What Should Parents Look for in Student Accommodation?
There was probably a time you could hardly imagine letting your child walk to the local store by themselves. Then, suddenly, here you are, reading a parent's guide to student housing, faced with the reality of a whole new era of their independence.
No matter how grown-up and sensible your child has become, the move to university is a milestone that can fill any parent with a mix of pride, excitement, and worry.
Choosing student accommodation is about striking the perfect balance between independence for students and reassurance for families. UniLodge provides the comfort and support every student needs when they leave home, with the freedom to allow them to own their independence.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Why Choosing the Right Accommodation Matters
- Safety and Security Should Be a Top Priority
- Facilities That Support Both Study and Lifestyle
- Location and Proximity to Universities
- The Importance of Community and Student Support
- Balancing Affordability With Value
- Questions Every Parent Should Ask Before Booking
- Why UniLodge is a Trusted Choice for Parents
Why Choosing the Right Accommodation Matters
Finding out how to choose student accommodation for your child is pivotal. It’s not just about providing an (affordable) roof over their head; it’s about creating an environment they feel safe, supported and set up. It’s where they’ll pore over lecture notes, pull all-nighters, and come to the inevitable realisation that no, you cannot survive on bubble tea alone. They’ll laugh themselves silly with people who will become best friends and forge memories that will last a lifetime.
The best student accommodation doesn’t just house a student, it's the backdrop for their entire uni experience. That means their academic success and overall wellbeing. It supports healthy study habits, fosters social connections and ensures peace of mind. It provides a stable base, an in-built community and the support structure to make them feel like someone has their back..
Safety and Security Should Be a Top Priority
When your child moves out, you want to know they’re safe. It’s a non-negotiable. That’s why all student accommodation should have safeguards in place. When deciding how to choose student accommodation, look for inclusions like:
- 24/7 security
- Keycard access
- CCTV in communal areas
- On-site support staff
It’s also worth asking about practical stuff like fire safety systems, secure entry points and what kind of support is available to students after hours.
At UniLodge, the safety of our residents is really important to us, and it’s at the forefront of everything we do. We have decades of experience in creating secure, monitored environments and establishing safety protocols and procedures. This way, students are free to focus on their studies and social life. Likewise, you can relax knowing the basics are covered and help is available (if they need it).
Facilities That Support Both Study and Lifestyle
Today’s student lifestyle isn’t just books, lectures, and cramming. It’s hybrid classes, content creation, side hustles, late-night group projects, and needing a community around them when homesickness hits.
Beyond a bed and desk, students need the right mix of facilities to study, socialise, and do their laundry! As a parent's guide to student housing, you should look for accommodation that covers all the basics of independent student living, including:
- Quiet study areas
- Kitchen for cooking meals
- Laundry facilities
- Gyms
- Communal areas to relax, like lounges, cinema rooms and games areas
- On-site staff
- Secure mail and parcel delivery
UniLodge has spent decades perfecting the right combination of facilities, so students can focus on their studies, enjoy their social life and manage life admin without it being overwhelming.
Location and Proximity to Universities
Location matters. Being close to campus means less time commuting and more time for study, friends, or sleeping in! It also eases safety worries, with shorter walks home after late classes or group projects. When deciding how to choose student accommodation, a good location should put your child within easy reach of:
- Campus
- Supermarkets
- Public transport
- Healthcare services.
UniLodge properties are carefully selected to place students near or within the surrounding universities and colleges. Each location is also close to a range of everyday needs and lifestyle perks.
UniLodge is also the trusted partner to many major universities, managing their on-campus accommodation. From Curtin University in Perth to James Cook University in Queensland, the University of Melbourne, La Trobe in Sydney and even the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, NZ, UniLodge provides unbeatable on-campus accommodation.
The Importance of Community and Student Support
Student accommodation should be more than a place to sleep and do your laundry. With residents hailing all over the world, it’s essential to have wellbeing initiatives, mentorship programs, and social activities available so students can settle in, make friends, and feel connected to their community. UniLodge’s Residential Life program provides planned social events, skill-building workshops and support networks to help all residents connect and thrive.
Balancing Affordability With Value
Affordability doesn’t have to mean cutting corners on comfort or safety.
Parents of UniLodge residents can feel confident knowing students are living in secure, well-maintained spaces without hidden costs.
What is included in UniLodge rent? UniLodge makes budgeting simple with an all-inclusive rent model, covering utilities, WiFi, air conditioning and unlimited use of communal facilities, so students and families know exactly what they’re paying each month.
With a range of accommodation options to suit different financial situations, UniLodge offers transparency, reliability and value, proving that students can live well, close to campus, focus on their studies, and enjoy their university life, all without breaking the bank.
Questions Every Parent Should Ask Before Booking
Before booking accommodation for your student, use our student accommodation guide checklist to compare providers and make an informed decision. Here are a few key questions you can ask to help guide your decision:
- What is included in the rent?
- Who provides support if my child gets sick or needs help?
- Is public transport available nearby?
- Are leases flexible if plans change?
- What safety measures are in place at the building?
- Are there spaces for study, cooking meals and doing laundry?
- Can packages and mail be received securely?
- What community and wellbeing programs are available?
For general enquiries about UniLodge, you can contact our head office team, who’ll be happy to assist you with any questions you may have. If your question is about a specific property, such as availability, facilities, or day-to-day details, it’s best to contact the property directly.
Why UniLodge is a Trusted Choice for Parents
If you’re wondering, is UniLodge a good option for my child? Absolutely, it is.
UniLodge balances the empowerment of independence with the comfort of support. Every one of our properties is designed to enrich each student’s learning experience, with secure, modern buildings, study-friendly spaces, social programs, and staff who are there when needed. Explore UniLodge properties today and ensure your child experiences a safe and supported university adventure.
Have questions? We’re here. Get in touch with our team.