Off-Campus Housing Options
Shared Housing
This can be the cheapest option. This type of housing may be offered by:
- other students in an established household or forming one
- families (with or without children)
- other people in the community
- commercial operators of residence accommodation
The room offered may be furnished or unfurnished with use of the other household areas and facilities. The cost of utilities (gas, electricity and water) may be on a shared-account basis or included in your rent.
The shared housing on offer may require you to:
- sign a lease for the property
- be a sub-tenant (ensure the landlord's permission has been obtained)
- or occupy a room in a private home
Renting
Vacant properties vary from one to four or more bedrooms. The majority of vacant flats, units and houses are unfurnished with the exception of some fully self-contained ‘granny’ flats or bungalows.
Holiday houses in the coastal towns of Torquay, Jan Juc and Warrnambool are often furnished and available to lease from March to November. Note: Coastal towns are not always adequately serviced by public transport.
All Real Estate Agents will require you to complete an application for the property you have chosen, detailing your income, identification and rental history and references.
Your application for a property is not a guarantee of securing the property you prefer. Search the web for vacant properties by visiting the helpful links webpage or check the 'To Let' section of the relevant local newspapers.
Off-Campus Residences
There are a number of Residences in the community operated by private providers. Residences offer furnished bedrooms and equipped common areas. Rent normally includes all expenses such as gas, electricity and water unless the rooms are separately metered.
Residence Accommodation For Low-Income Students (Geelong)
DUSA operates a 17-bedroom Student Residence specifically for low-income (or homeless) students in Geelong. Selection criteria include:
- the student must be aged between 17 and 24 years
- the student must be an Australian Resident
- the income received by the student (from any source) must be considered
- the distance from the student's home will be calculated
Full Board 5 and 7 days
Usually includes a fully furnished room, breakfast and dinner and utility (gas, electricity and water) costs included in a set price. Lunch, laundry and other services may be negotiated or offered by the provider.
Casual Accommodation
Casual accommodation is ideal for students who have lectures only on two or three days per week at a campus within a couple of hours travel from home. A fully furnished room with the use of facilities is provided for the negotiated number of nights each week.