How to secure Student Accommodation early with Commencing Student Cover
Did you know that as a new student at the University of Melbourne, you can apply for university accommodation even before you receive a course offer?
Any new student who wishes to live in our residences during their studies at the University of Melbourne is eligible to apply and receive an accommodation offer by the University of Melbourne, subject to availability.
As University Accommodation is a popular choice amongst prospective and current students, our residences tend to fill up fast.
While you wait for a course offer, you can explore our accommodation options and secure your new home. This is where our Commencing Student Cover comes in handy!
What is Commencing Student Cover?
A safety net for all new students applying for university accommodation, Commencing Student Cover (CSC) enables you to book your preferred accommodation early. If you don’t commence study at the University of Melbourne, you can terminate your Student Accommodation Agreement early and get a full refund of your security deposit and other expenses.
How do I use my Commencing Student Cover?
Commencing Student Cover can be used if:
- You have received a course offer but have declined it.
- Your course application has not been successful.
- Your course offer has been withdrawn.
If for any of these reasons, you are not commencing studies at the university, you are eligible to exercise your Commencing Student Cover.
To apply for early termination, you submit your termination request to your residence and fill out the form provided. However, you must do this before the Commencing Student Cover cut-off date set out in your Student Accommodation Agreement.
What happens next?
Once the University has reviewed your application for early termination, you will be advised of your application’s outcome in five business days (this can vary in peak periods like January and July).
Upon approval of your request, your full security deposit, any prepaid accommodation fees or departure cleaning fees in advance that you would have paid will be refunded.
The only fees retained by the university is the $100 application fees, which is non-refundable.
Commencing Student Cover cut-off dates
As mentioned in your accommodation agreement, the Commencing Student Cover (CSC) can only be exercised before the CSC cut-off dates.
You can find the CSC cut-off dates for our apartment-style accommodations and residential colleges below:
| Accommodation | Semester 2 2025 | Semester 1 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Lisa Bellear House | 28 June 2025 | 15 January 2026 |
| Little Hall | 28 June 2025 | 15 January 2026 |
| The Lofts | 28 June 2025 | 15 January 2026 |
| International House | 1 July 2025 | 1 February 2026 |
| Wilam Hall | 1 July 2025 | 1 February 2026 |
So, while you wait for an outcome on your course application, we encourage you to secure an accommodation early on so that you not only land the course of your choice but also a trusted and secure home of your choice.
Want to know more about Commencing Student Cover? Check out our FAQs to answer any other queries you might have.