International students: we can help you cope with uni life, from accommodation to financial aid
We absolutely love our international students and are so happy you’ve chosen to study at Deakin! But we know that living and studying away from home can bring extra challenges on top of your coursework – from financial pressures to loneliness and language barriers.
Times are especially tough right now with the cost of living increasing. Food, accommodation and essential items are all more expensive, and you may be worried about how to manage.
We’re with you every step of the way, so please reach out for help if needed.
Accommodation support
There are several accommodation options you can explore if your current situation isn’t sustainable:
- Homestay: live with a local family in a fully furnished room, with daily meals, laundry and cleaning facilities included. You’ll develop your English language skills in a safe and patient environment, make new friends and experience firsthand the Australian way of life. How to find a suitable homestay.
- On-campus accommodation: choose from single- and mixed-gender options, studio and shared configurations, amazing communal facilities, and different lease lengths and pricing. Your fixed fees include internet access, water, gas and electricity. Explore our safe and convenient facilities at Burwood, Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront and Warrnambool, as well as our short-stay options.
- Finding your own accommodation: use Houseme, Deakin’s free online accommodation finder, to search for long- or short-term rentals within a particular area or price range. Our off-campus housing service can also give advice on rental application forms, your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, how to avoid scams and more.
Food and essential supplies
You should never go without the basics, so please reach out to the following community services if you’re struggling:
- Melbourne: find food relief services filtered by your area via Local Food Connect or check out the Study Melbourne guide to food relief.
- Geelong: access emergency food across town via the Geelong Food Relief Centre, while Feed Me services the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast regions.
- Warrnambool: visit the Warrnambool Community Food Guide and Warrnambool and District Food Share service for food vouchers, hampers and free meals.
Financial aid
It suddenly seems like the price of everything has increased. Our ‘Saving your money as a uni student’ series has useful tips on how to reduce your energy bill, leverage rewards and discount schemes, use online tools to spend less on everyday goods and save at the supermarket.
If you’re struggling to pay the bills, explore these financial assistance options:
- Our financial assistance webpage has information on interest-free loans, financial counselling and other help.
- If you think you need significant support, contact Student Central. Our Financial Assistance Team will work with you one-on-one to discuss support options.
- DUSA offers a range of financial help, including basic emergency food and supplies and transport assistance.
- Community organisations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army also offer emergency financial support and food relief.
Please look after yourself
Your health, wellbeing and safety is our top priority. At Deakin, you can:
- See a doctor or nurse at our on-campus Medical Centres. Consultations are free with your Overseas Student Health Cover – and make sure you have your complimentary health check!
- Talk to a Deakin counsellor or visit our Ask Counselling blog for online advice.
- Access disability support if you have a disability, health or mental health condition that affects your study or participation in uni life.
- Chat to one of our multifaith chaplains, who offer compassionate support to everyone, whether religious or not.
- Contact Student Central for help with course and unit advice, full-time and part-time study options, intermission and visa compliance advice.
- Join our CONNECT program if you’re in your first trimester at Deakin.