1. Location

Sonoda Village is perfectly located opposite the University of Canterbury College of Education and is within 10 minutes walk to the main University of Canterbury Campus. We are extremely close, either by bus or easy walk, to a great variety of shops and malls, restaurants, banks, bars and cafes.

A 10km 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.

2. Quality facilities

All flats are fully furnished, excellently maintained with lots of green space for outdoor living and sport. We have a well equipped common room with table tennis, pool, comfortable furniture and SKY TV, to mention but a few for your convenience and use 24/7.

The apartments have a funky contemporary feel with new self contained kitchens, funky furniture and flat screen TV in their apartments communal living space.

Students have to balance the need for study with what for some, is a very hectic and enjoyable social life. A comprehensive maintenance program is also in place to ensure that the facilities remain in excellent condition for residents and you are be able to access the maintenance program online.

3. Variety of choice

Not applicable - all rooms are the same in a configuration of five bedroom pods.

4. Fully furnished Apartments

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. Each building has their own coin operated laundry facilities also an outside washing line. 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. Hot meal each night

Students in semi catered flats at Sonoda have a dinner component to the residential agreement. Dinner is provided 7 nights per week. Students make their own breakfast and lunch but have the benefit of a hot meal every evening.

6. Communications

All bedrooms have a high speed data point which is connected to the University system. There is a phone in each apartment for residents use.

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

Sonoda Village is tucked away on the UC College of Education Campus on Dovedale Avenue and is, therefore, not viewable from the road.

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 magnet 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 semi catered apartments are $250.00 per week in 2010, which includes utilities. The basic furnishings are all provided, a data link in bedroom, excellent desk and storage place, great heating, cutlery and crockery, communal laundries at a very reasonable price, plus the close proximity to University of Canterbury Campus's 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 System

Payment options

Residents will have the option of three 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.

10. Quality Dining Options

As a semi catered village, residents are provided with a fully equipped kitchen with Fridge/Freezer, hotplate with four elements and a convention microwave oven.

Evening meals are served 7 nights per week as part of the residential agreement

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Full Academic Year Accommodation

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 Sonoda Christchurch Campus orientation programs.

14. The Atmosphere

Sonoda Campus 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 Sonoda family! We offer security alongside independence which is a really nice balance!!

15. 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. Sonoda Campus prides itself on providing its residents with an environment which is conducive to not only academic success but also personal growth.