Residential Accommodation

What type of accommodation is offered?

The majority of residents occupy single-study bedrooms [approximately 3m x 3m or 10' x 10'] with shared bathroom facilities, but there are also other types of accommodation as per details below:

Catered rooms (Include breakfast, lunch and dinner on a weekly basis)

14 Twin share rooms to be shared by either two males or two females. Room consist of two single beds, two wardrobes, two desks, phone, internet connection, housekeeping once a fortnight, shared bathroom facilities.
144 Single rooms with a single bed, wardrobe, desk, internet connection, housekeeping once a fortnight, shared bathroom facilities.
4 Rooms with a double bed, wardrobe, desk, internet connection, housekeeping once a fortnight. These rooms have a toilet and washbasin only (no shower).
6 Rooms with a double bed, wardrobe, desk, internet connection, housekeeping once a fortnight. These rooms have a full ensuite bathroom

Self catering, fully furnished apartments

6 Studio units with a double bed, kitchen, bathroom, fully furnished, TV, phone & internet connection.
7 one bedroom units with a double bed, kitchen, bathroom, fully furnished, TV, phone & internet connection.
3 Two bedroom units, main bedroom with a double bed, second bedroom with a single bed, kitchen, bathroom, fully furnished, TV, phone & internet connection

Please note:

Accommodation rates include, electricity, water & gas consumption.
Internet connection is directly linked to The University of Sydney IT services. For internet account information and access please contact The University of Sydney IT services directly.
There is no discount for meals not taken.

How do I make payments?

Personal cheque
bank cheque
bank draft in AU$
Visa or MasterCard only
EFTPOS payment in person.

We do not accept American Express, Diners Club or CASH payments.
Payments may be made:-

in advance for the entire year. When payment is made in the first week of semester a discount of $100 is granted,
OR
in two instalments which are due in the first week of each semester. When payment is made by the due dates, a discount of $50 is granted on each occasion.

In special cases, application may be made to pay in advance for shorter periods (recess), but not less than four weeks. Before the beginning of the contractual period, residents should apply in writing to the Director of International House setting out all relevant information, e.g. financial resources, dates of scholarship or stipend, etc.

May I stay in the House over the vacation (recess period) not included within the Residential Agreement?
During recess residents are welcome to stay or vacate their room so it may be made available to a visitor. The income earned from our visitors subsidises maintenance and services for the House and keeps residents' fees at an affordable level.
Whilst we hope that our international residents in particular take the opportunity to see more of Australia during the vacation periods, a resident may occupy his/her room throughout the year. With the exception of a few weeks between December to January (when meals are not available), room rates remain the same as the semester period.

Is there a time limit on my stay in the House?
Residents who wish to stay for less than one year are generally not offered a place at I-House unless they are at The University of Sydney on a one-semester course. Residents are generally accepted on an annual basis, usually for the length of their initial degree but, may apply to stay if accepted by the University to do a further degree. Because of the different academic years in different parts of the world, some residents stay for one semester in one calendar year and one in following year.

What happens if I am away during the academic sessions as outlined in the Residential Agreement?
A refund will be given under the following circumstances:

The House will provide the Resident with a full rebate of fees for any period the Resident is hospitalised provided the period of hospitalisation is for seven or more consecutive days and a medical certificate is provided.
The House will provide the Resident with a 50% rebate of fees up to a maximum of 7 calendar days if the Resident is required to be away from the House on official University fieldwork for between 5 to 7 calendar days, provided written notice is given to the Director by the Executive Officer of the relevant Faculty/Department at least two weeks in advance. For 9.2 to apply the Resident must have stayed at International House for a minimum of 17 semester weeks and returns to the House to continue studies at The University of Sydney after the absence. This clause can only be applied once per semester.

If I wish to cancel my Residential Agreement before its conclusion, how do I go about it?

Residents are financially responsible for the entire Residential Agreement period as specified in their Residential Agreement. It is appreciated, however, that circumstances may arise which make it difficult or impossible for residents to adhere to their Residential Agreement. Should any circumstances arise which make it necessary for residents to cancel their Residential Agreement before the final date, the Director must be notified in writing.

Under such circumstances the following points should be noted:

The Resident may terminate the Agreement before the first day of each semester by giving four (4) weeks notice prior to semester commencement date. In default of such notice the Bond shall be forfeited.
Once the Agreement has been signed, a cancellation charge of one week’s accommodation fee is payable regardless of the reason for the termination.
After the commencement of a semester, a minimum of 8 fee-paying weeks’ written notice must be given to terminate the agreement. Notice to terminate the agreement during the last 8 weeks of a semester is not accepted.
Fees are not refunded to residents leaving early before the last day of a semester for any reason

Separate conditions apply to self-catering apartments/units.