Live, Learn, and Grow at Garin College Hostel
Why Choose Garin?
More than just a school — Garin is a place where students are known, challenged, and inspired to grow in faith, character, and excellence.
Why Garin College?
Why Nelson?
Boarding at Garin College
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Where Students Grow, Belong, and Thrive
Choosing the right boarding school is a big decision. At Garin College, we offer more than just a place to live — we offer a community where young people feel supported, inspired, and part of something special.
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Small, Supportive, Faith-Based Community
Our two Catholic boarding houses — Mother Teresa House (for girls) and Francis Douglas House (for boys) — are purposefully small, with only 28 students in each home. This creates a warm, family-like atmosphere where every student is known, supported, and included.
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Dedicated Care and Guidance
With a low boarder-to-staff ratio (under 20:1), our trained supervisors provide individual attention and round-the-clock care. Students receive strong pastoral support in a structured, nurturing environment grounded in Catholic values.
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Comfortable, Modern Living
Boarders live in twin-share rooms in modern, family-style homes designed for comfort and connection. Our hostels are vibrant and active, offering just the right mix of structure and independence.
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Academic Success is Our Standard
At Garin, we set high expectations — and support our students every step of the way. With supervised study times, tutorial support, and access to school resources after hours, our boarders are set up to achieve 100% success.
Get Enrolment Documents Here. -
Life Beyond the Classroom
Boarding life is full of opportunities. Located in beautiful Nelson, Garin offers students access to outdoor adventures, sports, arts, and cultural activities year-round. From beach days and river swims to weekend ski trips in winter — every day brings something new.
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Real-Life Skills for Real-World Growth
Boarding helps students build independence, responsibility, and resilience. They gain essential life skills like time management, personal hygiene, laundry, and self-discipline, all within a supportive community that feels like home.
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A Place to Belong
For some students, boarding at Garin is their first experience of a stable and caring home. Our hostels offer a sense of belonging, emotional security, and consistent guidance, helping students grow in confidence and character.
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A Decision Made Together
We believe boarding works best when it’s a shared decision. Together, families and students can explore how boarding at Garin can provide the support, opportunity, and environment needed to thrive.
A Home Away From Home
Established in 2001, the Garin College Hostel Trust was created to provide high-quality boarding opportunities for Catholic families across the top of the South Island. With the opening of Garin College in 2002, the Trust set out to offer students from outlying areas a welcoming, family-style environment that supports both academic and personal growth.
From the beginning, we were determined to move away from the traditional, institutional model of boarding. Instead, we embraced a more personal approach—creating something that felt like home. The result? Two purpose-built, 15-bedroom houses nestled in a quiet residential area just a short walk from the college.
Our Boarding Houses
Mother Teresa House and Francis Douglas House offer modern, vibrant, and supportive environments that mirror the warmth and structure of large family homes. Each house accommodates up to 28 boarders and is overseen by dedicated hostel parents who provide guidance, supervision, and a strong sense of belonging.
Our in-house chef prepares nutritious and delicious evening meals tailored to the needs of young adults, while also welcoming input from boarders. For lunch, boarders can create their own packed meals from a selection of healthy options. A daily highlight is the chef’s freshly baked treats—muffins, slices, or scones—that add a touch of home to every day.
Life at Garin Boarding
Boarding at Garin is about more than just accommodation—it’s about community, opportunity, and growth. Students form lifelong friendships, engage with a diverse range of cultures, and take part in a variety of enriching experiences.
Located in beautiful Nelson, boarders enjoy the best of both school life and the great outdoors. From sports and performing arts to beach trips, river adventures, and winter ski days, there's always something happening.
At Garin, we believe that a busy boarder is a happy boarder. With a supportive environment and plenty of opportunity to get involved, boarding here is not only fun—it’s deeply rewarding.
REQUEST ENROLMENT INFORMATION
Submit the form below to receive pre-enrolment procedures and forms in addition to scholarship information.