High cost of student halls worth it for international students

“I miss Russian food, but I do enjoy experimenting and learning about new foods from around the world.” Student Leonid Rozanov cooking in his apartment. / Supplied. 

Originally from Moscow, Russia, Leonid Rozanov, 24, is one of thousands of students who come to Aotearoa New Zealand annually facing homesickness, as well as cultural and language barriers. 

It was in May last year, just after midnight, when Rozanov landed in New Zealand. “I flew to Christchurch on a rainy day, and yet I enjoyed the tired feeling of happiness to finally be there and that everything was going to be alright… I could, finally fully unpack and begin a new page of my life.” 

A Journalism student at UC, Rozanov lives in a Hīnau apartment provided by the University, sharing it with three other international students from the United States, Switzerland, and Iran. “Cultural differences are noticeable, but we are communicating well,” said Rozanov. 

Along with cultural and language differences, most international students struggle with significant fees to study here. According to the UC website, the Bachelor of Communication costs $6,847 NZD per year for a domestic student, compared to $32,075 for an international one. 

With a weekly rent of $258 and a visa that does not allow him to work, Rozanov prepaid for his apartment using the money from selling his car back home. 

Luyoona Maumoon, a 21-year-old Speech and Language Pathology student at UC from the Maldives, is also staying in halls and cannot work in New Zealand. 

“I pay $265 weekly using my savings. Grocery shopping is quite hard if you are trying to be budget-friendly,” Maumoon said. However, she found a good way to manage her budget. 

“We’ve saved so much by planting our own herbs than buying them every other week from the supermarket.” 

Student Luyoona Maumoon carrying her herb pot in her UC flat. / Supplied. 

Despite being more expensive than renting a house when split with other tenants, student accommodation still appeals to Maumoon and Rozanov. 

“I like the location of the accommodation. It’s a 10-minute walk to campus, so it’s very convenient,” Maumoon explained. 

“UniLodge provides access to printers and laundry rooms, and is close to UC, so the price is justified in my eyes. As for experiences, I had mostly positive ones with finding new friends and trying new things,” said Rozanov. 

That hasn’t been the experience for 35-year-old Ezilene da Silva from Brazil, living in Waihōpai Invercargill at the Southern Institute of Technology apartments. Studying Business/Accounting, she has been living in student accommodation for three weeks — enough time to spot some coexistence issues. 

“My flatmate, from Sri Lanka, and I have significant cultural differences, from hygiene habits to loud noise issues, making the experience unpleasant,” da Silva lamented. 

Moving into a student apartment was the easiest option for her as she was unfamiliar with the city. Da Silva finds the price reasonable, although other affordable alternatives may be available. 

According to NZ Government Tenancy Services, the average price to rent a three-bedroom flat in Invercargill is $350 weekly, while renting a flat at SIT Apartments can be from $127 to $371. Prices include “Wi-Fi, power, and parking,” International Student Support Officer Fernanda Vieira explained. 

In Ōtautahi Christchurch, while the average price for renting a three-bedroom flat is $450, students at UC can pay from $180-360 per week. 

Student Ezilene da Silva at SIT in Invercargill. / Supplied. 

For those miles away from their homeland, finding a suitable place to live is essential, shaping their overall New Zealand experience.  

For some, student halls are a great first introduction as they navigate a new culture and language.  

“My flatmates and I all study majors in the same field, so it’s very helpful for any assignments or any help that I need in general,” said Maumoon.  

But for others, the extra cost is harder to justify. 

"To be placed on living with someone you've never seen before in your life and who comes from a totally different culture is a huge shock... but that was still the easiest option for me at the moment I needed," said da Silva.