How is Ilam Apartments managed?

Ilam Apartments is managed by the Village Director who has the overall responsibility for the smooth running of the Village, and in particular the welfare and security of the residents. He is supported by team of administration and cleaning staff who also have the welfare of the students as a priority.

A team of 9 residential staff support the Director in ensuring the community is functioning as it should, and that the academic, social and cultural needs are met.

Ilam Apartments is part of Campus Living Villages New Zealand which also runs University Hall and Sonoda here at UC Accommodation plus halls at Massey University and Victoria University, Wellington. Campus Living Villages also have several Halls in Australia, USA and UK

What furniture is provided?

All flats are fully furnished with dining, living and bedroom furniture. All white ware, i.e. fridge, freezer, washing machine and dryer is provided along with small appliances such as microwave oven, jug and toaster. A TV is also provided. Unfortunately it is not possible to bring your own large furniture such as beds, couches, etc as all bedrooms have fixed single beds and double beds are not permitted.

What is in my bedroom?

Each bedroom has a large desk complete with a data connection and chair. A single bed (King Single in Hinau) is provided with mattress and mattress protector. There is plenty of shelving and ample wardrobe space plus excellent heating. Some bedrooms have their own telephone but all apartments have at least one telephone within them.

Pillows and linen are not provided however packs can be purchased from the office if required.

Can I get internet in my room?

Yes, all bedrooms have data outlets which connect to the University system. You need to "make live" these points on arrival by going through the University IT department.

Charges for this come off your Canterbury card.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Everyone is required to pay a deposit to secure your room along with your signed contract. The fee is $500 and is fully refundable on your satisfactory departure minus charges for non-payment of rent, damage or for your pro rata share of damage that is unattributable to any individual or group.

How do I cancel my application or room allocation?

You can email Liz McKay at liz.mckay@canterbury.ac.nz  

Send us mail:
Accommodation Services Manager
Campus Living Villages
Private Bag 4760
Christchurch
New Zealand

Or phone on + 64-3-364-3493

When will I be allocated a room?

Upon your arrival you will be notified which flat you have been allocated. All flat mates are carefully put together but it may be that you are not always going to be with your best friend or relative. Look at this as another opportunity to meet new friends.

Is parking provided?

There are car parks and lockable bike sheds available to residents only. They are not allocated however there is generally no problem securing one. The 2010 cost is $90 per permit.

Where are the shops?

There are a good variety of shops and malls with a five minute walk of the Village. There are grocery, liquor and fresh fruit and vegetable markets plus ethnic supermarkets all in the same area. Many more shops plus the largest Mall in the South Island are no more that a 30 minute walk or a quick bus trip.

How much money would I need for food each week?

On average, you would need approximately $40 - $50 for a regular grocery shop which includes fresh fruit, vegetables and meat. There are several grocery shops, fruit and veg markets and butchers in the vicinity all who offer competitive pricing. There are many good ethnic food markets, including Halal close by so most tastes are catered for. There is also a pizza and coffee shop within the grounds at Ilam Apartments

Can I stay in Ilam Apartments more than one year?

Returning residents are welcomed and are very much valued as part of the community.

Can I have a friend to stay?

The village is your home so your friends are welcome, however they must in no way infringe upon the rest of your flat mates. The whole flat must be consulted if you would like a friend to stay overnight. If there is a visitor who is causing problems, then the rest of the flat has the right to ask the offending person to leave.

The host is responsible for the behaviour of his/her guest/s. Overnight guests are permitted but for safety purposes, they must be registered with the office. The flats are not designed for more than 6 people so overnight guests must be limited to one - any more than that and a lot of pressure is put on the flat in terms of showers, cooking facilities, washing machine etc. This is even more important in the smaller apartments where you are normally only sharing with one or two other people anyway.

The same guest may not stay more than once a week unless prior permission has been received. Overnight guests are not permitted during the first two weeks of the semester as this is an important settling in period for new residents. Under no circumstances, and with no exceptions, are guests allowed to stay during study or exam weeks.

What if I can't pay my rent on time?

Don't be shy or embarrassed to come to the office and let us know. This is much easier than incurring a large debt that is hard to pay off. We will help you sort out a payment plan to enable you to meet all your financial commitments and if needs be can organise budget advise for you.

What happens if something breaks in my flat?

You can either come down to the office or report it online on our maintenance database.

Can I receive parcels or care packages from home?

If a parcel arrives, you will receive a phone call from the office advising that your parcel is in the office.

What can I expect in the way of social events?

Throughout the year we hold a variety of social events all with the view of bringing residents together. The largest is our Cultural Extravaganza where all the Village comes together to showcase our diversity by performing, dressing in national costume, cooking and celebrating our multi-cultural community - a night not to be missed! We hold a mid-winter Ball in the second semester so don't forget to bring your "glad-rags". There are community barbeques, wine trails, trips to the rugby and cricket, inter-block pot luck dinners, regular movie and quiz nights to name but a few plus many sporting and cultural events. We are involved in inter-hall 'friendly' competitions in sports, theatre, music and theatre sports.

What do I do if I feel homesick or I am not coping?

Firstly don't think you are the only one who feels this way!  It is natural to feel a little unsure of things when they are so new to you – being away from home in a foreign country or even in a different city can be very daunting, learning to study differently from what you are used to, understanding different accents, eating different foods, being away from familiar things can all contribute to feeling that you are not coping.  If you feel any of these here a few useful tips:

• Speak to someone – your RA understands just how you're feeling because they've been there!  The Village Director is always there with a sympathetic ear
• Involve yourself in the Village activities
• Ask people questions about themselves and share some of yourself
• Don't lock yourself in your room
• Be free with a smile – that crosses all languages and other barriers
• There are many support systems at the University or within the Village
• Think of University as a job – if you put in 30 -35 hours a week you will be able to succeed but also find that critical balance between social and uni life.

What are my responsibilities as a Village member?

Your biggest responsibilities are respect and consideration to those around you at all times. There are rules and community standards put in place for the benefit of your academic success plus for your personal growth and these are to be adhered to at all times. Being open and friendly, participating in Village events and being a contributing member of our Village community will go a long way towards making friendships for life but will also make your study that much easier.

Can I have parties?

The Village is your home and as such gatherings, dinners or parties are welcome in your flat, however this must not in any way infringe on the right of anyone else to study, sleep or relax (no matter what the time of day or the day of the week). A party must be registered with the Village Director at least 24 hours prior to the party. Each flat has many neighbours and as such Ilam Apartments is not the most appropriate place to hold parties. Anyone disturbed by noise has the right to approach the resident/flat responsible for the noise to ask for consideration. If this fails then the Residential Assistant and/or Village Director will be called and the party will be closed down. Noisy and inconsiderate residents will not be tolerated and fines may be incurred for lack of respect and consideration. If a party is unregistered, the RA have the right to close it down without notice. Due to Health and Safety considerations, no more than 25 people are permitted in a flat at any one time. No more than 6 people are permitted on the balconies due again to health and safety matters plus noise problems