FAQs

If you're new to living on-campus, information can be something of an overload. Read through some of our frequently asked questions and answers for help.

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1. Can anyone apply to live on campus?

To be eligible to apply you must live more than 100km distance from the University of Newcastle and applied to become a full-time student or are enrolled in full-time study at the University of Newcastle. Please note that a majority of our residents are aged between 18 - 22 and our on-campus facilities do not support applicants with dependent children and do not provide targeted services for people over the age of 25 years.

2. How do I apply to live on-campus?

All applications must be made by completing an online application form via the Accommodation Portal. Find out more about how to apply.

3. When do applications for on-campus accommodation open?

Applications for 2014 open 1 October 2013 and must be made online.

4. Should I apply for accommodation if I have not received an offer to study at the University of Newcastle?

Demand for on-campus accommodation is high so we encourage applications to be lodged as soon as possible. This would mean, prior to you receiving your University offer. All fees/payments except for the application fee are refundable on presentation of supporting documentation of not gaining acceptance into the University.

5. How do I get a login ID and password to make an online application for accommodation?

If it is the first time you have made an application for accommodation, you need to go to the Accommodation Portal and 'register' for a login ID and password. Click on the 'Register' tab to enter your details and generate your login for future use.

6. I have forgotten my login ID and password for the online Accommodation Portal, what do I do?

Email your full name, student number and date of birth to AccommodationServices@newcastle.edu.au and we will email your login ID and password. Please do not register again as this will create multiple entries in our database and will affect the processing of your application.

7. How do I choose the College that will suit me best?

It is recommended that you think carefully about how many people you want to live with, how much cooking you would like to do and what facilities you desire. Find out more about our Colleges and it may also be beneficial to talk to past and current residents.

8. Do I have to make a separate application for the different Colleges?

No, you can only make ONE application, with an option to nominate a college as a first preference. If application is unsuccessful for your preference, or if that College is full, your application will be automatically forwarded to the next available College.

9. Can I visit the accommodation facilities before making my application?

You can contact Accommodation Services office to book an accommodation tour at any time during the year or you may wish to visit us at the University Open Day.

10. Are there any male only or female only accommodation areas?

No, all accommodation is mixed gender.

11. Can I defer an offer for on-campus accommodation?

No, if you are offered a spot on campus it is only for the current year. If you defer your university course you will need to reapply for accommodation when you choose to start your course.

12. I have already submitted my accommodation application, can I make any changes to my personal details or preferences?

Once you have completed you application you cannot make any changes via the website. If you would like to change your preferences or any other details, please email AccommodationServices@newcastle.edu.au

13. When will I have to pay the application fee, acceptance fees, bond and rent in advance?

The application fee is payable upon submission of the application.
The acceptance fees, consisting of the Community Program Fee, Building Levy and the Single Semester Fee (if applicable) are payable within 5 days of receiving an offer.
The bond and rent in advance will become payable in late December - early January. This will be communicated to successful applicants prior to arrival to campus.

14. What are the total fees and charges I need to pay to accept my offer to live on-campus?

After paying the application fee and receiving an offer of accommodation, you will be asked to log into the Accommodation Portal, accept the terms of the Residential Contract and pay the applicable acceptance fees. View the Fees Schedule for a complete list of fees and charges.

15. How do I pay for my weekly accommodation fees?

Your weekly accommodation fees are paid by Direct Debit. All residents are required to sign up to a Direct Debit Authority allowing Accommodation Services to deduct your account on predetermined, fortnightly Direct Debit dates. You can also pay your account via the online Accommodation Portal in advance of these dates if you with to make bulk payments.

16. If my application for on-campus accommodation is not successful, what other options do I have?

Accommodation Services offers free assistance to all University of Newcastle students wanting to organise off-campus accommodation by providing information about rental accommodation and maintains an interactive database of current off-campus accommodation options. Find out more about our off-campus accommodation service.

17. When will I be notified if I am offered a position to live on-campus?

We aim to notify successful applicants as soon as possible to enable unsuccessful applicants an opportunity to find alternative accommodation.

18. What happens to my application fee if I am not selected for on-campus accommodation?

The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid at time of making an application online to complete and validate your application.

19. Can I stay on-campus for my entire university degree?

Application to live on-campus can be made on an annual basis or by semester. Relevant application and acceptance fees will be applied with each application and applications must be made online following the application process.

20. I have special dietary requirement, is this catered for in catered accommodation?

If you choose catered accommodation a majority of special dietary requirements are catered for, just let us know before arriving so that our kitchen can accommodation you.

21. Is Halal food catered for and included in the fees for catered accommodation?

If residents adhere to a Halal diet, it may be preferable to stay in self-catered accommodation. There are butchers within in the Newcastle area that provide Halal meats. The caterers for the catered accommodation ensure that all chicken meats is Halal, but do not provide Halal lamb or beef.

22. Can I bring a car to college?

Yes, however to park within the residential colleges you will need to obtain a residential parking permit. These permits for 2013 cost $148.40 for a full year and $74.20 for a half year only (Callaghan campus). Blue Gum House at Central Coast campus has its own car park with no charge parking.

23. Is it ok for my friends or family to visit me?

Friends and family are welcome to visit, please read the Visitor and Guest policy within the Residential by Laws.

24. What happens if I choose to move off campus before the end of the year?

If you choose to move off campus before the end of your contract period, you must abide by the terms and conditions of your agreement. You are required to provide two weeks' notice and pay a termination fee. If you do not provide two weeks' notice you will need to pay this rent in lieu.

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