What is the difference between a Hall and a College?
‘Hall’ or ‘Halls of Residence’ refers to the JCU owned and operated Halls of Residence; encompassing University Hall, George Roberts Hall, Rotary International House and Western Courts.
‘College’ refers to the independently managed, church affiliated on campus residences, they are; The John Flynn College, St Mark’s College, and The Catholic College of St Paul and St Raphael.
What is Self Catering Accommodation?
In self catering accommodation options, meals are not provided; students must cater for their own meals. Fully equipped communal kitchens are provided. Self catering accommodation is provided at Rotary International House and St Raphael’s College.
What is Full Board Accommodation?
All full board accommodation options provide 3 meals a day. On weekends and public holidays the Halls serve a brunch which extends throughout the morning. Meal times vary and are clearly displayed at each residence dining hall.
Are special dietary requirements catered for? (Vegan, vegetarian, gluten/lactose intolerance etc)
Most dietary requirements can be catered for. You will need to discuss your needs with the Principal / Head of Hall or Catering Manager.
Does this residence have a designated study and computer room?
All residences have a computer room with limited numbers of computers for residents use. It is recommended that you bring your own computer or purchase locally once you arrive. Printing options vary between the Halls and Colleges, but all operate on a pay-per-use system.
What linen is provided by this residence and what do they wash?
The Halls of Residence provide a mattress protector, pillow and bedspread; students must provide and launder their own linen. Linen packs can be purchased from the Halls upon arrival.
The Colleges will provide pillows, blankets, sheets and a pillowcase and they are laundered weekly.
All Students must provide and wash their own towels. Laundry facilities are provided on site, charges apply.
Is there car parking on site?
Car parking areas are provided and all resident’s vehicles must be registered at each office on arrival.
Is there a lockable bike enclosure or somewhere safe for bicycles to be stored?
Bike racks are provided however not all are enclosed. Therefore it is recommended to bring a bike chain and lock for security. It is also recommended to engrave your bike and keep records, including a photo, of your bike in case of damage or loss.
If the Colleges have a religious affiliation, do I have to attend a service/chapel/say grace/pray to attend?
The Colleges are governed by the Church’s Council, and while religious support is provided, participation is optional. Residents from all Halls and Colleges are able to participate at different colleges as desired.
Can I stay for a short time, just until I get settled?
Temporary accommodation can be arranged directly with the Halls and Colleges, subject to availability. Students wishing to stay off-campus and requiring short-term accommodation in the interim, should arrange to come at least one to two weeks prior to orientation week. Short stays for block mode subjects and workshops can also be arranged, subject to availability.
Outside vacations, during the academic study periods, the capacity to offer temporary accommodation is limited as priority is given to full time students, who must sign a residency contract with their respective Hall or College.
What is a residency contract?
A residency contract is a legally binding agreement between the resident and the Hall or College and is for a set term. These vary in length from one semester (18 weeks), an academic year (40 weeks), an academic year excluding the mid year vacation (34 weeks) or a full calendar year (52 weeks). Prices vary from contract to contract and from college to college. It is recommended that check each residence website: www.jcu.edu.au/accommodation/tsvdomestic/JCUDEV_002923.html
If I sign up with one residence, can I leave when I like?
No, all residences will require that you sign a contract. Penalties will apply if you break the contract and leave. This penalty varies between the Hall and Colleges.
When can I move in and when do I have to move out?
This depends on the contract type and residence, it is best to check their websites, or contact the Halls and Colleges directly.
As a general rule, students can move into their room the weekend before Orientation Week, but this can be negotiated for those doing bridging courses and others who may need to arrive earlier.
Students are usually required to vacate their room the Sunday after exams finish at the end of the year or semester, depending on their contract type, but again this can be negotiated.
Can I accept a place at one residence and then change to a different residence after a few weeks/months?
No, acceptance of accommodation requires you to sign a residency contract, this is a legally binding contract. Because of the high demand for on-campus accommodation, it is recommended that you nominate which Hall or College you wish to attend. Any special requirements should be noted in the on line application or by phoning the individual Hall or College. If you are within the Halls of Residence, you may apply for a room or Hall change during your contract. Your request may be granted if vacancies exist.
Does this residence have separate male/female floors?
Some colleges have separate floors for males or females, while other are co-educational. St Raphael’s is a women’s only wing of The Catholic College and St Mark’s also have a women’s only wing. It is recommended to nominate your preference on your application or contact the college directly.
What happens on holidays or breaks with my room and the cost of rent?
The Colleges will not offer accommodation for the vacation break. However, students can apply to stay on and they will be charged vacation rates.
At the Halls, the mid year (winter) vacation is included in the academic and calendar year contract periods.
Students who will be absent during vacation periods can make their room available to visitors. This is arranged through Halls administration; no resident is to permit non authorised persons to use their rooms. Full Board residents can also apply for a meal rebate for absence of 7 days or more.
Check directly with the Halls and Colleges for details.
Can I have visitors stay in my room, say if my Dad wants to visit me?
At the Halls of Residence, guests are welcome to stay overnight provided it is for a limited time and you complete an overnight guest form for approval. Limited spare mattresses or trundle beds are available. Charges apply for stays of 2-5 nights, if approved, longer stays will incur casual guest rates.
Check directly with College staff for further details.
Can I have a bar fridge or microwave in my room?
A bar fridge is acceptable in your room; an extra charge may be required for the cost of electricity. A microwave is not allowed; cooking is not permitted in any student room due to Fire Safety regulations.
Can I have a fish tank/aquarium in my room?
A small fish tank is acceptable at some Halls and Colleges (not at the Combined Catholic Colleges). No other pets are permitted on campus.
Is there a time when the residence shuts down/locks down at the end of the night?
All doors to all residences will be locked overnight, but the time they shut will vary. Students will be able to access their individual rooms at all hours.
Does this residence have a social club or a group that organises events and gatherings for students? How do I join?
Each college has their own Resident Student Association that organises events and social outings. Membership fees are often included in fees paid at the beginning of the year.
There are various sporting and cultural events including eleven sports within the Fisher Shield and various categories in the Inter-College Concert.
Is there any residence that has a special programme for music/art/drama/sport/first year students or those studying a specific subject?
No. Each residence has a mix of students with varied backgrounds, interests, ages and courses.
Can I get an accommodation scholarship?
Most residences offer student bursaries. Further information on these can be obtained directly from the residences involved.
John Flynn College offers two bursaries for new students each year, and four bursaries for returning students each year.
The Combined Catholic Colleges offer three bursaries annually.
The Halls of Residence offer one bursary at each Hall to returning residents as well as an additional bursary at George Roberts Hall from the founder, Mr George Roberts CBE.
Additional bursaries and scholarships are available through JCU with details available at: www.jcu.edu.au/student/scholarships
Which residence is closest to where I have classes?
All Halls and Colleges are an easy walk to the rest of the campus. Campus maps are available at: www.jcu.edu.au/campusmaps
How do I get around campus?
While JCU’s Douglas campus appears quite spread out, you can walk from one side to the other in about 15 minutes, so nowhere on campus is too far away from anything.
Most students walk while others use bicycles, though scooters are becoming a popular and economic method of transport. There is a local bus service which regularly circles the campus and visits local shopping centres, the city and beaches. Timetables are readily available on campus, or online at: www.sunbus.com.au/tt_townsville