FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to be a La Trobe University student to apply for accommodation?
Priority is given to La Trobe University students and first round offers will be made to these students only. Should we have vacancies after first round offers, we are able to consider RMIT Bundoora students.
2. When should I apply to become a resident?
Applications are made on-line and open the Monday after the Bundoora Campus Open Day.
3. Do I have to be a full-time student?
Yes, accommodation is only available to full-time students.
4. If I am an Australian Year 12 student when do I find out if my application has been successful?
You will be notified of the outcome of your application after the VTAC offers have been made.
5. If I am an international student, or a deferred La Trobe University student when will I find out if I have a residential place?
If you have applied for accommodation prior to December 1st we will be in a position to make early round offers to you before the Christmas closure. All other applications submitted after December 1st will receive a response in January or later depending on the semester for which you have applied.
6. Can I defer my accommodation offer?
If you decide to defer your university place and have received an accommodation offer, we can holdover your application until the following year. At the end of your deferred year, you will need to contact the Division of Residential Services to reactivate your application. In this case we will then send you a new offer for residency.
7. What happens if I accept a residential offer but then accept a place at another university?
Your deposit is non-refundable so you should take every step to ensure that you are committed to coming to La Trobe before you accept a place in residence.
8. What happens if I am not accepted into my first choice of student accommodation?
If you have indicated on your application form that you are willing to consider an offer from your second or third choice you may well receive a later-round offer from these. The Division of Residential Services will do its best to accept as many students as possible in the residence of their first choice, bearing in mind the need to ensure the best possible balance of first and later year residents and a good blend of students from different backgrounds and different interests.
9. What happens if I do not receive a first-round university offer into La Trobe University?
If you are still hoping on receiving a study place in second or third round offers, there is still every chance that we will be able to assist you with accommodation. It is best to make contact with us to let us know that you are still keen for accommodation and keep us informed if you should receive a second or third round offer.
10. Can I apply for, and only stay in residence for one semester?
Generally speaking, the answer is no. Offers for places are made on the condition that you sign up for and stay for the full academic year – February to November of each year. Exceptions are made for those students who are completing their studies at the end of one semester, for example International Study Abroad/ Exchange Students. If you have applied to start in Semester Two then you will only be signed up for that period as the academic year ends in November.
11. Should I attend Open Day?
Absolutely! It is a fantastic opportunity to see the colleges and the wider university. You’ll be able to check out each college’s facilities and gain a better understanding for which college might best suit you.
12. How do I pay my fees? Weekly, monthly, each semester or yearly?
Rent is due by semester in advance, but arrangements can be made for monthly payments.
13. Can I pay by bank transfer?
Yes. Information about how to pay your fees will be in the offer information sent to you when you have been accepted into your chosen accommodation.
14. Can I stay in college over the holiday period?
During the academic year, if you are contracted for the full time, you are able to stay in college over the mid-year break period. You continue to pay for the whole time regardless of whether you go home or not. For the holiday period over Christmas as a current resident you can apply online if you require a room during this time. This can be done each year from September to October. The college will notify all students of when and how to apply for a room over the Christmas/ Summer period.
15. What do I need to bring with me?
This depends on which residence you will be living in, and on personal needs. However, to make your room feel more like home you can bring your own posters and pictures, ‘nick knacks’ and even a small bar fridge. The essential things to bring when moving into your residence are bath towel, washing powder, laundry basket and clothes-hangers, electrical converters for international appliances, tea-towels, personal toiletries and clothing. In addition, student living at non-catered residences (all residences excluding Glenn College) should bring pots, pans, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils.
16. What if I have questions that have not been answered?
We are here to help you make the right decision, call us or refer to further details on this website.