Where To Stay And Transport
Accommodation is one of your biggest costs for students attending university on campus, so make enquiries and think carefully before you choose. The following section provides information and links to relevant areas that can assist you to answer questions and provide advice in deciding what sort of accommodation will best suit you while you study at university.
So take some time and work your way through this section, and think from your own perspective which accommodation option best suits your requirements, in relation to study, your well being and social interaction.
Distance students may also have to choose accommodation, as some student will be required to attend residential schools on campus, so the following section may also assist you in determining what best suits your requirements.
Topic List
On campus accommodation
Off Campus accommodation
Transport
Choosing the right accommodation
How to apply for on campus accommodation
DE Residential school accommodation
On Campus Accommodation
There is accommodation on the majority of CSU campuses and there are different styles of accommodation, from catered to self contained. Detailed information can be located within the CSU Residences web site. It has links to accommodation on the relevant campus, costs associated, different levels of catering, shared accommodation or not and different packages available. There is also a 'frequently asked question' section that will assist in determining which option best suits your requirements. Tours of a campus, facilities and accommodation options can be arranged, check out the CSU - Open Day, Every Day website: Campus Tours
Residential Student Support
The University operates a Residential Support Scheme to provide for the pastoral care and welfare needs of all students living on campus. Senior students, called Residential Advisers (RAs) are trained to assist you. The RAs are not counsellors but can certainly help you and have a good knowledge of all other available services.
Off Campus Accommodation
The alternative to living on campus is to live off campus, either in the suburban or rural areas within close proximity to the university. Student Services provides a list of various accommodation offered to students by the community within it website. Some rental information from Real Estate Agents is also available.
Sharing a flat or house with either another student or someone working in the city, is cheaper, as sharing of living expenses reduces the cost.
Be aware of tenancy rights and obligations. Student Services may be able to help you, or you can contact the NSW Office of Fair Trading for information at: .Dept of Fair Trading
Transport
Motor vehicles can be a very expensive item in a student's budget so if you are bringing a motor vehicle make sure it is reliable and has plenty of registration. The bus service is an inexpensive alternative since you do not have to buy petrol or repair it. Bus timetables and costs for travelling on them for each campus can be found on the Student Services website.
Choosing the right accommodation
What accommodation you choose will depend on several factors, for example cost, location, transport, catering and there will also be a personal preference involved. There are many different options available to you be it on campus or off campus. However it is important to understand your needs and resources available (eg funds, a car).
Also note that circumstances may change as you progress through university and where you stay in your first year may not be the place you stay in your final year. However at this point focus on your needs now in your first year of study.
Choosing The Right Accommodation
Below are some questions that may assist you in determining which accommodation will best suit your needs while you are studying at university.
Answer the following questions as a start to determining what accommodation will best suit your accommodation needs at university.
What are the different options and what are the costs associated with each?
Are there other costs involved, eg bond for rental places off campus or administrative cost to apply for on campus?
What payment options are there available, upfront or at regular intervals?
Will it provide the right study environment or will there be too many distractions?
Will it provide social interaction with other students?
Are you willing to share accommodation or do you what your own space?
Are there support services available, to help you along the way?
What public transport is available, how close is it and how frequent does it run?
Do you need to have full catering or will you have time to cook some meals?
If I am going to cook meals, do I need to supply my own cooking equipment?
Am I close to shops, to buy groceries?
It may be an idea to place a weight next to certain questions that you ask yourself, as some may have a larger bearing on the decision than others. For example if you don't have your own car and need to rely on public transport or the ability to walk to campus, then questions relating to location may have a higher weighting than catering questions as you can cook and know you will have time to do so.
How to apply for on campus accommodation
Students applying for on campus accommodation need to apply online and send payment to ensure your entry into the ballot. A ballot is required as on campus accommodation is limited on some campuses. Further detailed information including the online form is available from the Residences website.
DE residential school accommodation
As a distance student you may have to attend a residential school as part of your course at a CSU campus. There is information about residential school on campus accommodation on the Residence website, including costs and how to apply for this online. The above activity (some questions will be irrelevant) may also assist you in determining which accommodation option best suits your requirements during the residential school.