At Support Central we are asked many questions regarding accommodation. Here are a few categories containing the most commonly asked questions:
This will be my first year at University, what do I need to do to apply for accommodation and what are the costs involved?
When you applied to study at Charles Sturt University (CSU) it would have been with the University Admission Centre (UAC) or Victoria Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Once you have been accepted to study at CSU you will receive a Letter of Offer and Acceptance of Offer information. The Acceptance of Offer information will include some information and instructions for applying for accommodation at CSU. When you have received this, you will need to complete the online accommodation application form (available from the homepage of the CSU Residences website) and forward the payment advice form to the address supplied with payment for your Application fee, Services fee, IT Levy and the cost of Orientation.
The fees for 2008 are:
| Application Fee | $150.00 |
|---|---|
| Services Fee | $150.00 |
| IT Levy | $180.00 |
| Orientation Tariff | $170.00 |
Do I have to attend the Orientation?
All first year students need to attend Orientation; it allows our new students to familiarise themselves with University life at CSU.
Do I have to pay all of my accommodation fees at the beginning of the year?
No. You can arrange to pay your accommodation fees over the year in four seperate payments.
Can I pay my accommodation/rental fees monthly?
No. Accommodation/rental fees can be paid yearly or on the four separate payment dates.
How do I make payment for my accommodation fees?
Payments can be made to the University Cashier's office on-campus by cash, cheque, money order, eftpos or credit card.
Note: To make payment via the CSU Secure website with credit card, students will need their CSU login/username and password.
Where can I obtain a copy of a receipt for the drafts I have sent to the Admissions Office, including receipts for accommodation fees?
A copy of your receipts can be collected from the University Cashier's office on your campus. You will need to supply your student ID number.
The Cashier's office is open from 10.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday.
What happens if I do not get accommodation on-campus?
The Division of Student Services also provides a register of private accommodation offered by local residents and students to prospective and current students of Charles Sturt University in seeking off-campus accommodation. Please refer to the Student Services website for further information.
If we are unable to offer you a place in on-campus accommodation, you will receive a refund of the Application Fee, Services Fee, IT Levy and the Orientation Tariff payment, minus a $30.00 administrative charge.
What is in the bedroom?
All rooms are fitted with a single bed, desk and desk chair, wardrobe with a lockable cupboard. All rooms have data access and a telephone. Common rooms are located in each building with lounges and televisions. A small kitchenette is located in the catered area common rooms whilst the self catered areas have a full kitchen outfitted.
Do I need to bring anything?
Mostly just you and a few essentials that you cannot live without. All linen along with doona and pillow is supplied. Some items you should bring are:
Do I have room for my stereo?
There is ample room for a portable or small stereo. Unfortunately, you will not be able to add extra furniture to your room.
Does the room have a fridge?
All self-catered rooms have a small bar fridge made available in the student's room. In catered areas a large common room fridge is provided for residents to share.
Are there cottages for males only or females only?
No, there are currently no cottages allocated for males only or females only. We try to encourage a mix of students, both male and female, doing various courses from a variety of backgrounds.
Are there cottages for students from a similar age group?
There are accommodation areas, but not cottages, that are designated for mature age students. Preference is given to mature age students in these areas as the environment is more conducive to study.
Can I be allocated the same cottage/building as my friends?
Applications for twin-share rooms can be made. However, requests for single rooms in the same cottage or building will be considered, but not guaranteed.
If I don't like the room I've been allocated, what can I do?
If you don't like the room you have been allocated, you can submit a Room Change Request Form. Your request will be placed on a waiting list for a room in another area. This may take six months or more to be processed, depending on availability. Please note - A room change fee does apply.
If the room is not clean and there are maintenance problems, what can I do?
Please raise concerns immediately with the Support Central staff or the person who has issued you with your key. They will then contact the appropriate staff to rectify the problem.
Can I live in a self-catered cottage and be fully catered?
You can do this by applying for a Catered Premium room. This allows you to live in a cottage and have all meals included in your residential fees. Alternatively, you can choose self-catered accommodation and purchase meals in the Dining Room where you pay cash for your meals each time.
What cooking facilities are in the self catered area?
A full kitchen is on hand for self-catered residents. You will need to supply your own cooking utensils, pots/pans, cutlery and crockery. There are provisions in the kitchen areas for students to place their kitchen items in a lockable cupboard.
My Mum is worried about me cooking for myself as a self-catered resident; can I buy dinner from the Dining Room if I need to?
Yes, you are able to purchase meals from the Dining Room as needed and all meals are reasonably priced to suit a student's budget.
I am looking at catered accommodation, what meals are provided?
Most meals are provided for but, in doing so, the University understands that there are different needs for residents at the separate campuses.
At Bathurst campus breakfast, lunch, and dinner is provided Monday - Friday; however on the weekends, no meals are provided.
At Wagga Wagga campus breakfast and dinner only are provided from Monday - Friday. On the weekends breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided.
If I have a special diet can I still be catered for?
Yes, we have very qualified catering staff that will be able to provide you with meals that suit your dietary requirements. Just speak with the Catering Manager on campus upon your arrival or at any time during the year.
How far is it from the main campus to town?
Main campus Wagga Wagga is located approximately 7kms from the main shopping area. It is located in a rural environment and public transport is available to and from town most days of the week.
Main campus Bathurst is located on the edge of town at the base of Mount Panorama. The main shopping area is approximately 3kms away.
How far is South Campus (Wagga Wagga) and MTG (Bathurst) to the main campus?
South campus is located approximately 10kms from Wagga Wagga main campus. The main campus is located on the northern outskirts of Wagga Wagga and south campus is situated on the other side of the town centre.
Mitchell, Truskett and Gordon (MTG) self-catered accommodation is located approximately 1.7kms from the Bathurst campus. The campus is located towards the outskirts of Bathurst at the base of Mount Panorama.
Are teaching classes held on south campus?
South campus is a residential campus only.
We recommend that you view our whole website, in particular the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S), as they may assist you in answering any questions you may have.
Are there privileges given to International Students living in the residences?
All students in the Halls of Residence are treated equally. Every student should adhere to the expectations and regulations. Services are available to International Students through the Admissions Office.
Will Residential Advisors meet me when I arrive?
International Student Advisors on each campus meet International Students when they first arrive. As most students are placed in temporary rooms, they may not get to meet their Residential Advisors on their arrival. However, prior to commencement of session, there is a welcome barbecue organised by Student Services for the Residential Advisors and International Students.
When is Support Central open?
All on-campus accommodation enquiries are serviced by the Support Central staff located at Bathurst and Wagga Wagga campuses. Staff can attend to your enquiries in a number of ways in addition to face-to-face in an office. Support Central's reception desk is open from 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Telephone calls and e-mails are responded to between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
What other services can I expect after regular service hours?
If any issues arise outside normal working hours, the Residential Advisor (RA) on duty, or your dorm RA, are there to assist. Security is also available outside business hours.
When is the University Mini Mart open and what does it sell?
There is a Mini Mart located at Bathurst and Wagga Wagga campuses. The Bathurst Mini Mart is open from 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday, the Wagga Wagga Mini Mart is open from 8.45am - 5.30pm.
The Mini Marts supply the following:
Is there access for me to be able to use the Internet?
Data Connections to allow you access to the Internet are available in all student bedrooms. The University computer centres are also accessible for students to use their Internet facilities most days of the year.