University of Auckland’s students get new state-of-the-art apartment complex

The University of Auckland‘s new and sophisticated student apartment complex in Symonds Street, Auckland City will officially open this Thursday, Scoop reports.

The complex, which houses 315 studio deluxe and 28 studio double deluxe apartments, is tailored for the university’s returning undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students, as well as providing options for couples.

Its first residents have already moved in to the more affordable, self-contained apartment-style quarters, which is located about 10 minutes walk from its city campus.

The complex’s self-contained living feature is said to be in tune with the university students’ trend to stay in residence halls in their first year, instead of a flat in a suburb.

“We are the only university committed to providing accommodation options for students beyond their first year. The options at 55 Symonds Street are ideal for students who are nearing the end of undergraduate studies or are at postgraduate level. The apartments are slightly larger than other studios on offer, have their own cooking and bathroom facilities, and are within eight minutes-walk to the centre of the City Campus.”

The apartment units will feature a a small kitchen and bathroom in every studio, WiFi, air-conditioning, a flat screen TV, and modern indoor and outdoor communal areas. Some studios even have ocean views.

The cost of the fully-furnished studios range from NZ$338 to $360 per week including all utilities.

An interior view of the new student accommodation building located at 55 Symonds Street. Image via University of Auckland.

Associate Director for Accommodation, Micheal Rengers says providing quality housing for students is a priority for the university.

“When students are in safe, secure, supported accommodation the better their academic results will be,” Rengers said.

“The University is investing heavily in student accommodation as we know providing quality housing maximises a student’s ability to do well.”

Since 2012, New Zealand’s largest university has been steadily increasing its accommodation size, with Carlaw Park Student Village, which opened in early 2014, providing 697 extra beds in a combination of two, three and four bedroom apartments.

Another university hall in the Grafton suburb, which will add 320 beds for school-leavers, is also due in 2019.

“These ongoing developments reflect our commitment to providing a range of affordable and convenient accommodation options to ensure our students have the best possible university experience,” says Rengers.

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