Finding the right place to live while you study is an important part of settling into your new environment. Living too far away from your campus or with people who you may not get along with can put pressure on you that makes it difficult for you to study and enjoy your experiences. Questions you can ask yourself are:
- Does it take me more than 45 minutes to get to TAFE from where I live now?
- Do I avoid going home?
- Do I feel uncomfortable when I’m around the people I live with?
- Is where I live now too expensive?
- Have your friends asked you to move in with them but you’re not sure if you want to?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then you should seek some advice from the International Student Support Coordinator. She can discuss what options are available to suit you and help direct you to the right accommodation services.

What kind of accommodation is available?

Home Stay Accommodation

This form of accommodation is great if you want to get to know an Australian family. If you decide to live in a Home Stay, you will live in a private home with a family who will provide you with meals and a furnished room. Home Stay fees are $260 per week and the minimum stay is usually one month. There is a 1 search fee of $220.

For more information on Home Stay accommodation, click on the link below or enquire at the International Student Programs office, Building B Dandenong.

To apply for Home Stay:
- Download or pick up a copy of the Home Stay Arrangement Request form
- Complete all of the required sections
- Submit it to ISP Office Reception at Building B Dandenong or email it to International.Admissions@Chisholm.edu.au

Renting a room

This is a good form of accommodation if you want to save some money and you can often find furnished rooms available close to Chisholm campuses. If you rent a room in a private home it is most likely that you will need to supply and prepare you own meals and contribute to the ongoing costs of the household. Rents can vary from AUD$80 – AUD $140 per week plus ongoing costs (bills).

For more information and a listing of current rooms for rent, visit the Student Service office at your campus or call:

Dandenong and Berwick:
03 9212 5269

Frankston and Cranbourne:
03 9238 8435

Private renting (sharing a house or flat)

Renting a house privately is a good form of accommodation if you decide you want to live with your friends or fellow students. However, while the rent each week may be cheaper this way, the house or flat will not have any furniture and you would need to spend quite a bit of money to get furniture* as well as set up phone or internet as well gas, electricity and water services. 
Many real estate agents also may require you to commit to a minimum of 12 months at the property, so it is important to consider how long you want to live in the area before you sign a contract.

Useful real estate websites:

www.domain.com.au/rent 
www.realestate.com.au/rent 
www.property.com.au/rent 
www.ljhooker.com.au/rent 
www.firstnational.com.au

*There are cheap ways to get furniture by shopping for vintage furniture at opportunity shops such as Vinnies Centres which stock furniture that has been donated by those that don’t need it anymore and are sold at very little cost.