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Commencing Student Cover

The Commencing Student Cover (CSC) enables you to book your preferred accommodation early, knowing that you can cancel it if you do not commence study at the University of Melbourne.

If you do not receive a course offer from the University, or you receive one but chose not to accept it, you can apply for a cancellation of your Student Accommodation Agreement to receive a full refund of your security deposit.

To qualify for the Commencing Student Cover, you must email your residence to request an early termination, then complete the form provided, and submit it no later than the latest date for you to terminate set out in your Student Accommodation Agreement (the CSC cut-off date).

For Lisa Bellear House, Little Hall and The Lofts that is:

  • 15 January if you are moving in for Semester 1
  • 28 June if you are moving in for Semester 2

For International House and Wilam Hall that is:

  • 1 February if you are moving in for Semester 1
  • 1 July if you are moving in for Semester 2

If you only accept an accommodation offer after the cut-off date, you are not eligible for Commencing Student Cover. Your application must be supported by relevant evidence that;

  • your course application has not been successful; or
  • your course offer has been withdrawn; or
  • you have successfully declined your course offer

You must submit your termination by the CSC cut-off date in your Agreement, otherwise you will not be eligible for a refund and you will be bound by the terms of your Agreement, including the obligation to pay the weekly room rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a cancellation of my Agreement under the Commencing Student Cover if I receive a course offer but don’t accept it?

Yes, you are eligible to apply for a cancellation of your Agreement under the Commencing Student Cover if you decide not to accept your course offer from the University of Melbourne for whatever reason. Similarly, you are covered under the Commencing Student Cover if you do not receive a course offer.

How much will I be refunded if my application for a cancellation under the Commencing Student Cover is approved?

If your request is approved, the University will provide a full refund your security deposit. If you have prepaid any Accommodation Fees or departure cleaning fees in advance, you will also be refunded these fees provided you have not already moved into your room. Please note: your $110 application fee is non-refundable.

Which clauses of the Student Accommodation Agreement allow me to cancel my Agreement if I don’t receive or accept an offer from the University?

See clause 7 of the Student Accommodation Agreement.

When will I be informed of the outcome of my application to cancel my Student Accommodation Agreement?

The University will review your application, verify your enrolment status, and advise you of the outcome via email, usually within 5 business days. There may be some processing delays during the January and July peak periods.

Can I wait until after I receive a course offer from the University to accept my accommodation offer?

Unfortunately not. Due to high demand for our rooms, your accommodation offer will lapse on the date indicated on your offer email. You are welcome to contact us again when you receive a course offer from the University, however, we cannot guarantee that we will have availability for your preferred room types. Alternatively, you can accept your current accommodation offer and if you do not end up receiving a course offer, or you decide to not accept your course offer, you can apply for a cancellation of your Student Accommodation Agreement as described on this page to receive a full refund of your security deposit.

What if I don’t get a course offer until close to my Occupancy Start Date or after it?

To activate your Commencing Student Cover, you must submit your early termination request form no later than 14 days before your Occupancy Start Date. If you haven't received a course offer from the University, we recommend applying for cancellation within the timeframe above. If you receive a course offer after this, please contact us so we can send you a new accommodation offer. You will not need to pay the $110 application fee again for the same application period. If you apply for cancellation after the CSC cut-off date, you will remain bound by the terms of your Agreement, including the obligation to pay weekly room rate.

What if I move in, decide university is not for me, and unenroll from the University?

If you unenroll from the University and wish to terminate your Student Accommodation Agreement early, you can apply for Early Termination of your Agreement as per clause 8 of your Agreement. You must provide the University with at least 28 days’ prior written notice using a form that your residence will provide to you on request. A cancellation fee equivalent to 2 weeks of your weekly room rate will also apply. The University will assess your application, verify your enrolment status, and advise you of the outcome within 5 business days. If approved, the University will refund your security deposit, less all outstanding charges and student damages. Any prepaid Accommodation Fees that is unused from the new End Date of your Agreement (as approved by the University) will also be refunded. Please note that under clause 8 of your Agreement, you cannot terminate early if your Agreement's term is for a single semester.

If I know I am not going to study at the University before receiving a course offer, can I cancel my accommodation booking?

You can make an application for the cancellation of your Agreement under the Commencing Student Cover at any time. However, the University cannot process your application until you can supply supporting documentation that proves you will not be enrolled at the University.