Accommodation, Homestay & Boarding
Homestay families
Hamilton Girls’ High School has many wonderful families who open their homes to international students. Our Homestay Whānau (family) give students a safe, caring, and supportive place to live while they study with us.
Each Homestay Whānau (family) is carefully chosen. The process includes an interview, referee checks, police checks, and a visit to the home. Students can expect their own fully furnished room, clean laundry, and three meals each day, including lunch or snacks to bring to school.
If homestay is the right choice for your child, we will match them with a Host Whānau (family) who will care for them and support their learning and wellbeing. The homestay invoice will show the full year of homestay fees, along with tuition and other school costs. The homestay fee is kept in trust and paid to the Homestay Whānau (family) every two weeks by the school.
Sonninghill Hostel
Sonninghill Hostel is a very popular option for international students.
Sonninghill Hostel is only a few minutes’ walk from the school and is perfect for students wanting to be part of a larger student community.
Places at Sonninghill Hostel are limited, so there is a set process to apply. You need to complete this form to begin your application.
You will also have an interview with the Boarding Director and the Director of International Students. This helps us learn more about you and make sure Sonninghill is the right place for you.
You must also have a support person who lives in Hamilton or close by. This person will help you outside normal school hours and will be your emergency contact while you live at Sonninghill Hostel.
