Expressions of interest needed for student accommodation

As more than 6000 students prepare to study at Southern Cross University campuses at the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour for Session 1, the search is on for appropriate rental accommodation.

A number of international and domestic students will be seeking accommodation in private homes, units, flats and rental houses. Members of the community who have a room to spare or a dwelling to rent out are invited to contact their local UniLife accommodation officer or register as an accommodation provider and submit their listing online at unistays.scu.edu.au/

“From simply renting out a room in your house to sharing your home with a student can be a rewarding experience and provide wonderful insights into other cultures,” UniLife’s Senior Manager Erin Miller said.

“Renting rooms can bring welcome additional income or bring youthful excitement back to your house each night.”

The three campuses attract a number of international students with varying lengths of stay. These may range between six weeks and four months or longer so shorter term leases and other flexible arrangements are helpful.

“The beginning of February marks the University’s peak period for student arrivals, and most will want to be settled in suitable accommodation prior to the start of orientation on February 15,” Ms Miller said.

Southern Cross University’s UniLife is currently implementing a new and improved online accommodation service. The enhanced service, UniStays, will benefit both students and providers with greater user efficiency and the opportunity for providers to upload photographs of their dwellings. The site will also have contemporary functions like Google Maps. The new service is due to go ‘live’ by mid-February 2012.

Ideal properties at the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour are either in close proximity to public transport routes or within a reasonable walking distance to the University’s campuses.

Expressions of interest in supplying student accommodation can be made by contacting the appropriate UniLife accommodation officer at the Gold Coast on 07 5589 3001, in Lismore on 02 6620 3220 or at Coffs Harbour on 02 6620 3220 or alternatively by email on accomm@scu.edu.au.

Southern Cross University also offers a range of affordable on-campus accommodation options. At the Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses, SCU Village provides a range of fully furnished apartments located minutes from classes. The Villages are focused on enhancing the resident experience, offering an extensive residential life program at each location, and recently refurbished common areas at the Lismore Village.

Photo: University students will be looking for suitable accommodation this session. Picture: Courtesy of Campus Living Villages.