-

Do I have to apply for accommodation before I know if I have been accepted into my course of study?

Yes - make sure your application for accommodation arrives by 1 October 2004 to be considered in the first selection round. Applications recieved after this date will be placed on a waiting list until a suitable place becomes available.

I have accepted a place in a Hall and I've changed my mind; can I get my deposit back?

You only get the deposit back (less the administration fee) if you withdraw before 1 January or if you don't get accepted into your course of study.

What are my obligations?

Most Halls of Residence only accept students for the full academic year (February-November). If you are enrolling for one trimester only, arrangements can be made for you to stay for half a year. Once you accept a place in a Hall you are expected to stay for the whole of the agreed period. Read the information booklet which is sent out with all offers very carefully before accepting a place.

I'm not a school leaver, but a mature person coming to University for the first time. Where do I fit in?

All self-catering Halls welcome applications from mature students. A furnished room in a private home may also be a suitable option. The Accommodation Service is very happy to discuss your needs with you, so contact us for more information.

What happens if I don't like living in a Hall when I get there?

Living with a large number of people may be a very different lifestyle. In Halls for first year students, lots of activities are arranged for the first few weeks to ensure everyone gets to meet each other. The majority of residents make new friends and settle very quickly.

Moving away from home is a time of major adjustment and you may need to talk through any difficulties with a sympathetic listener such as a Residential Assistant, a friend or Counselling Services. It usually takes at least six weeks to adjust to major moves like this, so give yourself at least this amount of time before you make any other decisions. There are usually ways of resolving problems with accommodation provided you find ways of talking them through.

Note: When you accept your offer at a Hall you are signing a contract that is legally binding.

I'm a student with children. Can I stay in a Hall?

University Hall has very limited family accommodation. If we are not able to offer you a place immediately, you will be placed on the waitlist. Please contact the Accommodation Service for more information.

How will I know if I can afford to stay in a Hall of Residence?

Most Halls require you to pay your accommodation in quarterly instalments. You will need to have saved between $2,000 and $3,000 before you arrive to pay for your first instalment. Please refer to our section on Budgeting for a Hall.

I need a special diet - can catered Halls provide food for me?

All catered Halls provide vegetarian meals and will do their best to provide for other special diets. You may consider cooking for yourself.