Frequently asked questions about International House, The University of Sydney

How do I apply for residency at International House?
How long does the process take?
When is the closing date for submission of the application form?
What happens if my application is successful and I’m offered a room at International House?
What are the fees for accommodation?
What type of accommodation is offered and what is included in the weekly rent?
How do I make payments?
Are there any extra charges?
Is there any financial assistance available?
May I stay in the House over the vacation periods not included within the Contract?
Is there a time limit on my stay in the House?
What happens if I am away during the academic sessions as outlined in the Contract?
What is the food like?
If I wish to cancel my Contract before its conclusion, how do I go about it?
What are the rules?
What facilities are available at International House?
May I bring a car and/or a bicycle?

1. How do I apply for residency at International House?

The Joint Application Form for Residential Colleges is available online or from the International House office.

An application should be accompanied by a AU$50 non-refundable Application Fee, a passport size photograph OR alternatively a digital photograph to be e-mailed to .

2. How long does the process take?

In the case of International students, applications are processed as soon as possible. It has to be appreciated that the demand for accommodation at International House is very high and towards the end of the year the process may take slightly longer.

In the case of students coming straight out of High School, applications will be processed once the acceptance to The University of Sydney has been received. All applicants are interviewed by the Director. Please contact the Director to arrange an interview either by phone or in person once notification from Sydney Uni has been received.

3. When is the closing date for submission of the application form?

There is no closing date for submission of application, however we do recommend submitting your application by no later than mid December of the year for Semester 1 of the following year and no later than the end of June for Semester 2 of the same year, as the demand for rooms is quite high.

4. What happens if my application is successful and I’m offered a room at International House?

If you are offered a place, you will receive two copies of a residential agreement either by post or e-mail. It is essential that the information in your application form is current and accurate for us to be able to notify you without delay.

Upon receiving your Residential Agreement you will be required to sign one copy and send it back with your Room Deposit and administrative fees as per the acceptance letter in order to secure your room. Each resident at International House signs a residential agreement that covers the academic year or semester that the student is enrolled. This is a legally binding document setting out the conditions and obligations attached to residence.

5. What are the fees for accommodation?

You can find detailed information about fees for residential accommodation here.

6. What type of accommodation is offered and what is included in the weekly rent?

The majority of residents occupy catered single-study bedrooms [approximately 3m x 3m or 10' x 10'] with shared bathroom facilities, but there are also some twin-share rooms and five rooms with private bathroom facilities and two guest rooms for short term visitors.

There are sixteen self-catering units for family groups or postgraduate students. All accommodation is fully furnished [including bed linen] and apart from the self-catering units, fees include all meals and room cleaning [once a fortnight].

There is no extra cost for electricity and water usage. Each room has its own phone. Students are able to receive incoming calls however a pre-paid system is available to make phone calls out. There is also an Internet connection linked to The University of Sydney IT services. There is no cost from the House for internet usage.

You can find more information about residential accommodation here.

7. How do I make payments?

Personal cheque/bank cheque/bank draft in AU$, Visa or MasterCard only and EFTPOS are accepted for payments. We do not accept American Express, Diners Club, CASH payments or Electronic Transfer of Funds from bank to bank.

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, 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.

More information is available here.

8. Are there any extra charges?

Life membership of the Alumni Association is AU$65 and is part of the Fee for all new residents.
A yearly registration fee of AU$60 fee is charged to cover administration expenses such as contracts, postage, etc.
The International House Members Association [IHMA] charges all residents an annual fee which is AU$180 OR $90 per semester.
Room Deposit: Students offered a place at International House are required to pay a room 'security' Deposit. The Deposit should accompany the signed Contract and the above administrative fees.

The Room Deposit is refunded if you are not admitted to the University or if the Residential Agreement is cancelled four weeks prior to the commencement date of the Contract.

The Room Deposit is kept separate from all other transactions. You may not draw on it to pay your last weeks' fees before you leave. Upon final departure from the House, the Deposit is returned to the resident, less any outstanding amounts due, such as telephone, damage to room, etc.

In the event of someone who remains in the House, or returns for a period over the vacation even though they are not returning for the following academic session, the Deposit will be returned after their final departure.

9. Is there any financial assistance available?

Bursaries and Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial assistance and proof of participation in and contribution to the life of the House. Please contact the International House office for further details.

10. May I stay in the House over the vacation periods not included within the Contract?

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.

11. Is there a time limit on my stay in the House?

Residents who aim to stay for less than one academic year are seldom accepted unless they are at The University of Sydney on a one-semester course. Residents are generally accepted 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 arrive at the House in semester two of the academic year and stay for semester one of the following year.

12. What happens if I am away during the academic sessions as outlined in the Contract?

A refund will be given under the following circumstances:

The House will provide the Resident with a full refund 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 refund of 50% of fees to a maximum of 10 days if the Resident is required to be away from the House on official University fieldwork for 7 to 10 consecutive days, provided written notice is given to the Director by the Executive Officer of the relevant Faculty/Department at least two weeks in advance, and provided the room is cleared of the Resident's personal effects and room keys are returned to the House.

13. What is the food like?

The modern dining room at International House provides a 'weekly package' consisting of three meals per day, including vegetarian meals, seven days per week. Our menus feature an extensive variety of international dishes as well as modern Australian cuisine to cater for all nationalities. Special dietary requirements are available on request. Formal dinners and theme dinners are held throughout the year, as well as an International Food Fair which is catered by the residents.

With so many cultures in residence, every effort is made to provide a large variety of food (including vegetarian meals). Our Food Committee and caterers are always willing to receive constructive suggestions.

14. If I wish to cancel my Contract before its conclusion, how do I go about it?

Residents are financially responsible for the entire Contract 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 Contract. Should any circumstances arise which make it necessary for residents to cancel their Contract before the final date, the Director must be notified in writing.

Under such circumstances the following points should be noted:

a cancellation charge of one week's fee is payable regardless of the reasons for the termination;
residents are required to give at least nine [9] semester weeks notice [this does not include vacation weeks]. Otherwise, they are financially responsible for the full nine-weeks period of notice;
separate conditions apply to the Maze units and all self-catering apartments.

15. What are the rules?

Residents are generally mature and independent, so there are few rules beyond the payment of fees on time and the requirement to avoid disturbing others more than is inevitable. The House is a caring environment, with help available, both academic and personal. There is a marked lack of formality, dining is cafeteria style and there is no segregation within the House nor any curfew. Smoking and pets are not permitted.

16. What facilities are available at International House?

As indicated, residents in the catered accommodation pay, as an integral and compulsory part of the fees, for food in the dining room. It is here that most of the social interaction takes place and the mixing of the cultures and the understanding which hopefully emanates from this is really what International House is all about.

There are various other recreation spaces and facilities within the House. These include: a large circular room [Wool Room] which is used for lectures, social events, International Night, various minor functions and is available for individuals to sit quietly or to hold non-private meetings; a small library and a meeting room; a music room; a games room for billiards and table tennis; an air-hockey table; open sitting areas and a foyer; a party room with its own kitchen for private functions and special religious festivals; a contemplation room; a "coffee room" where daily papers are provided by the Members' Association and where there are microwave and tea/coffee making facilities; and a computer access lab with a laser printer, scanner and photocopying facilities.

Two upright pianos [one in the music room and one in the dining room] are available for residents' use and one concert grand in the Wool Room for those who are genuine musicians. There is also a pleasant garden with Australian native shrubs outside the coffee shop and dining room. The rooftop garden is another recreation area with sheltered seating, barbecue and washing up facilities, and an amazing view of the city. The Members Association runs a small "necessity" shop.

The House owns a cabin in a national park 1.5 hours drive south of Sydney.

Find more information about facilities here.

17. May I bring a car and/or a bicycle?

There are 25 spaces in the International House car park. Application for a place should be made at the time of applying for residence. If there is any reason why special priority should be given [physical disability, University field work, etc.] this should be stated.

There is an annual rental fee for parking cars and motorbikes. There is also a bicycle rack available for bicycles. A resident may have a motorbike and keep it in the car park, but motorbikes are not permitted on the University campus.