Booking student accommodation is an exciting step, particularly if you are preparing to move away from home for the first time. However, it’s also a significant commitment. Asking the right questions before you apply can help you avoid unexpected costs, unsuitable living arrangements and unnecessary stress.
Whether you are moving from another part of Australia or arriving from overseas, here are the questions worth asking before choosing your new student home.
How close is it to my university?
An address may appear close to campus on a map, but the actual journey could involve multiple buses, steep walks or heavy peak-hour traffic.
Ask how long it takes to reach your classes and whether you can walk, cycle or use public transport. Consider evening travel too, particularly if you expect to study late, attend university events or work after classes.
Campus Lodge is located on UQ’s St Lucia campus, around a three-minute walk from Chancellor’s Place and the Great Court. Its location gives residents convenient access to teaching spaces, libraries, sporting facilities, food outlets and public transport.
What is included in the weekly cost?
Never assume that the advertised rate covers every expense. Ask for a clear list of inclusions and find out whether there are additional charges for internet, electricity, water, laundry, cleaning, parking or recreational facilities.
A slightly higher weekly rate may offer better overall value if essential services are already included. It can also make budgeting easier because you have fewer separate bills to manage.
Ask about application fees, deposits and other upfront costs as well. Confirm whether any fees are refundable and under what circumstances.
Is the accommodation furnished?
“Furnished” can mean different things depending on the provider. Ask exactly what is supplied in both the bedroom and shared areas.
Does the bedroom include a bed, mattress, desk, chair and wardrobe? Is the kitchen equipped with major appliances? Will you need to bring cookware, crockery, linen or small appliances? A detailed inventory can help you plan what to pack and prevent unnecessary purchases.
Campus Lodge offers fully furnished apartments with equipped kitchens, living areas and private bedrooms designed for student life.
Who will I be living with?
If you are booking shared accommodation, find out how many people will live in the apartment and how bedrooms are allocated. Ask whether you can apply with a friend and whether the provider uses any process to match compatible residents.
You should also clarify how many bathrooms are shared between residents. Campus Lodge offers two-bedroom apartments with one bathroom and four-bedroom apartments with two bathrooms, providing students with a choice between smaller and larger shared households.
Think carefully about which arrangement suits your personality. More housemates can create a lively and social home, while sharing with fewer people may provide a quieter environment.
Will I have enough privacy?
Living with other students does not mean giving up all personal space. Ask whether bedrooms have individual locks and whether staff or cleaners require access to private rooms.
It’s also helpful to understand the apartment layout. Is your bedroom positioned beside a busy shared area? Is there somewhere quiet to study? Can you securely store valuable belongings?
At Campus Lodge, each bedroom is lockable, allowing residents to enjoy the social benefits of apartment living while retaining a private and secure space.
What security and support are available?
Ask how residents enter the building and whether there is on-site or after-hours assistance. Find out what happens if you lose your keys, feel unwell, become locked out or experience an urgent maintenance problem.
You may also want to ask about security patrols, visitor rules and safe transport or escort services. Campus Lodge has an on-site manager and residents have access to the UQ Security Safety Escort service.
For students living away from family, particularly those new to Brisbane, knowing there is someone available to help can make the transition considerably easier.
What are the contract dates and conditions?
Read the accommodation agreement carefully before accepting an offer. Ask about the contract length, start and end dates, payment schedule and whether you need to move out during university holidays.
You should also understand what happens if your circumstances change. Can you end the agreement early? Are there cancellation fees? Can another student take over your contract? What notice is required?
Campus Lodge offers fixed-term accommodation contracts, and residents are not required to vacate during semester holidays. Always check the current conditions before applying to ensure they match your study plans.
What facilities can I use?
Consider the facilities you will rely on each week. Ask about internet access, laundry equipment, air-conditioning, kitchen facilities, bicycle storage, outdoor areas and nearby exercise options.
Campus Lodge residents have access to commercial-grade laundry facilities and UQ Sport’s gym and pool facilities. Apartments also include kitchen facilities, air-conditioned living spaces, ceiling fans in the bedrooms and private balconies.
Students who do not want to cook every day can also ask about the optional meal package available through the Cromwell College dining room.
How are cleaning and maintenance handled?
In a private rental, housemates may be responsible for all cleaning and arranging repairs through a landlord or agent. Purpose-built student accommodation may provide more support.
Ask which areas are cleaned, how frequently cleaning occurs and how maintenance requests are submitted. Campus Lodge’s apartment kitchens and bathrooms are cleaned weekly, reducing the workload involved in maintaining shared spaces.
Can I see the accommodation before booking?
Whenever possible, arrange an in-person tour. If you cannot visit, ask for a virtual tour, recent photographs or a detailed conversation with the accommodation team.
Pay attention to room size, natural light, storage, noise and the condition of shared areas. This is also your opportunity to ask any final questions and get a feel for the environment.
The right questions can turn a difficult decision into a confident one. If you are considering independent, self-catered accommodation at UQ, contact Campus Lodge to learn more about its furnished apartments, inclusions and application process.