No dedicated first-year halls and $2,000 price jumps for Massey 2024 student accommodation

Massey halls across the country are mixing new and returning students while increasing prices next year.  

On Instagram, @masseyhallswellington posted to its story, “We want to build communities of like-minded people … which is why age plays a big factor in 2024 hall placement.” 

Manawatū and Albany campuses were likewise scrapping first-year only halls, opting for a range of age brackets, like 17 to 25-year-olds or 21 to 30-year-olds. 

The Instagram said, “You’re applying for all three halls in one application,” however you can note your preference.  

The Instagram page didn’t mention any price increases despite apartment rooms in Wellington’s Cube Hall jumping $2,000 to $13,900 for the year, with other halls increasing around $1,000. 

Prices have also changed at other campuses, with most Albany halls increasing around $1,000, while Manawatū halls fluctuated a few hundred dollars. 

Massey accommodation is mixing new and returning students in 2024. Photo / Massey 

Wellington first-year hall Whanake resident Paige didn’t think halls should be mixed between new and returning students because they “are on different stages of life”. 

“Second years have already made friends, whereas this is time for first years to get involved with everything to make new friends.” 

Paige was unaware of any price changes for next year and questioned if there was justification for an increase if nothing was changing.  

She enjoyed the “interesting” and “super positive” experience living in Whanake Hall this year.  

“There is no other time in my life where I will be able to walk down the hall and be at my friend’s place.” 

Next year, Wellington’s Whanake and Kāinga Rua halls will be available to any students aged 17 to 23 and 18 to 23-years-old respectively. 

A Massey University spokesperson said, “We are moving towards offering an experience for each hall,” noting there may be older students who took gap years but still want the “first-year experience in the halls”. 

Regarding price increases, the spokesperson said Massey was “needing to adjust fees to meet the rising cost of providing essential services in the current climate”. 

The spokesperson said although each hall is available to new and returning students, they would prioritise first years in some halls, such as Kāinga Rua in Wellington. 

“However, if a first-year student is within the age range listed for the Cube and Whanake, they will also be considered there. 

“Massey’s student accommodation prices are comparable to other student accommodation providers.” 

These changes come during a challenging era for Massey who recently announced a year-to-date operating deficit of $14.2 million, on top of an $8.8 million deficit in 2022.   

Enrolment rates also declined this year with 1154 fewer domestic students at the start of 2023 than the same time last year, an 8% decrease.