• Site Map
• Campus Map
• A-Z Index
• Staff Intranet
• Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions below are often asked by students and their families regarding University managed housing, and general renting in the Wollongong area.

University Managed Housing

• When do I have to apply for accommodation?

  In previous years, we have experienced a very high demand to live @ UOW. Applications for University accommodation close on November 30th for entry in the Autumn Session or March intake of the following year, and we strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible. For those students commencing in the Spring Session or July intake, the closing date for applications is May 1st.

  If your application is received after the closing date, it will be considered late, and will be dealt with only after those received by the closing date have been considered. Students enrolling in Wollongong College Australia (WCA) to undertake language, foundation or other University entrance courses should lodge their applications as early as possible prior to their course commencement, but should be aware that places in the residences are subject to availability.

• Should I wait to get an offer from the University before applying for accommodation?
  The short answer is "NO". Do not wait until you receive a confirmed place of admission to the University of Wollongong. If you are thinking of attending the University of Wollongong, complete your accommodation application when you apply for your course. The application fee is a comparatively small investment compared to the cost of searching for accommodation after you have commenced your studies.
• How do I apply?
  You may apply online at http://apply-accom.uow.edu.au/. We encourage all applicants to apply online, as this method prevents paperwork being lost in the post or lost by a courier.
• Is the application fee refundable if I change my mind or don’t get a place at the University of Wollongong?
  No. The application fee covers the costs associated with processing your application.
• What are my chances of getting a room in the University residences?
  There is a growing trend of more applications than there are places available. The University cannot guarantee housing, and an application is simply that – an application. It does not mean that you will automatically get a room. You need to do your research and have other options to fall back on. You can access listings of available off-campus rental accommodation on line at our website. The University of Wollongong has accommodation agreements with some of its partner Universities overseas. Students from these Universities who are participating in Study Abroad or Exchange programs should check with their advisors about accommodation agreements.
• If my application is successful, will I get my first choice?
  The residences strive to place applicants in their first choice for housing. This is not guaranteed, as places are limited, and applicants who have lived in the residences before may get preference. If you are not placed in your first preference, your application is moved on to your second preference.
• Can I change my preferences?
  Yes. You may change your preferences for accommodation by emailing us at accomapp@uow.edu.au. You need to be aware that a request for change does not automatically mean you will be placed in your preference.
• When will I know if I have a place in University Accommodation?
  Offers for applicants who are returning to the Residence(s), and offers for first time International applicants are usually made in mid December. This may vary slightly from residence to residence. Offers for new domestic applicants are generally made in January, at approximately the same time that course offers are made. Offers are ongoing up until the commencement of the housing contract and are made at the discretion of the Student Residence Manager.
• Do I have to have an interview?
  None of the residences require applicants to attend an interview.
• What can I have in my room?
  Residents are encouraged to make their rooms comfortable. If you are made an offer for accommodation, you will be given a list of essentials that you will need to bring with you. Feel free to decorate with posters, photographs of family and friends, or indoor plants. You may have a small bar fridge in your room, your stereo or computer. You may not paint the room, or drive nails, screws or hooks into the walls/fixtures, or use sticky tape.
• Can I have pets?
  No. Pets are not allowed for hygiene reasons. Goldfish may be considered, but you should seek advice from the staff at the residence you live in.
• Are there security issues that I should be aware of?
  Should your application for accommodation be successful, you will be living in an adult community, and with that comes some responsibility. Your own personal security and often the security of your unit mates and/or roommate should be something you consider carefully. The onus is on the resident to keep his or her bedroom door and window locked whenever s/he is not in the room. Unit entry doors should be locked when residents are not at home. Residents living in apartment style University accommodation should reach an agreement with unit mates regarding issues of security.
• What are the costs, and how do I pay my fees?
  Please see the appropriate section of our website for information regarding fees and payments.
• Will I have a phone and internet connection in my room?
  Not all rooms have individual telephone and internet connections. Please see the section of the website that is appropriate to the residence(s) you are considering.

Private Rental Accommodation

A hard copy of "The Renting Guide" is available from Accommodation Services.
You can also read the information online in the English version, or in the other community languages.

• When should I start looking for private rental accommodation?
  If you want to live in private rental accommodation, you should plan to arrive in Wollongong around the middle or end of January. Most rental properties are let by the end of February. If you are commencing in second semester, then plan to arrive between the middle of June and the end of July.
• What is the standard lease time frame?
  The majority of leases are valid for 6 months, and have a continuing agreement clause. This means that it is not necessary to renew the lease after the initial six months if both the landlord and the tenant are in agreement. Under the terms of a continuing agreement, the lease will run from week to week, or fortnight to fortnight - but you should check with your landlord or real estate agent.
• Can I leave before my lease expires?
  You should give your landlord or real estate agent notice to quit, which is a letter advising that you want to vacate the premises. Generally, there is a penalty for breaking the lease, and you may be required to pay rent until a new tenant is found.
• Do apartments/units come with furniture?
  Some rental properties may be partly or fully furnished. The majority are not furnished, and you will need to supply your own.
• What do I pay for?
  You need to be prepared to pay: Bond (this is usually 4 weeks rent + 2 weeks rent in advance), electricity and gas connection fees, and any subsequent bills, telephone connection fee and any subsequent bills, cleaning costs when you vacate the premises. You will also be required to pay for any repairs for damages caused whilst you are living in the property.