Choosing your accommodation is an important step in your transition to studying at CQUniversity. After you have accepted your offer, you should begin by preparing a budget and identifying what type of accommodation will best suit your needs.

Choosing the right type of housing can be challenging. It’s worth investigating all your options before signing a lease agreement or paying any money. Each accommodation option offers different benefits and costs. Rental prices will vary depending on which suburb you want to live in, the condition of the property and rental option you choose. Take time to explore all options!

On-campus accommodation

On-campus accommodation is available at CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea and CQUniversity Rockhampton North campuses.

The Mackay Student Residence boasts modern facilities with rooms available in block-style accommodation.

The Rockhampton Student Residence provides a caring and supportive community environment with accommodation for 320 male and female students. The residence is within easy walking distance to all facilities including academic buildings, library, sports centre, food outlets and shops.

For more information visit CQUniversity Student Residences.

Long-term accommodation

Apartments and Houses – If you'd prefer to live off-campus, good, reasonably priced, self-catering rental accommodation can be found close to the campus. Shared accommodation listings are advertised in local newspapers and on campus notice boards. Typically, students select furnished places to save the expense of buying furniture by browsing real estate websites. Keep in mind that apart from your weekly rent, utilities such as electricity, gas, water and telephone and internet services can be expected.

For those who decide to rent, tenancy agreements are usually for a fixed amount of time (such as 6 or 12 months). This agreement is a legal document, which sets out the conditions of rent, dates when the agreement starts and ends and the terms of the agreement. It is the tenants’ responsibility to keep the rented property in good condition.

It is highly recommended that you view the property before you sign a lease, therefore, you may need to wait until you are in Australia before arranging this type of accommodation.

Student Accommodation Complexes – Purposely built to cater for students, they are a popular accommodation option because they often offer a social atmosphere through organised social activities for residents. In most cases, you can rent a single furnished room in an apartment with shared kitchen, lounge and bathroom facilities. You can usually book this style of accommodation before you leave home.

Find out more about long-term accommodation near your campus.

Temporary accommodation

If you are unable to arrange your long-term accommodation prior to your arrival, you will need to book temporary accommodation for your first few days in Australia. We recommend that you arrange temporary accommodation for at least your first week to give you time to find, inspect and apply for your long-term accommodation.

Homestay

Students looking for short term and temporary accommodation (prior to making a decision on more permanent accommodation) are recommended to spend their first 4 weeks in hosted accommodation with the Australian Homestay Network (AHN).

This is the ideal introduction to the Australian way of life, with hosts trained in assisting students with everyday activities including being shown around the community, help with the basics of Australian culture, learning basics such as buying transport tickets, where the local shops are, how to access banking, internet, mobile phone and personal safety tips.