Adelaide University Union

 Moving out of home for the first time? Wondering what you need to know? For helpful tips visit:

The Accommodation Office - Hughes plaza (behind the Elder Conservatorium)

Ph: (08) 8303 5220
Email: student.housing@adelaide.edu.au
Web: www.adelaide.edu.au/accommodation

They have many resources that can make looking for housing easier.

Make use of the University's database for private accommodation, or enquire about the range of accommodation options offered by the University, including the affiliated Colleges, The Village and Mattanya.

In addition the University offers a Subsidised Accommodation scheme that provides limited places to students who meet the stipulated criteria. For details contact the Education and Welfare Officers.  Places often fill very quickly so be prepared that there may be nothing available, but you can be placed on a waiting list.

Where to find Accommodation

STEP 1

If you have no place in particular to move to you firstly need to work out what your budget can afford. Living on your own is often more expensive than sharing but has its up sides particularly if you like your privacy.

STEP 2

Having determined whether you will live on your own or you will share, do you want to share a flat or house? Houses often have a back yard, possibly allow pets, and rooms can be spacious. Flats tend to be smaller, have little if any back yard but can be cheaper to heat and cool, and can be found fairly close to campus.

STEP 3

What do you need? What is essential to getting set up? Is there a fridge already in the place? Are there built-ins you can use? Second hand furniture can be very useful and is much cheaper than new. Places like the Salvation Army and St Vinnie's can be of real help in getting basic furniture which you can later add to. What might the relatives have in their sheds they no longer use or can loan you?

STEP 4

Finding a place that is suitable may take some time. Places to look for listings include The Advertiser newspaper. Ask friends and family who may know of somewhere suitable. Noticeboards around Uni often have accommodation notices. You may also want to consider websites such as www.find-housemates.com for sharehouse options.

STEP 5

Having found a place you will live in you may be eligible for bond and rent assistance. Housing SA. Centrelink also provide rent assistance to people on payments. Housing SA is located at 45 Wakefield Street in the city. Bond is usually 4 weeks' rent and many places request an additional 2 weeks' rent in advance.

Tips on How to Survive on a Low Income

If you have never needed to work out a budget before, now is the time to start.

When renting there will be additional costs you need to make allowance for. These can include electricity, gas, phone and water. Known as utilities, if they are not paid you lose the use of the service and have to pay reconnection fees on top of the overdue account. When budgeting build in a weekly figure to allow for these bills which come quarterly.

The EWOs will happily give assistance helping people work out a manageable budget and if you get to us before you actually get into debt it might save you a few sleepless nights.