Reference Requirements

Who needs a reference?

Applicants who are required to arrange for a reference to be sent to the Accommodation Service before their application will be processed are those who:

• will be in their first year of full time university study in 2012
• will be under 20 years of age when they commence their study
• and/or are applying for a catered hall

Type of Reference Required

If you are currently at or have recently attended a New Zealand secondary school, contact your Dean or Careers Advisor to arrange for the school to submit the Common Confidential Reference Form that is used by most New Zealand tertiary institutions. Other first year applicants can download a copy of the Common Confidential Reference Form (PDF - 258KB).

Applicants under 20 and/or applying for a catered hall who have not attended a New Zealand school recently may supply instead a school testimonial and/or personal reference. A personal reference should be from someone who has supervised, or been senior to you in your current or most recent employment or studies but not be a family member. A personal reference can be in any format and should explain how the referee knows you and comment on your personal qualities and your likely suitability for residential life.

Other applicants

Applicants aged 20 and over who are applying for self-catered accommodation are not required to provide a reference but it may help your chances of selection if you do so.