1. Location

Ilam Apartments is perfectly located opposite the University and is within 5 minutes walk to any department, lecture theatre or university facility. We are extremely close, either by bus or easy walk, to a great variety of shops and malls, restaurants, banks, bars and cafes. A 7km walk into the city takes you through the beautiful Hagley Park, Botanical gardens and along the meandering Avon River. There is great surfing and swimming beaches 20 minutes away and world class skiing only an hour away plus we are located very close to many beautiful walks and hikes, rock climbs and hill walks. From most flats, you can overlook the picturesque University gardens and the Staff Club which was made famous in the acclaimed movie Heavenly Creatures.

2. Quality facilities

All flats are fully furnished, excellently maintained with lots of green space for outdoor living and sport. We have well equipped common rooms with sports tables (pool, table tennis, soccer etc), comfortable furniture, kitchens, SKY TV, resource centre, to mention but a few for your convenience and use 24/7.

The Superior apartments, Hinau, are amazing with their trendy layout, modern furniture and use of vibrant colour. They are available in 2, 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms styles.

The Premium apartments, Kowhai, with their very contemporary architectural design were completed in 2000 with the 21st century student in mind.

The Standard apartments, Manuka, while smaller, have a great retro feel and have been refurbished to meet the needs of today's student.

Students have to balance the need for study with what for some, is a very hectic and enjoyable social life. Noise reduction between rooms was a major consideration, as was the provision of adequate common areas for groups to gather. A comprehensive maintenance program is also in place to ensure that the facilities remain in excellent condition for residents and you can access the maintenance program online in 2010.

3. Variety of choice

We have three types of apartments – all of which are similar in design but with their own special uniqueness.

The Standard apartments (Manuka) are cosy and very conducive to family like living whereas the two newer ones (Kowhai and Hinau) are more modern in appearance, size and architecture with more communal space.

Hinau offers tremendous choice with the variety of rooms in each apartment ranging from 2 bedrooms through to 5 bedrooms.

4. Fully furnished

Each apartment comes fully furnished which with comfortable lounge and dining furniture and enviable desk and storage space. All apartments come with TV, fridge, freezer, microwave, and cooking and eating utensils. Some apartments have their own laundry facilities while others have the use of the brand new communal laundry, situated within Hinau. Linen is the only thing you need to provide however there will be linen packs available for purchase for those students arriving who require them.

5. Meal plans

Even though we are a self catered hall, we can offer you casual dining or a meal plan at Campus Living Village's other UC Accommodation campus, University Hall, which is only a 5 minute walk from Ilam Apartments. You can choose a meal plan which costs you $90 per week for all your meals or casual meals which range between $7 and $15. There is also a pizza and coffe shop on campus at Ilam Apartments and many eateries within easy walking distance from the Village.

6. Communication

All bedrooms have a high speed data point which is connected to the University system. The bedrooms within Manuka and Kowhai have an individual phone extension, while in Hinau there is a phone in each apartment.

All local Christchurch calls can be made free of charge or a calling card can be used for out of town calls. There are many choices of cards available from nearby stores.

For those of you who don't have your own computers, don't worry we have a computer suite available for your use at any time of the day or night. There are also computer labs on the UC campus and internet cafes very close by.

7. Security

Ilam Apartments is on a public road and as such, your security is our biggest priority.

There is always someone on duty day and night, and they are only a phone call away. University security are on call 24/7. Each apartment is fitted with a security card system and each bedroom has its own key. You are all expected to keep doors locked at all times. The Village has many security cameras in strategic places around the complex.

8. Value

The fully furnished apartments range in price from $174 - $233 per week which includes Utilities. The basic furnishings are all provided, a data link in bedroom, excellent desk and storage place, great heating, cutlery and crockery, the use of a washing machine and dryer - either in the apartment or in the communal laundry at a very reasonable price, plus the close proximity to University all add up to excellent value. And we must not forget the community facilities and events, the majority of which are available free of charge.

9. Flexible payment plan

Residents will have the option of four different payment methods for their Agreement with UC Accommodation

1. One full payment paid by Thursday 28th January 2010.

2. Two equal sums paid before the start of each semester. The first payment is due on Thursday 28th January 2010 and the second payment is due on 17th June 2010.

3. Four equal sums paid before the start of each term. The first payment is due on Thursday 28th January 2010, the second is due Thursday 8th April 2010, the third payment is due on 17th June 2010 and the forth payment is due Thursday 26th August 2010.

4. Fortnightly payments made by Direct Debit from a New Zealand bank account, the first payment to commence on Thursday 28th January 2010. Please note that this payment is a least a month ahead of the StudyLink (NZ Government) weekly payments, so New Zealand students MUST ensure that they have sufficient funds in their nominated bank account to avoid default fees.

10. Community living

Throughout the year our focus is on living and working together as a community and many events and social gatherings are put in place to facilitate this. The placements in each flat are carefully done making sure there is as much commonality between the flatmates as possible. There are communal spaces available where you can relax and play pool, watch satellite TV, play boards games or just relax and read a good book. These spaces are also where we hold our community events. As this is your home, friends and family are welcome except during the beginning of each semester and exam periods.

11. Residential Assistants

In each block a residential assistant (RA) is housed. They are here to make your stay as memorable as possible and can assist you with security or first aid issues or just a sympathetic ear if you have any concerns. They assist the Village Director with the smooth running of the Village and support the residents in social, cultural and sporting matters. Your enjoyment is their main concern so please don't hesitate to contact them at any time.

12. Length of accommodation stay

You are able to stay for the entire academic year and do not have to move out during the vacation periods. You are able to arrive at least a week before enrolment to enable you to enjoy both the University, international and Ilam Apartments orientation programs. If you need to stay only for one semester you are equally as welcome. If you are here for the first semester only you must vacate your flat by the morning after the last day of exams.

13. The atmosphere

Ilam Apartments prides itself on creating an international community where diversity is celebrated. As many of our students are many, many miles away from home and all things familiar, we offer a family like atmosphere where we all belong to a wider family – The Ilam Apartments family! We offer security alongside independence which is a really nice balance!!

14. Academic advantages

Living in a collegiate environment surrounded by people who are also studying, but maybe at different levels to you, can add that extra support needed. There are no formal tutorials set up however groups often get together to help each other out. Living so close to the University, having access to the library, University network from either your room or our computer suite, all assist in your studies. Ilam Apartments prides itself on providing its residents with an environment which is conducive to not only academic success but also personal growth.