International Students

Many international students arrive in Australia to study at La Trobe University and may struggle to make friends or become familiar with their surroundings in the short time before class commences. It can be tough arriving in a foreign country, moving into a new residence and trying not only to work out class timetables and locations of lecture halls, but also just to find the nearest grocery store. The Division of Residential Services (DRS), hosts a range of programs aimed at alleviating the transitional difficulties of arriving and studying at La Trobe University.

International Orientation Program

The Division of Residential Services (DRS) welcomes all new international students to life on residence. A week long program in conjunction with La Trobe's' International welcome program is run to assist all our newly arrived international residents in meeting new people and making friends. DRS encourage all newly arrived residents both domestic and international to join in throughout the week for some free food and fun activities!

International News, Semester 2, 2009

Down Under Program

Many international students arrive in Australia to study at La Trobe University and struggle to make friends or become familiar with their surroundings in the short time before class commences. It can be tough arriving in a foreign country, moving into a new residence and trying not only to work out class timetables and locations of lecture halls, but also just to find the nearest grocery store. The Down Under Program, hosted by the Division of Residential Services, aims to alleviate transitional difficulties by providing international students with the opportunity to get involved with local students, meet other international students and participate in an education program designed to give a broad introduction to Australian life.

Down Under Program, Semester 2, 2009

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

On-campus Accommodation FAQ

Is every new international student guaranteed on-campus accommodation?

No. The demand for on-campus accommodation is always high, so students are advised to apply as early as they can. For second semester 2009 some on-campus rooms are available. Colleges do not give preference to international students, but rather strive for a good mix of both Australian and international students each semester.

When is the best time to apply for on-campus accommodation?

As soon as you have paid your tuition fee deposit! The sooner you submit your application, the higher you will be on the college lists. An early application shows your enthusiasm to stay in the college and will help you be in front of the hundreds of students applying after you. Students cannot apply for a college room until the tuition fee deposit has been paid (or health insurance in the case of exchange students not from Sweden or Norway).

If I submit an on-campus college application form, does that mean I have receiveds a room?

No. As there are far more students applying for a college room than there are rooms available, submitting an application does not guarantee a room. It simply means you will be placed on a list and assessed if a room becomes available. In some instances however, if a college is completely full and there are some rooms available at another college, LTI will ask that the application be sent to another college in the hope of securing a room for you.

When will I know if I have received a room on-campus?

If you have received a room, you will either receive an email from the college, or correspondence from LTI (usually by e-mail). This will depend on when you will be departing for Melbourne and whether the college email is likely to reach you in time.

What do I need to submit with my college application?

Copy of your offer letter to study at La Trobe University
Copy of your Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE)

How do I submit my college application?

All colleges have online application forms. This helps LTI keep track of the status of applications, advise students if a room becomes available and assist in the booking of airport reception.

If I receive a room on-campus, will I be able to move in immediately upon arrival?

Generally, yes. The college will do it's best to have a room ready for your arrival however there may be some cases where this is not possible. If you will be arriving a lot earlier than the commencement of orientation it may be necessary to book temporary accommodation for a length of time. It is important that you advise LTI of your arrival date so this can be determined. However, you should assume that you be able to move in immediately unless contacted by the college or LTI to advise otherwise.

If I accept my room on-campus, can I move in temporarily and then decide if I would like to stay permanently?

No. Many students miss out on a room each semester and then have to search for alternative accommodation, unlike those lucky enough to receive a room. All colleges would like students to either make a commitment to the college for at least one semester, or otherwise advise them before accepting the room so they can offer it to another student. Students should research as much as they can about the colleges to be able to make an informed decision as to whether the college will be suitable for them. The college web sites are an excellent source of information:

Menzies College
Chisholm College
Glenn College

What happens if I do not receive a room on-campus?

Your name will be placed on the waiting list until a room becomes available. However if a room has not become available before leaving your home country, the chances of a room becoming available are very small. LTI can arrange temporary accommodation for your arrival, and then you can check with the colleges directly every few days or so if there is any change. If not, you will then have to look for alternative accommodation.

How do I apply for the University Lodge or Graduate House?

Students can only apply online for these properties once flight details are confirmed. LTI will contact you if a room has been confirmed for you.

Can I apply for a Barnes Way /Waterdale flat before I arrive in Melbourne?

No. If there are any vacant rooms in a La Trobe University flat, the students who currently live in that flat will place an advertisement at the Housing Office seeking someone to rent the room. These students will ‘interview' the prospective student to determine if they will be suitable for their flat. However, you can look at the La Trobe Residential Services Office website to see what sort of accommodation is available.

What role does La Trobe International take in regards to on-campus accommodation?

LTI is only responsible for the coordination of new international student arrivals. This involves sending applications to the relevant colleges, checking on the status of applications and advising students of the outcomes. LTI has no influence over which students will receive rooms as all colleges make their own decisions.

Off-Campus Accommodation FAQs

If I don't receive a room on-campus, where do I start looking for off-campus accommodation?

You can actually begin searching before you reach Melbourne. You can find a range of information about off-campus accommodation at the La Trobe Accommodation Services Office website.

Is off-campus accommodation more expensive than on-campus accommodation?

Many factors will influence this. Although the weekly rental price may appear a lot cheaper than the colleges, you will have to consider the cost of furniture, amenity bills, transport, how many people are sharing to reduce costs etc. Consult the pre-departure guide, where we have estimated annual costs, and compared different accommodation types.

Is it easy to find and organise off-campus accommodation?

This depends on how well organised you are and what you are looking for. The Housing Office on-campus generally has a large listing of rental properties at any given time so you should visit the office regularly to look at new listings. Use the time you have before orientation week or after orientation activities have finished each day to look at as many properties as you can. Many students also refer to local Real Estate agents for rental listings. It is important for you to understand that some effort is required to find suitable accommodation.

This is my first time in Melbourne, therefore how am I meant to find my way around to look at rental properties?

Justifiably, to most students the task may appear very daunting but if you have travelled half way around the world to get to La Trobe, scouring the local neighbourhoods for a home should be a piece of cake! Buy yourself a ‘Melways' (a very useful street directory) and become familiar with Melbourne’s transportation system. LTI staff are always happy to assist students with information on how to get about Bundoora and its surrounds. During orientation there will be a ‘Student Host' assigned to assist new students with this and other issues.

If I find a rental property, what next?

You will not be left on your own to figure out how the renting system works in Australia. The real estate agent should give you a lot of information about your rights and obligations when renting the property. Another excellent source of information is Student Accommodation Services on-campus. During the Welcome Festival there is also a special information session on Housing and How to Find it scheduled.

What role does La Trobe International take in regards to off-campus accommodation?

LTI cannot assist students looking for off-campus accommodation. Although LTI is concerned about the welfare of international students and is able to provide basic 'tips' on looking for something off-campus, the Student Accommodation Service on-campus receives all advertisements for properties available to rent and have staff equipped with the knowledge of being able to assist students.

Temporary Accommodation FAQs

How do I organise temporary accommodation for my arrival?

Once you have your flight details confirmed and would like temporary accommodation organised, you need to either book online using the booking forms (please do not use the How to Apply online booking facility on the College or Apartment websites, as these are for long-term accommodation bookings only) or you can e-mail LTI with your temporary accommodation enquiries.

Will I receive my first preference?

Not always. Although every effort will be made to ensure you will get your first preference, you will be booked into whatever is available on the date of your arrival. If you arrive late in first semester, temporary accommodation is very scarce due to the Formula One Grand Prix and the International Motor Show.

How many nights will I be booked in?

If you do not specify the number of nights a room is required, LTI will generally try to book a room for at least a week (depending on availability). If you do specify the number of nights, this request cannot always be assured due to availability.

If I organise temporary accommodation through La Trobe International and do not move into my temporary room, will there be a penalty?

If LTI has booked you into a temporary room, this room cannot be allocated to another student. Therefore if you do not stay in this room, you may be asked to pay for the first night's stay (this varies from property to property). Please have the courtesy to inform LTI if your plans change.

How many days notice must I give LTI to arrange temporary accommodation for me?

You should give LTI at least one week's notice prior to your departure to make suitable arrangements. If you submit your request a day or two before, arrangements cannot be guaranteed.

If I still haven't found permanent accommodation and I must vacate my temporary room, what should I do?

La Trobe Accommodation Services on-campus can assist in finding more temporary accommodation for you.
For further information regarding housing options, please visit the La Trobe Accommodation Services Office website.