Orchard Park

Welcome to Orchard Park, located at 183 Silverdale Road, Hamilton, New Zealand. As an esteemed establishment and point of interest, Orchard Park offers a unique university experience for students seeking a supportive and independent lifestyle.

Our Hamilton campus provides a diverse range of accommodation options to cater to all students and lifestyles. Whether you prefer the full support of our halls of residence or the convenience of living in the Silverdale apartments or Orchard Park, we have a room that will suit your needs.

At Orchard Park, we understand the importance of catering to different dietary requirements. We offer a wide range of catering options, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and Halal meals. However, please note that self-catered accommodation is not typically offered to school leavers. Exceptions may be made for students with severe dietary, disability, or medical needs, subject to availability and supporting evidence.

Laundry facilities are available at each hall on campus, providing washing machines, dryers, and irons, all included in the weekly cost. Additionally, parking is available on campus, including reserved parking for hall residents. You can apply for reserved parking in January 2024 or purchase a License to Hunt permit through the 'PayMyPark' app.

Applying for accommodation at Orchard Park is a straightforward process that can be done online. You do not need to have been accepted into your study program to apply. School leavers from New Zealand in 2022 or 2023, starting their tertiary studies in 2024, are required to submit a Common Confidential Reference Form (CCRF) from their school. For other New Zealand students who left school prior to 2022, a character reference from someone such as an employer, tutor, community leader, minister, or sports coach is required. International students who attended a New Zealand school in 2022 or 2023 also need to provide a CCRF.

We highly recommend applying early for accommodation to secure a room for the upcoming year. However, please note that there may be more applications than available places, and we cannot guarantee your preferred hall. In such cases, you may be offered an alternative hall.

To assist with accommodation costs, the University of Waikato offers scholarships for new students. These scholarships can help offset your accommodation expenses, and you can find more information on eligibility and specific scholarships on our website.

To accommodate students with different budgets, we offer various payment plans and accommodation options. We strive to ensure that every student can find a suitable arrangement.

To maintain a safe living environment on campus, we have established rules and regulations that all residents must adhere to. Please familiarize yourself with these guidelines before accepting an offer.

When accepting your contract to reside on campus, you agree to the rules, regulations, fees, and costs outlined above. Payment is required five weeks in advance, along with any optional extras, and is due in January 2024.

Throughout the application process and your time living on campus, our accommodation office is here to support you. We are dedicated to providing a comfortable and enriching experience for all students at Orchard Park.