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Walk to class with friends from down the hall - living in student accommodation in Canberra
Unless you already live in Canberra, you’ll have to find a place to stay before coming to ANU. The good news is that you’ve got a few options. You could strike out on your own and find a share house or apartment in the city. If you’re lucky, you’ll have family you can stay with. But, if you’re looking for a transition between living with your parents and living independently, this is your chance to explore student accommodation in Canberra.
Overview
- Canberra offers a range of student accommodation options to suit different needs.
- Living in a student residence is a great way to ease into moving out of home.
- ANU guarantees all first-year undergraduates a room in student accommodation.
There are lots of perks to living in student accommodation, but it’s hard to know what’s best for you – especially if you're moving out of home for the first time. We’ve pulled together everything you need to know about student accommodation in Canberra, from the benefits, what to look for and the important choices you’ll have to make.
Catered or self-catered
Straight away, you’ll need to decide between a catered or self-catered residence.
In a catered residence, you’ll be provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner – seven days a week*. These meals are prepared by a team of chefs for the entire residence and served at set times.
A group of students eat and chat at a table in a self-catered residence.
You won’t get to choose exactly what you get, but the catering team does adjust for any dietary requirements or allergies.
On the other hand, there are self-catered residences that have large, communal kitchen areas for you to cook your own meals. If you choose to live in a studio, you may also have your own kitchenette to cook in, but these are more expensive, so not the norm.
One thing to keep in mind is that there’s usually more demand for catered residences, so make sure you get your application in on time – and put a self-catered option on your list of preferences in case you miss out.
* Except Wright Hall, which is flexi-catered and serves 16 meals a week.
A great launching pad
For most high school graduates going to university for the first time, living in student accommodation is a first step in living away from home. Moving into a student residence can make this transition much easier than, say, moving into a share house
Your weekly fee takes a lot of big things off your hands. For example, you aren’t responsible for weeding gardens, fixing leaky taps or mowing the lawn – or even for dividing bills up with others, like electricity or internet. Instead, your room and common areas are much more manageable spaces to keep clean – helping you collaborate with housemates and get used to cooking for yourself, without throwing you in the deep end.
A woman sitting on her bed and listening to music in her student accommodation room.
If you get a catered residence, you don’t have to worry about cooking, though. But remember that a self-catered residence is still a great opportunity to expand your culinary skills and meet new people in the communal kitchens.
Location, location, location
If you’re staying in student accommodation, you’re going to be either on or relatively close to the ANU campus, public transport and shopping centres. ANU students can also live in University of Canberra residences, and travel to campus by bus. Either way, living with other students and residential advisers means you’ll have a supportive community under your roof when you’re home.
Don’t forget, campus is never far away, so staying involved with events and activities on campus, such as clubs and societies – will be easy.
Rep your residence at Interhall events
Living in student accommodation while you’re studying in Canberra is about a lot more than just having a place near campus. Social events and activities are the lifeblood of a residence, and you can expect plenty throughout the year.
Each residence has its own schedule of events, so get ready for plenty of trivia nights and common room parties. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbours and make friends.
A mixed footy team practising on a grassy oval.
In some cases, you can attend events between residences as well. For example, if you live in one UniLodge, you can attend the events in another UniLodge. You can also compete against them.
The Interhall Sports Organisation holds competitions across 16 sports over the year, and residences compete with each other. There’s everything from AFL to lawn bowls for you to get involved with.
If you’re less sporty, the Interhall Arts Committee organises events that might be more your speed. These events cover everything from trivia to poetry slams and even a Battle of the Bands.
All in all, there are countless opportunities to really throw yourself into things when you live in student accommodation. You’re likely to end your first year with a whole bunch of new friends.
Have an unforgettable time
Living in student accommodation while you’re studying in Canberra can be a truly great experience. You get a world of access to activities you never would otherwise, an easy commute to class and the support of a community around you.
Students study together on a table overlooking the Kambri social hub.
If it’s your first time away from home, that community can make all the difference. Most people will be in the exact same boat, ready to support each other through this exciting time.
Student accommodation is definitely worth a go. If you’re a first year, first-semester undergraduate student*, you’re guaranteed a room in a residence along with your offer – so you know you won’t miss out.
* A full list of groups who receive guaranteed accommodation at ANU is available here.
Liking the sound of ANU student accommodation? Explore our student residences to find the one for you.
