La Trobe University - Chisholm College
Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

No. In order to secure a room/apartment, you must pay a security deposit of $1000.00 and $130.00 departure cleaning fee before you check-in.

No, you can apply to live at La Trobe University - Chisholm College for free.

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.

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

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).

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 – 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.

Yes, you can apply for a semester contract. To extend your stay into Semester 2, you must apply for a Semester 2 contract.

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

If you have an academic contract, you can stay in your residence during the mid-year break. Rent applies for this period regardless of your presence.

Yes. This is not included in your rental payments.

Our reception desk is open every day (including public holidays) from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, with a Night Manager on duty from 3:00 pm to 7:00 am. 

No, mattress protectors are provided.

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

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 $1000 and a departure cleaning fee of $130. If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

20-week, 41-week and 52-week contracts are available, commencing in February and July.

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.

La Trobe University offers parking across campus, including near accommodation. A parking permit is required Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm. Parking is free outside these hours. 

Each resident has access to a residential portal where rent can be paid. Alternatively, payments can be made at reception using a debit or credit card. Rent is charged fortnightly on Mondays, according to the rental calendar.

We accept letters on your behalf.  Reception will contact you when we have a letter for you to pick up, otherwise feel free to call past reception and check for any mail during office hours. Please note, there is a restriction on the type and size of mail we can accept.

Your room comes furnished with a king single bed, mattress, desk, and chair. You’ll need to bring your own linen and personal items. 

In self-catered residences, bring your own cookware and utensils for the shared kitchen, where you’ll have storage space. 

Kettles, toasters, and hot plates are only allowed in kitchen areas for safety reasons. 

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

A bond is a security payment of $1,000.00 that ensures residents fulfill the terms of their residence agreement. This is not equivalent to rent.

Upon arrival we must prepare a ‘Condition Report’, which records the property’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 ‘Condition Report’. You must return the report to UniLodge within three (3) business days of moving in and you should keep a copy of the ‘Condition Report’ until the end of the tenancy.

The ‘Condition Report’ 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 ‘Condition Report’ 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.

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.

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.

You will need to complete a bond refund 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.

If you wish to terminate your lease early, you must submit an early termination request. Approval of this request may include cancellation fees equivalent to four (4) weeks of rent, unless sufficient evidence is provided to waive the fee.