Dormitory Accommodation
For those who wish to make AIS St Helens their home in Auckland, the AIS St Helens Dormitory, a three-level building situated at the Main Campus, provides accommodation for 120 residents in single, twin and multi-share rooms. The rooms are fully furnished, each with its own study area.
The dormitory office is located on Level 1, adjacent to the main entrance of the dormitory, and is open on weekdays from 8.30am to 5.00pm. Our security staff oversee the dormitory after hours and during weekends and public holidays. Level 1 accommodates both male and female students, whereas Level 2 is for female students only, and Level 3 is reserved for male students. A kitchen for the preparation of meals, and a dining room area, are available, and mini fridges for rooms can also be hired. New residents will receive a Dormitory Handbook upon arrival which contains all the information needed on residing in this facility.
New students, especially, find that dormitory accommodation helps them to settle into life in Auckland. While some students reside in the dormitory for the entire length of their study at AIS St Helens, others decide to experience homestay accommodation or move out into flats or apartments.
The feeling of contribution gained from group living is a key feature of life in a dormitory, particularly on an international campus such as AIS St Helens. There are opportunities for fun and companionship, for working, talking, relaxing and growing in a community of people of similar age and similar interests. There may be irritations and distractions too, but learning to deal with these, to understand different points of view, and to become tolerant of some aspects of human nature, is of considerable value.
Intending residents should book well in advance, as there is normally a waiting list for residency.
Download an Accommodation Application form here. 
(363 kb)
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Homestay Accommodation
Many students are keen to experience the New Zealand lifestyle while they are studying with us, and homestay accommodation offers an excellent opportunity to do so. AIS St Helens has an extensive list of carefully selected and approved homestay families to choose from and can arrange placement for students who wish to live in a family environment. Homestay students also benefit from the opportunity to practice their English.
Homestays can be organised prior to arrival in New Zealand, although some students chose another form of accommodation when they first arrive, such as the AIS St Helens dormitory, and later decide to move into a homestay. In either instance, two weeks’ notice is required to arrange homestay accommodation.
Homestay rates cover accommodation and two meals (breakfast and dinner) per weekday, and three meals during weekends and on public holidays. A member of the homestay family is required to escort their student to and from AIS St Helens on their first day of study.
Homestay payments are usually paid by AIS St Helens on behalf of the student, although some homestays will accept direct payments. Both options are acceptable.
Download an Accommodation Application form here. (363 kb)
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Interested in Becoming a Homestay Provider?
Many New Zealand families welcome the opportunity to have students from other countries living with them. Homestay students can provide everybody in the household with a taste of a new culture and can be a very rewarding experience all round.
Homestays can be families with young children or teenagers, or single people and couples who work or are retired. Proximity of the homestay to public transport can be beneficial for some students, but is not a necessity.
We have international students who require long-term homestay placement, as well as students who come to New Zealand for short courses and require placement for a few days to a few weeks only. In the latter instance, the homestay host may be required to transport their student to and from the campus each day. For long-term students, the host family will be expected to escort their student to and from the campus on their first day of tuition only.
If you are interested in becoming a homestay provider for AIS St Helens, please contact our Homestay Coordinator on the contact details provided below to request a homestay application form and information pack. Once you’ve completed the application form and sent it back to us, the coordinator will contact you to set up a time for an interview and to view your home.
When the coordinator comes to your house, she will check out the kitchen, bathrooms, dining room, lounge and students' bedrooms to ensure everything is clean and that the students will have everything they require. During the interview, the coordinator may ask questions about other members of the family. Meals, laundry, phone bills, household keys, emergency procedures, what to do when a student takes leave of absence, and the payment system will be explained to you.
- Designated Caregiver Contract form (under 18s) (435kb)
- Homestay Terms, Conditions and Payments for Providers (129kb)
Please don’t hesitate to contact our Homestay Coordinator with any questions you may have. If you phone, you may need to leave a message as our coordinator is often out of the office conducting home inspections.
Homestay Coordinator
Judith Mollot
(09) 815 1717 ext 638
email: judithm@ais.ac.nz
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