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

Question 7

Can I stay over the holiday period?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What do I need to bring with me?

Accepted Answer

Your room comes furnished with a king single bed, mattress, desk, and chair. You&rsquo;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&rsquo;ll have storage space. 

Kettles, toasters, and hot plates are only allowed in kitchen areas for safety reasons.

Question 9

Is wireless internet available?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

Are there any bicycle bays available?

Accepted Answer

There is a secure bicycle storage area at the South Apartments complex. Access is added to your student card - please visit reception to register your bike.

Question 11

Am I allowed to have visitors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, visitors are allowed, but they cannot stay in the residential precinct between 10:00pm and 8:00am.

Question 12

Am I allowed to have guests stay overnight?

Accepted Answer

You can have overnight guests with office approval submitted 48 hours before arrival. Guests may stay up to 2 nights Mon&ndash;Thu and 3 nights Fri&ndash;Sun. See the 2026 Rules of Residence for details.

Question 13

Is there an application fee?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

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 and &#36;130.00 departure cleaning fee before you check-in.

Question 15

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 16

What hours is reception open?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Are the rooms serviced?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Do I need to organise my own contents insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is not included in your rental payments.

Question 19

Do I need to purchase a mattress protector?

Accepted Answer

No, mattress protectors are provided.

Question 20

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 and a departure cleaning fee of &#36;130. If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Question 21

Are meals provided?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 22

What electricity cost am I responsible for?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 23

How and when is rent payable?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 24

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 25

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 26

What kind of contracts are on offer?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 27

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 28

Do you have car parking facilities?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 29

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 30

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

Accepted Answer

Only letters can be collected from the reception office. Parcels must be collected from Australia Post in the Agora.

Question 31

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 32

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 33

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 34

Can I move out and break my lease?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 35

Is there extra storage outside my apartment?

Accepted Answer

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 36

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 37

What is a Bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond is a security payment of &#36;1,000.00 that ensures residents fulfill the terms of their residence agreement. This is not equivalent to rent.

Question 38

How much is the Bond?

Accepted Answer

The bond is &#36;1000.00.

Question 39

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 40

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 41

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 42

How do I receive my Bond back?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 43

Who do I contact in an emergency or after hours?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 44

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 45

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 or RMIT University) course of study are eligible to apply to live at Living at La Trobe.