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Frequently Asked Accommodation Questions

What is the typical budget for a student wanting to rent private accommodation?
Please refer to your Pre-Departure Guide for this information.
Are rental prices in the centre of the city more expensive than in the suburbs?
As a general rule, the closer to the Central Business District (CBD) you live, the more expensive the rent will be.
Will I be able to find private accommodation within walking distance of my campus?
This is not always possible. Although there are always properties coming on the rental market that are suitable for students, there are also many students looking for suitable properties. Do not have unrealistic expectations of living within walking distance of your campus.
Can the University arrange permanent accommodation for me before I arrive in Australia?
Unfortunately due to the Residential Tenancies Laws, it is not possible for the University to arrange private rental accommodation for students before they arrive.
Can I get a rental property that is fully furnished?
It is possible to get a fully furnished property, however, they tend to be more expensive and very hard to get. Most rental accommodation is unfurnished.
How long will it take to find suitable private rental accommodation?
This will depend on where you are looking. In most cases, it is possible to find suitable permanent accommodation within 2 – 3 weeks of arriving in Australia. This is provided that you do not have unrealistic expectations about location and budget. In many Australian cities at the moment, there is a shortage of rental accommodation and you may need to wait longer. The University has no control over this situation.
How do I apply for Homestay accommodation?
If you wish to stay in Homestay accommodation, please complete the Pre-Arrival Booking Form.
Which accommodation option is better for me; Private rental or Homestay?
This will depend on your needs and expectations. If you prefer to live with other students, a private rental or a share house might be the best option. If you want to experience life with an Australian family, then Homestay would be a good option for you. Homestay is typically more expensive but it does include your meals and bills.
I am a postgraduate student, and I will be coming to Australia with my wife and child. Can ACU National assist me to find suitable accommodation for myself and my family?
We can assist you to find suitable rental accommodation, however, there is only so much that the University can do. Success in finding accommodation ultimately depends on what is available in the market. Whilst we aim to help as much as we can, the onus will be on you to secure permanent accommodation.
What is the difference between full board and part board?
Full board and part board accommodation are offered by local households to students looking for accommodation. Full board includes all meals and some household duties (i.e. washing your own clothes etc). Part board is usually room only but might include breakfast.
What is the charge for the temporary accommodation that the University arranges for us?
This will depend on the location and type of temporary accommodation arranged on your behalf. Please make an online enquiry to find out more information about temporary accommodation.
Do I have to sign a contract when I rent a property?
In most cases, the answer is "yes". The contract is designed to protect both you (the Tenant) and the Landlord. The minimum contract period is usually 6 months, but the most common length of contract is one year. Please be aware that a tenancy agreement is a legally binding document and you will be required to adhere to the conditions of the agreement.
What do I do if I cannot find any suitable accommodation with the help of the University?
If you are unable to find suitable accommodation with our assistance, we suggest that you visit local real estate agents, search the classifieds section of local newspapers in the areas in which you want to live or use the property sections of the weekend newspapers to find other accommodation options.
Are there any other housing websites I could look at?
The main accommodation websites recommended for students to use are www.domain.com.au and www.realestate.com.au. A lot of real estate agents also have their own websites, so doing a search on the internet may provide many other sites that may suit your needs.
What is a bond?
A bond is a security deposit held over the accommodation which a student rents. It is mainly used to cover the costs of maintenance and cleaning after a tenant leaves the accommodation. There are rules and regulations that govern the use of the Bond. Please refer to the Rental Tenancy Authority in the relevant state for further information:
How is the rent calculated?
Rent is normally calculated over 52 weeks of the year and that amount is then divided by the 12 months to come up with the monthly rate. For example if the rent on the property is $150 per week, the cost for one year would be $7800, and the charge each month would be $650.
Where can I find information on products and services that will be helpful to me when I am setting up my new apartment or house?
The Yellow Pages is a good start.
Where can I go for help if things go wrong, or if I need advice?
If you have any trouble with your landlord or with anything to do with your accommodation, it is a good idea to speak to the International Student Adviser on your campus in the first instance. Your International Student Adviser will be able to point you in the right direction and introduce you to the people who can help.
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