Accommodation

Finding a place to live is an important part of settling into life at Southern Cross University, and we’re here to help you feel at home from day one.

At SCU, we recognise that where you live can shape your university experience - including your wellbeing, friendships, academic success and sense of belonging. That’s why we offer safe, inclusive UniLodge accommodation at our Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses, and provide information on trusted external housing options for students at our Gold Coast campus. 

Wherever you choose to live, our goal is simple: to ensure you feel welcomed, supported and connected throughout your Southern Cross journey.

Lismore College Village

On-campus accommodation

A range of on-campus accommodation options are available at residential colleges across the Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses. Apartments are modern and fully furnished, with their own kitchen, lounge, dining area and bathroom.

From movie nights and themed parties to study groups and cooking classes, life on-campus offers everything you need to make the most of your university experience.

You can book a tour of UniLodge accommodation by contacting the reception on the numbers below.

UniLodge Coffs Harbour

Southern Cross University Coffs Harbour campus is set among rolling hills and bushland at the heart of an innovation and education hub. The campus includes eateries and cafés, the library, student services, individual and group study spaces, a recreation hall and fitness centre as well as a stunning Health Sciences Building.

T: +61 2 5642 4920
E: scucoffsharbour@unilodge.com.au
Office hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

Learn more about Coffs UniLodge

UniLodge Lismore

Southern Cross University Lismore is set on acres of lush, sub-tropical rainforest with landscaped gardens and sporting fields. UniLodge SCU Lismore – Magellan has 4-bedroom apartments located on campus that are modern and fully furnished with fantastic residential and recreational facilities.

T: +61 2 5643 6203
E: sculismore@unilodge.com.au
Office hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

Learn more about Lismore UniLodge

Off-campus accommodation

UniStays

While living on-campus is one way to experience university, many students prefer to find their own accommodation to live a more independent lifestyle. UniStays is a free service that helps you find off-campus long and short-term accommodation options, such as share-houses, apartments and granny flats.

Visit the UniStays website to search and browse accommodation listings or add a listing of a rental you have to offer.

Learn more about Unistays

Other off-campus options

UniStays website (verified student accommodation listings)
Flatmates.com.au (shared accommodation)

Alternatively, search community/public listings:
- Realestate.com.au
- Domain.com.au
- Rent.com.au
- Aussie Homestay Network
- Gumtree Room share
- Local community or student Facebook group

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to your guide for finding accommodation while studying at SCU. Whether you’re looking for on-campus, off-campus, or temporary options, this FAQ has everything you need to get started.

At Southern Cross University, on-campus accommodation is available in Coffs Harbour and Lismore. For Gold Coast accommodation, check out the off-campus accommodation options. 

UNILODGE COFFS HARBOUR
📞 02 5642 4920
📧 coffsharbour@unilodge.com.au
🌐UniLodge Coffs Harbour

 

UNILODGE LISMORE
📞 02 5643 6203
📧 sculismore@unilodge.com.au
🌐 UniLodge Lismore

If accommodation is full, UniLodge will contact you when a room becomes available.

No, we do not offer on-campus accommodation at the Gold Coast. Instead, we offer support and guidance to help you find trusted external accommodation.

Yes, current residents are given renewal options at different times of the year.

If you missed out this time, you are able to go on a waitlist.

If on-campus options are unavailable, explore trusted off-campus accommodation section below.

Start with:

💡 Tip: Expand your search radius to nearby suburbs for more options. For example, when searching Coffs Harbour 2450, also add Sawtell/ Toormina (2452), Bellingen (2454), Urunga (2455), Emerald Beach/Woolgoolga/Arrawarra 2456 and so forth.

Average rent: $200–300 per week for a room in shared accommodation
Most rentals include:

  • Furnished rooms
  • Bills and internet (check with your provider)

Other accommodation types (such as studios, granny flats, or entire units) will generally cost more.

  • Arrange an in-person or virtual inspection with the property manager.
  • Review tenancy rights and responsibilities before signing:
  • Contact Atlas Lawyers for tenancy or bond advice (free SCU service for students).

🏡 UniStays Team:
📧 unistays@scu.edu.au
📞 1800 SC HELP (1800 72 4357) - Option 3

You can also reach out to Atlas Lawyers for tenancy support and refer to the NSW/QLD tenancy resources above (free SCU service for students).

Contact the Accommodation Officer

unistays@scu.edu.au Freecall 1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357 (option 3) Office hours: 8:30am - 1:30pm and 3pm - 5pm