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Accommodation

Newcastle is one of Australia's most affordable cities for student accommodation. Whether you prefer to live near the Newcastle CBD, on campus at Student Living, or with an Australian homestay family, our College can help you find the ideal place to live while you study with us.

For more information, download our Accommodation Guide.​

On-Campus Accommodation

Student Living offers nine residences - eight at our Newcastle Callaghan campus and one at our Central Coast Ourimbah campus. You will experience a vibrant, multicultural student community and create lifelong friendships in a safe and convenient living environment.

Student Living was awarded the Asia-Pacific Student Accommodation Association Award for Housing Operator of the Year in 2017 and Excellence in Customer Service in 2019!

You may choose from a range of range of residences including self-contained apartments or dormitory-style rooms, with access to shared facilities such as common rooms, cinema rooms, and swimming pools that bring the community together.

Check the Student Living Website for more details, including key dates and the application process. CIE has on-campus accommodation reserved for our students on a first-come-first-serve basis.

For our Newcastle Callaghan campus residents, you have the option of choosing from catered living or self-catered rooms with communal kitchens.

City Campus Student Accommodation

Currently under construction, the new City Campus Student Accommodation in Newcastle CBD will offer a variety of room types including micro studios, studios, twin apartments, and larger shared apartments. This new building will offer students a contemporary city living option from 2027.

Off-Campus Accommodation

Finding accommodation in a new country can feel overwhelming, which is why our College is here to help. We can assist you in finding off-campus accommodation that suits your needs, preferences, and budget, making your transition to life in Newcastle as smooth as possible.

 

On average, renting a room in Newcastle costs around AU$295 to AU$325 per week.

  • You can view property rentals on these websites:​

    ​For more information about off campus accommodation and to search available listings, you can check the University of Newcastle Off Campus Accommodation website or contact their Accommodation Support team.

    In your enquiry, make sure to include:

    • Accommodation type

    • Preferred location

    • Price range

    • Move-in date

  • If your degree is offered at Callaghan Campus, you may want to stay in the areas around Callaghan. If you will study at NUspace, you might want to look for an accommodation that is more central. Most CIE courses are held at our beautiful NUspace campus in the heart of Newcastle.

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    1. Inspect a property

    2. Apply online

    3. Sign your rental contract & pay the bond

    4. Move in

    ​Each application process will be a little different, depending on the real estate agent. In most cases, the rental application is via an online portal. After you have inspected the property, you will be sent a direct link to the portal. For your rental application, you need to upload various documents to prove that you will be a good tenant.

    Document Checklist

    To help verify your identity
    To help verify your history
    To help verify your ability to pay

    • Passport (or other form of official ID)

    • Student ID card or CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)

    • Rental ledger(s) (documents from past rentals)

    • Written references from previous landlords

    • Pay slips / proof of employment

    • Contract / Job offer letter

    • Bank statements

    • Guarantor form (if parents or guardians are taking care of payment)

    • Scholarship paperwork if applicable

    To help verify your identity
    To help verify your history
    To help verify your ability to pay Copy
    1. Passport (or other form of official ID) 2. Student ID card or CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)Written references from previous landlords
    1. Rental ledger(s) (documents from past rentals) 2. Written references from previous landlords
    1.Pay slips / proof of employment 2. Contract / Job offer letter 3. Bank statements 4. Guarantor form (if parents or guardians are taking care of payment) 5. Scholarship paperwork if applicable

    Submit all application documents to the real estate agent. Once you have been approved for your student accommodation, you will receive your contract and bond notice via email.

  • 6 weeks rent (4 week rental bond & 2 weeks in advance holding fee)

    1. Read your rental contract carefully. Watch out for:

      • Start and end date

      • Cancellation period (usually 2 weeks)

      • Payment cycle (usually weekly or fortnightly)

      • Bill inclusions (Wi-Fi, water, electricity, gas, etc.)

      • Furniture, car park or other items that are included

      • Duties as a renter & responsibilities of your landlord

      • Emergency & contact numbers

      • House rules or regulations

    2. Pay your rental bond to Rental Bonds Online (RBO)

      • In Australia, all rental bonds are paid to the government for security reasons.

      • You can pay your rental bond via a payment link. You will receive this link with your rental contract via email.

      • This rental bond needs to be paid from an Australian bank account.

      • You get the full rental bond back upon moving out, if you leave the room tidy and without damage

    3. Pay 2 weeks of rent in advance

      • In Australia, it is standard practice to pay 2 weeks rent in advance. This payment secures your student accommodation.

    4. Pick up your key & move into your new home!

    Issues with your new off-campus accommodation?

    Contact your real estate agent for:​

    • Repairs, maintenance, damage

    • Payment issues

    • Leaving your accommodation

    • Problems with neighbours or roommates. But first, try to resolve this directly with them.

    Contact Fair Trading NSW for issues with:

    • Payment, landlord, real estate agent, living conditions

    Contact Fair Trading NSW for issues with:​

    • Payment, landlord, real estate agent, living conditions

Short-term Accommodation

Nihon University Newcastle Campus offers short-term accommodation of up to 90 days for students studying at the

University of Newcastle. Located in the heart of Newcastle CBD, this accommodation is ideal for students who want to get familiar with Newcastle, studying at NUspace, here for a specific short course or needing a home base while looking for something in the private rental market.

Homestay

If you like the idea of living with a local family, improving your English skills, and immersing yourself into the Australian lifestyle, then Homestay accommodation might be the best option for you!

Homestay is arranged through the Australian Homestay Network. At a homestay, you will live in a friendly local environment while studying at the College and improving your language skills. Host families are carefully screened, and they are looking forward to welcoming you into their home!

The minimum homestay period for students 18 years or over is four weeks, and longer periods may be negotiated with the host family following the completion of the initial four weeks.

How to apply

  1. Submit an application via AHN

  2. Review quote and offer

  3. Confirm offer and pay

  4. A suitable placement is secured (usually 6-8 weeks prior to the start of your program)

Apply for homestay via AHN

For more information about the Homestay program or to apply, please visit our partners AHN.

Accommodation for Under 18 Students

International students under the age of 18 years are required to seek approval for their accommodation and welfare arrangements before entering Australia, unless they are under the care of a parent or nominated relative.

Students can choose a homestay, or they can apply to live on campus. Students will be offered accommodation in a designated Quiet Living area in the North Residence. Students will need to apply on the Student Living Portal.

If you wish to make any changes to your accommodation or welfare arrangements before the age of 18, you must seek the approval of the College. Please contact the College Services Team for advice.

For more information about under 18 students, please click here.

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