Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation FAQs

Got questions about Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation? Good. Here's everything you need – applying, fees, facilities and what day-to-day life actually looks like at AUT's City Campus accommodation in Auckland.

Services and facilities

Who manages Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation?

Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation (MDSA) is managed and operated by UniLodge, with AUT providing pastoral care, residential support and wellbeing services.

AUT has a commercial management agreement with the building owner, NZ Education Holdings Wakefield Ltd.

AUT staff are on site to support your wellbeing and safety, connect you with each other, arrange events and activities, and provide security staff. UniLodge looks after rent and fee payments, facility maintenance, mail and packages, and room bookings.

Will there be someone around if I need help?

Yes. You’re never figuring it out alone. AUT has staff on site 24/7 providing pastoral care, residential life and security support. UniLodge also has staff on site during office hours to help with practical things like maintenance, leases, payments, mail and lockouts.

How will AUT support my wellbeing while I’m living here?

Where you live plays a big part in your university experience – from making friends to having the right space to cook, study and sleep. Being away from home can be tough at times. AUT’s residential care team is there to listen, support you and connect you with AUT services or external services that fit your needs.

AUT’s residential life programme also offers a wide range of events and activities, giving you opportunities to meet other students, have fun and feel part of the wider AUT accommodation community.

Our residential assistants do in-person wellbeing checks every two weeks (weekly for residents under 18) to help make sure you're settling in and have the support you need. If you haven't been active in the residence for more than 48 hours and haven't let us know you're away, we'll check in to make sure you're okay. If we're unable to contact you directly, AUT staff may contact your emergency contact.

How is my safety and security managed?

AUT’s security team patrols all AUT campuses 24/7 and accommodation facilities from 7pm to 7am. Look for the uniforms, staff ID cards or Security Certificate of Approval badges. If you ever feel unsafe you can approach them at any time or call 0800 AUT SAFE (0800 288 7233).

What’s included in the AUT residential life programme?

More than you’d expect. Your residential life fee helps AUT run regular events and activities focused on wellbeing, connection and community. It provides opportunities to meet other students, have fun and make the most of the broader living and learning experience at AUT.

These can include quizzes, baking challenges, exercise classes, competitions, off-site trips to Auckland landmarks, sporting events and inter-residence activities. At the start of each semester, Student Accommodation Orientation gives you a full week of events to help you settle in, meet people and understand what accommodation life at AUT is all about. There is also an annual ball, and there’s a year-long sporting competition where AUT accommodation facilities go head-to-head for the trophy.

Events are designed to be accessible, with a mix of virtual and in-person activities for smaller groups and whole accommodation communities, so there’s always something that works for you.

When are AUT support staff available?

AUT residential care staff are available 9am–9pm Monday to Friday and 7am–9pm on weekends. AUT staff are also available 24/7 on the duty phone, and residential assistants and security staff are onsite 24/7.

What services and facilities can I access as an AUT student?

Living at Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation (MDSA) puts you right in the middle of the AUT City Campus community.

As an AUT student, you’ll have access to these services in your building:

• AUT gym – a modern training experience (free membership in 2026)
• Mōwai medical and counselling and mental health services to support your physical and mental wellbeing
• Te Poro Aniwaniwa – Rainbow Student Support and Rainbow Room – a bright welcoming space to connect with other students and support staff plus a walk-in Rainbow wardrobe
• Recreation centre with bookable activity rooms AV systems for events and films a multi-purpose sport court, kitchen facilities and common areas filled with games and places to unwind, plus an eSport Arena

How does AUT build student community?

The residential life programme is a big part of what makes Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation (MDSA) feel like more than just a place to stay. Through regular events, activities and shared experiences, you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet people, build friendships and feel part of the community.

With 24/7 security and pastoral care from AUT's residential care team, this is a safe and supportive place to live. When you move in, you'll take part in orientation activities to help you settle in, learn how everything works and start making connections. You'll also receive the AUT residential guide, which covers accommodation life, community expectations and the student code of conduct.

Applying for Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation

How do I apply for Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation?

You can apply through the online student accommodation portal – find the link at apply for student accommodation.

What happens after I apply?

Once you’ve applied, the UniLodge team will assess your application and follow up by email with the next steps.

Do I need to be an AUT student to live here?

No. While most residents study at AUT, students from any tertiary education institution are welcome. Non-AUT students are subject to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.

Can students under 18 live here?

Yes, as long as you’ll turn 18 within the semester and are a domestic student. We check in more regularly with younger residents at Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation (MDSA) – just to make sure they’re settled and have all the support they need.

When do applications open?

Applications generally open around August for full-year and Semester 1 rooms, and in March/April for Semester 2 rooms, subject to availability.

Can I live with a friend?

Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation (MDSA) has private studio apartments, so you won’t share a room. If you and a friend both want to live in the same accommodation community, we encourage you both to apply. You’ll each have your own studio, with shared spaces nearby when you want company.

Fees and rent

What fees do I need to pay to secure a room?

To secure your place at Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation (MDSA), you’ll need to sign your accommodation agreement and pay a deposit, application fee, two weeks’ rent in advance and the residential life programme fee. For current fee details, see student accommodation fees. International students need to pay in full.

When is rent payable?

You’ll be given access to the residents’ portal when you check in. You can pay your rent through this portal or pay by credit card at reception.

Rent is payable two weeks in advance, and surcharge fees may apply – for full details see student accommodation fees.

What does my rent cover?

Your rent includes:

• Your secure room
• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Unlimited wifi
• Access to common areas and shared facilities (outdoor BBQ, ovens, study spaces, theatre room, music room etc).

How do the fees compare with other Auckland CBD student accommodation?

Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation (MDSA) compares well when you look at the total cost of accommodation over the full stay. Our 40-week accommodation period is competitively priced compared with other Auckland CBD student accommodation options, many of which lock you in for 52 weeks. When you're comparing, look at the total cost over the full stay, not just the weekly rate.

Do I need my own contents insurance?

Yes. Contents insurance isn’t included in your rental payments.

What are the costs if I leave early?

If you break your lease after moving into Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation (MDSA), the cost is six weeks’ rent. If you cancel your lease before checking in cancellation fees will apply.

Is there a cancellation fee?

There are some non-refundable fees to cancel your booking. To better understand what applies to your situation, email mayoraldrive@unilodge.co.nz

What if my visa to study in New Zealand isn’t approved?

If your visa application is unsuccessful before your lease starts, you’ll need to send an email to UniLodge requesting cancellation for your lease at Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation (MDSA). You must submit this to UniLodge within 24 hours of you receiving notification from New Zealand Immigration, along with the email telling you that your student visa wasn’t approved.

You’ll then be formally advised that your lease agreement will be cancelled without penalty. For full details, check the UniLodge terms and conditions.

Arrivals and check-ins

What are the check-in times and days?

We’ll send you check-in details once your application to live in Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation (MDSA) is complete. If you can’t check in on your allocated day, you can arrive any time reception is open:

• Monday to Friday: 9am–6pm
• Saturday: 9am–1pm

What if I arrive after hours?

If your flight arrives outside reception hours, contact reception before you travel to ask what options may be available.

For international students arriving late at night, the best option may be to stay somewhere nearby overnight and come to Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation (MDSA) when reception opens. That way we can properly welcome you and help you get settled in.

What are reception opening hours?

The reception at Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation (MDSA) is open:

• Monday to Friday: 9am–6pm
• Saturday: 9am–1pm

Life at Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation

Can I receive mail and packages while living here?

Yes. UniLodge will email you when a parcel arrives and is ready to collect from reception.

For letters, check your mailbox at reception. You’ll need to show ID when collecting mail or packages.

Do I need to clean my room?

Yes. Rooms aren’t serviced, so you’re responsible for cleaning your own room.

Vacuum cleaners are available to borrow from reception.

Is car parking available?

There is no car parking available at Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation (MDSA), but there are various Wilson Carparks within a couple of minutes’ walking distance.

Is there bicycle storage?

Yes. Bicycle storage is available in the basement level, near reception. Let reception know if you have a bicycle, and they can arrange swipe card access to the storage area.

Can I have a guest stay over?

Yes. Guests can stay for up to three nights at no charge. For security reasons, your guests need to check in at reception.