Question 1

When should I apply?

Accepted Answer

We recommend that you apply for accommodation at your preferred campus as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Applications are made online, and are all open from our Melbourne Campus Open Day

Question 2

Can I see the accommodation before I apply?

Accepted Answer

We encourage you to attend an Open Day or Experience La Trobe event, as it is a great opportunity to view the residential colleges as well as explore the university campus. If you can't attend these events please book a property inspection here.

Question 3

Do I need to be a full-time student to apply?

Accepted Answer

No, you just have to be enrolled at a tertiary institute in at least a part time capacity.

Question 4

Do I need to be a La Trobe University student?

Accepted Answer

Priority is given to La Trobe University students. If there are vacancies after first round offers, we are able to consider RMIT Bundoora students and students studying in the CBD (please keep in mind we are a 45 minute tram ride from the city).

Question 5

What if I have not received a first-round university offer to study at La Trobe?

Accepted Answer

If you hope to receive a study placement in second or third round offers, we can offer anyone who studies at a tertiary institute accommodation &ndash; please contact our team to let us know you are still interested in living at La Trobe and keep us informed if you do receive a study offer for that semester in a subsequent round.

Question 6

Can I apply for only one semester?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can apply for a semester contract.

Question 7

Can I pay by bank transfer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept payment by bank transfer. Once you have been accepted to stay in La Trobe Accommodation, you will receive information with your offer, including further details on how to pay your fees.

Question 8

Can I stay over the holiday period?

Accepted Answer

During the academic year, you are able to stay in your residence throughout the mid-year break. You will continue to pay rent for this period, regardless of whether you remain there or not, as rent is calculated based on a 44 weeks contract.

Question 9

What do I need to bring with me?

Accepted Answer

When you arrive, your room will be already furnished with a bed, mattress, desk and chair. You will need to provide your own linen. Beds are all king single beds*. You can customise your room with posters, pictures and decorations. If you would like a small bar fridge in your room, you are welcome to bring this also.

Essential items to bring with you are bed linen (sheets, pillow, doona, blankets), towels, washing powder, laundry basket, clothes hangers, tea-towels, personal toiletries and clothing.

If you are living in a self-catered residence, please note you will need to supply your own pots, pans, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils to use in the shared kitchen. In the kitchen area, you will also receive a shelf or cupboard which you can use to store these.

Due to fire safety regulations, kettles, toasters and hot-plates are not permitted in bedrooms: these are only be used in the designated kitchen areas.

Question 10

Is wireless internet available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have unlimited Wi-Fi at this property and wireless internet through the building.

Question 11

Are there any bicycle bays available?

Accepted Answer

There is a bicycle storage cage located in the South Apartments complex.

Question 12

Am I allowed to have visitors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are allowed to have visitors visiting you, however visitors are not allowed to remain in the residential precinct between 10:00pm and 8:00am.

Question 13

Am I allowed to have guests stay overnight?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are allowed to have guests stay overnight with you. You must submit a request through your StarRez portal 48 hours prior to the guests&rsquo; arrival. Guests are only permitted to stay for 2 consecutive nights.

Question 14

Is there an application fee?

Accepted Answer

No, you can apply to live at La Trobe University North and South Apartments for free.

Question 15

Do I have to pay all my rent upfront?

Accepted Answer

No. In order to secure a room/apartment, you must pay a security deposit of &#36;1000.00 before you check-in.

Question 16

Is there a cancellation fee once I have secured an apartment?

Accepted Answer

No cancellation fee applies if you cancel before the rental agreement commences.

Question 17

What hours is reception open?

Accepted Answer

Our reception desk is open between the hours of 7:00am to 6:00pm 7 days a week, with a Night Manager on duty from 3:00pm to 7:00am.

Question 18

Are the rooms serviced?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our studio bathrooms and shared kitchens and bathrooms are cleaned weekly. There are also vacuum cleaners available at reception to hire.

Question 19

Do I need to organise my own contents insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is not included in your rental payments.

Question 20

Do I need to purchase a mattress protector?

Accepted Answer

No, mattress protectors are provided.

Question 21

How do I reserve a room?

Accepted Answer

To reserve a room, simply complete the online application here. Once we have received your application, we will send you a letter of offer. To accept this offer you will be required to pay a bond payment of &#36;1000. If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Question 22

Are meals provided?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide meals, however there is breakfast and dinner catering options available at an additional cost.

Question 23

What electricity cost am I responsible for?

Accepted Answer

Electricity, gas and water are all included in the rent.

Question 24

How and when is rent payable?

Accepted Answer

Each resident will be given access to the residents&rsquo; portal when you check-in. You can pay your rent via this portal, via bank transfer, or make payment at reception with a debit or credit card. Please note your rent is payable fortnightly.

Question 25

What do I do if I, or my family need somewhere to stay prior to checking into UniLodge?

Accepted Answer

If you or your family need somewhere to stay for a couple of nights to a week, or rest your head after coming in from a late-night flight then why not book at Essence Hotel Carlton. Offering comfortable rooms that give you the freedom to relax in a place away from home.

Question 26

What are your check-in times and days?

Accepted Answer

Residents are able to check-in after 2pm on their contract start date. Please let reception know when you expect to check-in.

Question 27

What kind of contracts are on offer?

Accepted Answer

22-week and 44-week contracts are available, commencing in February and July.

Question 28

What does my rent include?

Accepted Answer

A fully furnished apartment, all utilities are included, access to unlimited internet and Wi-Fi, use of our common facilities and ability to participate in our Residential Life Program.

Question 29

Do you have car parking facilities?

Accepted Answer

There is free parking available outside the hours of Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm. If you wish to park your car during these times, residents of will require a valid car parking permit.

Question 30

When do I pay my rent?

Accepted Answer

Rent is charged per fortnight &ndash; you will receive a charge on the first business day of each fortnight. If you would prefer to pay for a whole semester, or a year in advance, please visit the Living at La Trobe office to discuss.

Question 31

Can I receive mail and packages whilst staying at the property?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. Mail can be collected from the reception office and parcels can be collected from Australia Post in Agora.

Question 32

What do I need to buy before I can move in?

Accepted Answer

When you arrive, your room will be already furnished with a bed, mattress, desk and chair. You will need to provide your own linen. Beds are king single beds in North and South Apartments.

You can customise your room with posters, pictures and decorations. If you would like a small bar fridge in your room, you are welcome to bring one. Essential items to bring with you are bed linen (sheets, pillow, doona, blankets), towels, washing powder, laundry basket, clothes hangers, tea-towels, personal toiletries and clothing.

Question 33

How close is the nearest supermarket?

Accepted Answer

There is an IGA supermarket on campus in the Agora.  Woolworths is located at Polaris Shopping Centre which is a 4 minute drive.

Question 34

If I really want to move apartments/rooms after I move in - is that possible?

Accepted Answer

You can move into a different apartment/room after you move in, however you will be subject to the &#36;85 room move fee. You will need to contact us so we can determine if there is any availability for you to move.

Question 35

Can I move out and break my lease?

Accepted Answer

If you wish to terminate your lease early, you will need to pay a departure cleaning fee of &#36;130, a cancellation fee equivalent to four (4) weeks rental fees and your bond payment of &#36;1000 will be forfeited.

Question 36

Is there extra storage outside my apartment?

Accepted Answer

Beds are designed a little higher so you can put luggage under them however there is no additional storage outside of your room. If you have items you wish to store you will need to contact a local storage service provider.

Question 37

How do I connect the internet/phone?

Accepted Answer

There is no phone in the room. For internet, please refer to the troubleshooting guide if you are having issues with connection of your internet, otherwise La Trobe University ICT can be contacted between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Question 38

What is a Bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond is a payment that acts as security against the resident meeting the terms of their residence agreement.

Question 39

How much is the Bond?

Accepted Answer

The bond is &#36;1000.00.

Question 40

What is a Condition Report?

Accepted Answer

Upon arrival we must prepare a &lsquo;Condition Report&rsquo;, which records the property&rsquo;s general condition, including fittings and fixtures and present you with two (2) copies of this Report when you collect your keys.

Review and, if necessary, add your comments to the &lsquo;Condition Report&rsquo;. You must return the report to UniLodge within three (3) business days of moving in and you should keep a copy of the &lsquo;Condition Report&rsquo; until the end of the tenancy.

The &lsquo;Condition Report&rsquo; is a very important document, as it can be used as evidence if there is a dispute about who should pay for cleaning, damage, or replacement of missing items, particularly at the end of a tenancy.

You may want to take photos of your apartment at the start of your tenancy to further show the condition.

The owner may claim some or the entire bond for cleaning, damage, or replacement of missing items at the end of your tenancy. If the &lsquo;Condition Report&rsquo; stated that the work was required at the start of the residence agreement, or the items were not listed, it can help you prove the bond should be returned to you.

Question 41

I am vacating, can I use the Bond for my last month's rent?

Accepted Answer

Your bond and rent are separate payments. You are required to pay rent in the specified way up to and including the date of your departure.

Question 42

What happens when I vacate?

Accepted Answer

You need to leave your apartment clean and tidy in the same condition as when you arrived, ensure all personal items have been removed and report any damage that may have been caused during your tenancy. This allows for a speedy bond resolution. UniLodge offer a prepaid service for departure cleaning to assist residents.

Question 43

How do I receive my Bond back?

Accepted Answer

You will need to complete a bond refund form either in person or via the StarRez Portal. Your bond payment will be refunded within 21 business days of your contract end date to the nominated bank account specified on your bond refund form.

Question 44

Who do I contact in an emergency or after hours?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the Night Manager on duty on 0423 162 672.

Question 45

Paying the Bond?

Accepted Answer

You are required to pay the bond deposit when accepting your letter of offer. Need more information? Contact our team!

Question 46

Who can apply to stay at a Living at La Trobe property?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility criteria: All Students aged 18 and over, who are enrolled in a La Trobe University (or La Trobe College Australia, RMIT University or Wodonga Institute of TAFE) course of study are eligible to apply to live at Living at La Trobe.