Halls of Residence

A step by step guide to applying for the halls

Step ONE: Getting references

You need to get references from five staff at school. At least three of those staff members should be teachers from this year. The references are a very important part of your application so get them done as soon a possible. To request a reference click the 'University References' button on your student dashboard.

The video to the right explains how to nominate your teachers

Top Tip: Ask your teachers first, they are more likely to be nice to you

University reference requests.mp4

Step TWO: Request a CCRF

CCRF stands for Common Confidential Reference Form. It is very straightforward. All you need to do is register. The form will be sent to the Future Pathways Team and they will fill your CCRF out for you. You should do this as soon as possible. You get to nominate the universities that will be able to see your form so tick any university that there is a possibility that you will attend. Follow this link to do your CCRF

NOTE: AUT does not require a CCRF, all of the others do

Step THREE: Apply for your place in the halls

Each university has a slightly different process but all of them require you to create an account with the university. More details about that below. A few dates to take note of:

1 September: You should aim to have your application and CCRF by this date

15 September: Universities start to review halls applications. You are at a disadvantage if you have not applied at this point.

1 October: This is the closing date for halls applications. You are highly unlikely to get a place if you aren't done now.

See the information about each university below for more details.

Auckland: Important Information About Halls for 2024

Auckland receives about twice the number of applications for the halls than they have places available.

Applications are open for the halls between 1 August and 30 September.

Offers will be made in early October. You MUST reply before the 21st of October to guarantee your place.

Auckland University says that academic achievement is one of the most important things for hall entrance.

There are guaranteed entrance criteria that you can find via this link

If you do not get offered a place, you will be put on a waitlist.

Self-catered hall options can be seen here.

Catered hall options can be seen here.

AUT: Important Information About Halls for 2024

AUT halls applications and information can be found here. Unlike other universities AUT halls don't open on the 1st or August and don't close on the 1st of October. They open later and stay open longer.

There are accommodation options at the City Campus and the North Campus. Students who study at the South Campus often stay in the city and use the bus. All of them are studio apartments shared by 4-6 bedrooms. All halls are self catered.

AUT charges a $150 application fee to apply for the halls.

Waikato: Halls information

Halls at Waikato generally don’t fill up. Application timelines are the same as most of the other universities. You apply by creating a My Waikato account.

Waikato halls are generally cheaper than other universities.

Hamilton: Three halls of residence in Hamilton. All three offer catered and self catered options, you choose. In ‘Student Village’ you live in pods of 6 rather than on more traditional floors.

Tauranga: The Selwyn Street Studios are brand new. Each one has its own ensuite. All accommodation is self catered.

Halls Information for ALL Universities

Every university chooses students for the halls based on the following things:

Common Confidential Reference Forms (CCRF) forms. These forms are completed by five teachers who you nominate to be your reference and include questions about your academic ability, your attitude to study, your ability to adjust to university life, and the extracurricular activities that you have been involved in. These are a very important part of your application process and give your teachers the opportunity to make open and honest comments. Sometimes very honest.
Your academic achievement: based on your Level 2 results. This can be essential at the very popular halls.
Your ability to contribute positively. When you make your application explain what positive contribution you will make to the life of the halls.
Your involvement in sporting, cultural, and community activities. This can be an important indicator of your ability to be successful in the halls.

FAQ's

Q: Does getting my application in early make getting a place more likely?

A: No. All applications that are received by the 15th of September will be considered equal.

Q: Do I have time to look at the halls to make a decision on the university open day if it is in late August/September?

A: Yes. If you want to have a look before you decide fill out your application profile and doe everything else apart from selecting your hall then submit your application as soon as you have decided

Q: Will I get into my first choice hall?

A: Not necessarily. Some halls are very competitive to get into. That means that if you get offered a place in a hall you should accept it, even if it not the one that you really, really wanted.

Q: What does the waitlist mean?

A: Any hall that is completely full may put you on a waitlist. This means that if a bed does come up you might be offered it. It is pretty common for some people on the waitlist to get the call up because many students apply for multiple universities and pull out. There is usually a second round of offers before the end of October.

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