Accommodation
Finding accommodation is one of the first things that students who move to Adelaide from a rural area or from interstate think about when moving to Adelaide to study. As a university student you have a range of options available. Here are some basic answers to questions you may have as well as essential information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accommodation is available?
There is a range of long-term accommodation available in Adelaide, varying in price, convenience, condition and type. Types of accommodation include:
- Student Apartments - ranging from one bedroom units for individuals to five bedroom apartments for families and groups. Each student has their own study/bedroom . There are apartment blocks close to each campus.
- Residential Colleges - provide a comfortable, supervised environment and include meals. Suitable for both local and international students
- Student Hostels - fully-furnished single rooms, normally with shared bathroom, kitchen, laundry and recreational facilities.
- private share accommodation, rented privately with other students or members of the community
- private properties rented exclusively by individual students - you rent and live by yourself
For further information visit the Accommodation web site.
Where are the Student Apartments?
Each set of Student Apartments are no more than a 5 minute walk from a UniSA campus. There are the UV Apartments near Mawson Lakes Campus, the Hartley Apartments near Magill Campus, Edge Townhouses, Tobin House and East West Apartments on North Terrace. The Whyalla Student Village is on Whyalla campus.
For further information visit the Accommodation website.
Where are the Residential Colleges?
There are six Residential Colleges in Adelaide, housing both male and female students. They are all located in North Adelaide, 10-15 minutes from the Central Business District. Residential Colleges provide furnished, single study bedrooms with meals, tutoring services, library facilities and computer access.
- Aquinas College (Telephone: 8334 5000)
- Australian Lutheran College (Telephone: 8267 7400)
- Kathleen Lumley College (Telephone: 8267 3270)
- Lincoln College (Telephone: 8290 6000)
- St Ann's College (Telephone: 8267 1478)
- St Mark's College (Telephone: 8334 5600)
For further information visit the Accommodation website.
Where are the Student Hostels?
Most student hostels are located in the suburbs of Adelaide, close to public transport.
For further information visit: the Accommodation website.
Can UniSA help me find rental accommodation?
The UniSA Accommodation website provides comprehensive details, including the Rental Database designed to make it easier for you to find affordable accommodation.
UniSA Student Guides are available during orientation to help you find a place to live, and provide practical advice about settling in Adelaide. They are on duty just before each Study Period in the Welcome Area on your home campus.
Accommodation Workshops are held just before each Study Period to guide you in finding accommodation and inform you of your rights and responsibilities when renting.
UniSA Accommodation Services can offer you advice and support if you are experiencing difficulties. Email the Service at accommodation@unisa.edu.au or phone 08 8302 0877 for an appointment.
For further information visit the Accommodation website.
Where else can I go to find rental accommodation?
Places to look:
- The Advertiser newspaper (daily except on Sunday, with most accommodation listed on Wednesday and Saturday)
- The Messenger newspaper - a free local weekly newspaper
- The Trading Post newspaper (weekly, out every Thursday, offers a large accommodation section)
- Real Estate Agents (in the Adelaide Yellow Pages telephone directory, or Yellow Pages online.)
- Notice-boards at the University, 'Community Information' boards at supermarkets, shopping centres and the Central Market
Is there any full board accommodation available?
There is a limited amount of private full board accommodation known as Home-stay. This is fully furnished room in a private home and includes food. To make enquiries contact the CELUSA Accommodation Officer on (08) 8302 1027 or email.
Where can I get further information?
For more information about accommodation options, transition scholarships, advice on renting, etc. visit the UniSA Accommodation Services website.
Download the 'Say G'day to Homestay' guide to homestay in Australia for international students (PDF 3.94MB - opens in a new window. Download Adobe Acrobat).
Commonly Used Terms
Residential Tenancy Agreement
A Residential Tenancy Agreement is a contract between you and your landlord, allowing you to live in accommodation owned by the landlord in exchange for rent. The agreement may be written or verbal. When you enter into a Residential Tenancy Agreement, your landlord must provide you with a copy of the Rental Tribunal Act 1995 Information Brochure.
Fixed Term Tenancy
A fixed term is the length of time agreed upon by both you and your landlord, for example, six or twelve months.
Periodic Tenancy
A periodic tenancy is for an indefinite length of time. To end a periodic tenancy, either you or your landlord must give notice in writing. Tenants usually have to give 21 days notice. The amount of notice that must be given by landlords varies depending on the reason for ending the tenancy.
Lease
A lease is a written Residential Tenancy Agreement signed by both you and your landlord. It may refer to either fixed term or periodic tenancy. You must both keep a copy of the signed lease.
Inspection Sheet
An Inspection Sheet is a record of the condition of your accommodation. Both you and the landlord will need to inspect your accommodation and make notes on the Inspection Form. You both do this before your tenancy begins and again when it ends. You must both keep a copy of the signed Inspection Sheet. The condition of the accommodation when you leave the tenancy may affect the refund of your security bond.
Security Bond
A security bond is an additional sum of money paid by you to the landlord at the beginning of your tenancy. It is usually the equivalent of four weeks rent. The landlord must send this money to the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, together with a Bond Lodgement Form signed by both of you. To get this money back at the end of your tenancy, both you and your landlord must sign a Claim for Refund of Security Bond Form. If you do not leave your accommodation in good condition, the landlord may claim money from the bond to cover the cost of cleaning and repairs.
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal is a government organisation which deals with disagreements between tenants and landlords. If you and your landlord have a disagreement about your tenancy, a Tenancy Officer can provide advice and follow up the issue. The Tribunal can hear the case and make a legally binding decision. There are no fees and you can represent yourself.
If you have trouble with your landlord, telephone the Consumer and Business Services - Tenancies Branch on 8204 9544, or visit the office at Level1, 91-97 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, for free and confidential advice. They will assist you with lodging any necessary forms such as 'An Application for an Order of the Tribunal'.
Commonly Used Abbreviations
|
Abbreviation |
Meaning |
Abbreviation |
Meaning |
Abbreviation |
Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
a/c |
air conditioning |
gge |
garage |
refurb |
refurbished |
|
adj |
adjacent |
g/flr |
ground Floor |
Rm |
room |
|
a/ptm |
apartment |
GPO |
General Post Office |
r/door |
roller door |
|
art deco |
1920s – 1930s style |
g.i. |
galvanised iron |
sep |
separate |
|
avail |
available |
i.g. |
in-ground |
spac. |
spacious |
|
b.i.r. |
built in robes |
kitch |
kitchen |
t/f |
timber frame |
|
BRs |
bedrooms |
laund |
laundry |
t-hse |
town house |
|
bthm |
bathroom |
lge |
large |
trans |
transport |
|
c/park |
carpark |
lnge |
lounge |
t/out |
throughout |
|
c/yard |
courtyard |
l.u. |
lock up |
u.m.r. |
under main roof |
|
cls |
close |
mais |
maisonette |
u/strs |
upstairs |
|
cnr |
corner |
priv |
private |
wwc |
wall to wall carpets |
|
comb |
combined |
p/flrs |
polished floors |
w.i.r. |
walk in robe |
|
c/port (c/pt) |
carport |
pol.boards |
polished floor boards |
wc |
toilet |
|
enc.yard |
enclosed yard |
r/c |
reverse cycle |
yd |
yard |
|
ens |
ensuite |
facs |
facilities |
y.o. |
year old |
|
+ exp |
plus expenses (e.g. telephone bill, electricity, etc.) |
||||