International student housing service
Our off-campus housing officers assist International students to find suitable off-campus housing by providing information on housing options, costs and listings, contact with Real Estate Agents and landlords, transportation for new students to view properties, advice and information on leases, tenancy issues and utility connections.
When to start looking?
The Off-Campus Housing Officers can only assist you to find off-campus accommodation once you have arrived in Australia. Therefore you will need to take temporary accommodation for a few days. International Student Support officers can assist you with temporary accommodation arrangements. You must notify them on your Notification of Arrival Form.
The off-campus housing process
Geelong
International Student Services, now under Division of Student Life, organise airport pick-up and initially place international students in temporary accommodation in Geelong. Shortly after their arrival, students will meet with the Off-Campus Housing Officer to discuss their on-going housing needs and preferences, and their budget. At this meeting, students will also be given information on leases, bonds and their rights and obligations as tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
Burwood
International Student Services, now under Division of Student Life, organise airport pick-up and initially place international students in temporary accommodation in Burwood. Shortly after their arrival, students will attend an information session run by Deakin International. An Off-campus Housing Officer will speak at the information session and arrange to meeting with students to discuss their on-going housing needs and preferences, and their budget. At this meeting, students will also be given information on leases, bonds and their rights and obligations as tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
Off-campus housing database
The Division of Student Life maintains an off-campus housing database which includes a variety of accommodation types, price brackets, locations and services and, from this database students will be given a list of properties that meet their accommodation criteria. Students will then select several properties they would like to inspect. Appointments will be arranged with the housing providers to view the accommodation on offer, and students will be driven around to inspect the selected properties.
When students have chosen an accommodation option that suits them, where possible, students and their luggage will be transported to the new on-going accommodation. We usually manage to house students within a few days.
Students are advised to arrive two weeks prior to International Orientation to allow themselves time to find suitable accommodation and to get settled in.
(NOTE: We do not arrange accommodation prior to students' arrival as it is necessary for students to select the accommodation that best suits their needs.) The temporary accommodation arranged by Deakin International gives students time to go through the accommodation selection process.
Further information
The Off-Campus Housing Officer can also provide information on the following (where required).
- Connection of utilities (electricity, gas and water)
- Connection of telephone and internet
- Local services and facilities.
To assist further with the accommodation process, students should visit the Division of Student Life's Off-Campus Housing Options to get an idea of the types of accommodation on offer, associated costs, etc.
Ongoing support
Off-campus Housing Officers can provide support, information and/or referral for international students who have any tenancy issues or concerns.
