Accommodation options for international students

Single, couple or family with kids – SIT has accommodation options to suit everyone

Whatever your budget or preferred living environment, Invercargill has a range of accommodation options to choose from. You can live with a Kiwi family in a homestay, stay at one of SIT’s accommodation options or flat in a private home. And you don’t need to worry about the first two weeks: your accommodation is on us!

Benefits of choosing SIT

Two weeks free accommodation

We pay for your first two weeks accommodation when SIT International students stay at SIT Apartments or at a homestay.

Accommodation workshops

During orientation we run an accommodation workshop which tells you about all your options including renting, boarding, joining an established flat, homestays, and SIT Apartments. It gives you the opportunity to ask us all your questions in a casual environment.

Low living costs

Choose Southland and you will benefit from our low cost of living. According to New Zealand Government data (Department of Building and Housing), you can save at least $60 a week ($3,224 a year) on the cost of one room compared with Auckland. If you choose a two bedroom apartment, you will save $291 a week. That leaves more money in your pocket for other things like entertainment!

Comparing your options

SIT Apartments
Homestays
SIT Flats
Capacity
12 older-style motel units and 62 brand new units (231 beds altogether)
5 host families (capacity of 8 people)
5 houses (capacity of up to 22 people)
Location
Yarrow and Spey Streets, 5-10 minute walk to campus
Varies, usually 30 to 40 minute walk to campus
Tay Street, 2 minute walk to campus, 2 Flat, F Block, Ythan St, Spey Street, 5 minute walk to campus
Accommodation
Rooms with shared facilities.
Rooms with shared facilities
Rooms with shared facilities
Food
Self-catered; kitchen facilities provided
Meals catered
Self-catered; kitchen facilities provided
Cost
Sharing student: $147/week
Single Room: $232/week
Couple: $270/week
Couple with child: $290/week
Family Unit: $390/week
Single: $353/week
Sharing: $147/week pp

SIT Invercargill Apartments

The SIT Apartments are an apartment complex specifically for international students. You will live in a two bedroom apartment with attached living area, kitchen and bathroom. To receive the two-weeks free you will be booked into a sharing bedroom with another student. Units are spacious and self contained; kitchen utensils are provided. There is a shared laundry onsite. Located in central Invercargill city, you will only be a 5-10 minute walk from SIT's campuses.

Homestays

SIT administers a network of approved homestay hosts, local Kiwi families who host international students. Homestays are the perfect way to introduce yourself to New Zealand; not only will you improve your English, you will also learn about Kiwi culture and become an important part of a local family. You will have your own room and access to shared family facilities. Meals are provided. Typical homestay houses are 3 or 4 bedroom single level houses with private access and gardens, located in suburban areas of the city.

SIT Queenstown Apartments

Located in close proximity to SIT Queenstown campus in Frankton, the SIT Queenstown Apartments are just 5 minutes drive from the Queenstown Airport. Consisting of 9 units, these modern, state of the art units all have three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, shared living, kitchen and dining areas. Each unit also has their own laundry area with a washing machine and dryer. The units are made up 3 Double furnished rooms each.

Room Type Estimated Cost per week
Sharing students $185
Single room $275
Couple $380
Homestay $390

Your New Zealand Story Starts Here.

Wherever you're from, whatever you want to study. SIT gives you an affordable, supported, world-class education in one of the most extraordinary places on earth.

Southern Institute of Technology • New Zealand