Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay deposit when I book?
Yes, a deposit amount of One Months Rental in advance is required.

Is the deposit refundable?
No, The deposit is to reserve the room for you and we will reject others once we receive your booking deposit. When you take up the tenancy this deposit will be converted to your first month's rental.

Do I have to pay bond? and how much is it?
Yes, for single rooms and Apartments - 1 months rental. The monies will be paid into the Rental Bond Authority (Government). At the end of the tenancy and if no damage is done to the property, this will be refunded to you.

When can I inspect the property?
If you are wanting to inspect inside the property, including a tour of the rooms available, facilities, common areas etc. then an appointment will need to be made in advance with one of our staff. If you just want to inspect the building from the outside and its surroundings feel free to go to the location at anytime and browse around. Don't forget that on this website itself there are many pictures available for each student accommodation and it can give you an insight to the houses.

Is there a pickup service from the airport?
No, we do not provide that service. Contact your university for such arrangements.

How and where do I collect my key when I arrive?
The keys are at our office. Level 1, 258 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3133. Contact Christine 9663-5333 (office hours) or Dennis 0417-599-129. Contact should be made at least the day before arrival so that everything can be organised and ready to go.

How far is it from the buildings to universities?
About 10 minutes walk to RMIT University, CQU, Taylors College. Trams are also readily available here in Melbourne and run to the later hours of the night. Getting around is never a worry in Melbourne.

What is the difference between a bunk room and normal single rooms at Swinnerton House?
The only difference are the bed styles. Normal Beds are placed on the floor whereas the bunk-type beds are raised to a height which you are able to walk underneath so you have more floor space.

Are there bunk rooms with ensuite bathrooms?
Unfortunately not. You will need to share a common bathroom and toilet. They are very well maintained which are cleaned on a daily basis, and they are only a few steps away from your bedroom.

Is smoking allowed in the rooms or on the premises?
Absolutely not! Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the premises on any circumstance. If you are a smoker please do so on the balcony or outside the house. You must respect your neighbors as not everyone is a smoker.

What are the mixture of students from different countries that reside at the accommodation?
We try and have a very multicultural environment at our accommodation. ostly international students are from Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong but we have also had the odd ones from Europe as well, and of course some local Australian students.

Is there a cafeteria in the hostels or are there any meals provided?
No. we do not provide a meal service to our tenants. All our accommodation hostels are located very close to many shops and restaurants, all within walking distance. Keep in mind also that there is a common kitchen available for you to cook yourself.

Will residents have internet and telephone connection available when we move in?
Telephone points are already provided in each room. All that is required is that you ring up the telephone company when you arrive and connect up the service with your new telephone number. Internet connection can be applied yourself through any of the providers available in Melbourne.

How is security like at the hostels?
Great. All the houses come with security keys which cannot be copied by an unauthorized person. Swinnerton House has an added electronic intercom. Hawthorn House also comes with an electronic intercom and key system.

How far is it to Universities?
For Swinburne Uni students, Hawthorn House is just across the road.