Living
on
Campu
us
Prospective
Student Booklet
WHAT IS
RESIDENCE LIFE?
Residence Life encompasses many different aspects
of the student experience at CSU, providing students
with formal and informal opportunities to develop as
holistic, far-sighted people who help their communities
grow and flourish (University Strategy 2013-2015,
p.2). Residence Life offers a wide range of activities
that enable students to achieve academic success,
support interpersonal interactions, develop leadership
skills, expand local connections, engage in international
experiences and develop a lifelong sense of connection
and belonging to the CSU community.
Residence Life fosters inclusive, self-regulating
student communities that support the holistic
development of all students. This aim is reinforced
through the LIFE strategic framework, providing four
areas of focus for Residence Life at CSU.
LEADERSHIP
Residents are provided a range of opportunities to
develop their leadership skills for the present and future
– skills helpful while at uni but also for the community
and in their future professional life. Leadership may be
demonstrated through roles such as; Residential Advisers,
Residential Academic Tutors, peer mentoring programs
or in representing residents on social or sporting
committees. Leadership skill development activities
include public speaking, communication, team dynamics,
group organisation and time-management. All activities
encourage residents to lead by example in communal living.
INDEPENDENCE
Residence Life prides itself on supporting students
during their transition from home to independence.
Expected behaviour and appropriate levels of independence
are modelled by peers and supported by Residence Life
and CSU staff. Students are encouraged to develop practical
living skills such as personal safety, cooking, cleaning and
time management, while also developing critical decision
making and analytical skills including communication,
financial management, employment and career planning.
FRIENDSHIP
A significant part of communal living involves developing
social skills, expanding social networks and fostering
camaraderie among residents, their University peers and the
wider CSU community. Encouraging students to be aware
of others and their needs, developing and demonstrating
qualities of mateship, care, tolerance and compassion are
key resident attributes. These connections are fostered
through a wide range of informal and small group activities,
as well as larger residential events and annual celebrations.
ENGAGEMENT
Residents are encouraged to be actively involved in
academic, cultural, sporting, local, global, environmental
and social events. There are opportunities to be involved
in a wide range of activities building connections within
the CSU community and beyond. Residents are encouraged
to get in and have a go, and to make the most of the
opportunities presented to them during their time at CSU.
Welcome to Residence Life at CSU!
Living on campus at CSU has real advantages. You will benefit from being
at the heart of the action at your campus. The best part is you will get to know
your University and fellow students on a whole new level. Your university
experience will be enriched as you live alongside students from all over Australia
and the world - giving you a unique and diverse cultural experience unlike
anywhere else.
Living on CSU’s campuses, you’ll enjoy the laidback lifestyle of country living
without the bustle of the big city. Advantages extend far beyond an exciting
and vibrant social and sporting calendar – just think of all the time and money
you will save on commuting when class is just a short walk away. The many social,
financial and lifestyle benefits make living on campus at CSU your best option.
STUDENT
ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
LIVING
ON CAMPUS
AT CSU
• No bills, no hassles - the cost of bills can be daunting for anyone who
is venturing into the ‘real world’. CSU’s fully furnished accommodation
means you move in, just pay rent, and the rest is taken care of with furniture,
internet services and all utilities included in the price.
• Support and community - you will be supported by a dedicated Residence
Life team. Residence Life staff include professional, full-time staff and student
Residential Advisers. The Residence Life team offers pastoral care and support
to on campus students.
• Security and maintenance - Security services are provided by Bluestar
Security 24 hours a day, seven days a week at all CSU locations except
Canberra. On campus security officers patrol Bathurst and Wagga Wagga
campuses all year round. At our other locations, security services are provided
through a combination of on campus staff, mobile patrols, 24/7 emergency
response and static guarding.
• Study and lifestyle advantages - you will have access to hard-wired
and wireless internet and, depending on your campus, you may also
have access to facilities such as entertainment venues, gym, pool,
library, 24 hour computer labs and Learning Commons.
ACCOMMODATION
CSU provides a home away from home that meets your personal needs
OPTIONS
for a comfortable environment for living and study. Facilities for on campus
accommodation differ based on the type of residence. Some residences are
more like traditional university dormitory-style living, such as our village
residential buildings, and others are more homely, like our cottages.
CAMPUS
LIVING OPTIONS
NEW
RESIDENCES
Enjoy an outstanding student experience with
exposure to a vibrant campus atmosphere in
our new residences. The new residences for
undergraduate and postgraduate students provide
a modern environment for living and learning.
The most recent additions at Orange and
Wagga Wagga, both completed early 2014, also
include facilities designed for students with disabilities.
New residences include bedrooms with ensuites
and associated living spaces, shared kitchen and
laundry facilities and modern heating and cooling.
They also include communal spaces for collaborative
learning, social relaxation and conference facilities.
VILLAGES
Join the thriving community at one of CSU’s villages
to experience accommodation that is contemporary,
comfortable and meets your needs for a private
study sanctuary and spaces to rest up for a big
exam. One or two-storey village accommodation
is available, and includes a common kitchen, lounge,
dining and shared bathroom. The common rooms
are equipped with a refrigerator, kettle, toaster,
microwave and some have a small toaster oven.
All bedrooms have internet access. Depending on
your campus, there may be limited ensuite rooms
available and a small number of facilities designed
for students with disabilities.
TRADITIONAL RESIDENCES
Bathurst, Orange and Wagga Wagga campuses
have been providing quality education and
accommodation for many years in which students
enjoy a traditional university living experience.
There are limited kitchen facilities, however all
traditional residences come with a catered package
included in the price which allows students to
utilise the central dining facilities at each of these
campuses. Students gathering to share quality
home style meals is exactly the experience this
accommodation style offers.
COTTAGES
Experience a strong sense of homeliness with
CSU’s cottage accommodation. Our cottages
are comfortable and inviting, bringing a relaxed
share-house approach to university accommodation.
Our fully-furnished cottages have six to eight
single study bedrooms with ceiling fan and
bar-sized fridge a common kitchen, lounge, dining
and shared bathroom. All bedrooms are fitted
with a private telephone and internet access.
The communal living environment creates
opportunities for you to mix and mingle with
your housemates and build new friendships,
enhancing your social experience.
For more information on accommodation options, visit: futurestudents.csu.edu.au/unilife/accommodation/on-campus
WHAT TO EXPECT
FROM CSU ACCOMMODATION
BEDROOMS
Fully furnished bedrooms with Wi-Fi and cable data points.
A bar-sized refrigerator is included in self-catered accommodation.
BATHROOMS
Shared bathrooms and toilets are located close to bedrooms in all residences.
KITCHENS
Self-catered residences have either an oven, microwave, or a convection/
microwave oven. Catered residences have kitchenettes with kettle, toaster,
fridge and microwave. Semi-catered allows a self-catered residence but
provides the flexibility for some meals at CSU’s on campus dining facilities.
Cleaning - all common rooms, kitchens and bathrooms are cleaned regularly.
It is expected bedrooms and common areas will be kept tidy to enable cleaning
staff to do their jobs effectively.
LAUNDRY
Washing machines, dryers and clotheslines are available in every residential area.
WHAT
TO BRING
If you are living on campus, you will need to bring your own:
• linen, including sheets, pillow, doona / blankets
(Note: a mattress and mattress protector will be provided)
• desk lamp
•iron
• laundry detergent and pegs
• cooking utensils, pots, pans, crockery, cutlery,
tea towels and washing up requirements
RESIDENTIAL
SUPPORT
CSU offers residential support to students who choose to stay with us, ensuring
there is always a friendly face available to answer any questions or concerns you
may have during your time on campus. You will go to your Residential Adviser in
the first instance if you have questions or problems relating to your residences.
For more information on residential support, visit:
futurestudents.csu.edu.au/unilife/accommodation/residential-support
HOW TO APPLY
Find out more about the accommodation options available at your campus.
Once you’ve selected the best CSU accommodation for you, apply by visiting:
futurestudents.csu.edu.au/unilife/accommodation/apply
COSTS
CSU Accommodation is all inclusive. There are no hidden extras, additional fees
or bond requirements. Your fees include all utilities, wifi, 24/7 security, parking,
laundry, heating/cooling, Residential Support, furnishing and maintenance.
For information about costs and expectations of living on campus, visit:
futurestudents.csu.edu.au/unilife/accommodation/fees-payments
“Residence Life is an
important part of the
University experience.
It provides individuals with
a sense of independence,
lifelong friendships and
a great support network.”
“Res Life provides a support
network for all students.
It allows dormies to become
friends with each other and
creates an environment like
a family - your home away
from home... The Res Life
scheme is excellent.”
“I believe the
Residence Life team
is the reason I smile
each time someone
mentions CSU.”
“Residence Life is
an extended family...
When I was having a
difficult time either with
uni or things going on at
home, they were always
around to help me.”
The Australasian Association of College and University Housing
Officers (AACUHO) is the premier professional organisation
for all who work in Post Secondary Education Accommodation,
in any capacity, in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.
The core purpose of AACUHO is to support and facilitate
quality standards of service delivery in student housing,
facilitate sustainability of student housing as an industry
and advocate for the economic and pedagogical benefits
as a result of standards in student housing services.
The AACUHO College / University Housing Operation of the
Year award is presented to members who demonstrate
quantifiable excellence across their entire operation.
Charles Sturt University’s Residence Life team was proud to win
the award in 2014, recognising the amazing support and services
offered to students living on campus at CSU.
The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
Provider Number for Charles Sturt University is 00005F. © Charles Sturt University, 2015. JB F4447