What will life be like living on campus at Deakin in 2021?
- Blog
- 5 min read
- •Posted October 2020
Are you thinking about studying at Deakin in 2021? Now is the perfect time to not only consider your course options but also to take the opportunity to secure your place to live on campus at Deakin next year. We know you’ve got a lot on your plate at present with exams looming and uncertainty still surrounding what life will look like at university next year, but we’re here to put your mind at ease. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we’re receiving at present. If your question hasn’t been answered, feel free to reach out to our campus teams at any time.
What has Deakin Res done to support residents’ wellbeing and engagement during COVID-19?
Programs and events have also been adapted to ensure our residents remain happy, healthy and connected to each other and our team (regardless of where you’re based). This has all been supported by our Belong, Balance, Broaden wellbeing and engagement model tailor made for life in 2020 and designed to:
foster a sense of belonging and engagement with our community
encourage residents to balance mind and body
help our residents to explore opportunities to broaden your horizons through virtual personal and professional development activities, webinars and workshops.
But don’t just take our word for it! As part of our annual student experience survey this year, residents overwhelmingly indicated that they believed that student accommodation has been a safe and well-managed place to live during COVID.
How has Deakin Res managed COVID risks?
A number of COVIDSafe measures have been introduced at each of our campuses including hand sanitising stations, additional welfare checks and increased cleaning.
Can I apply for 2021 on campus accommodation?
Yes – Our application portal is open. All students considering on campus accommodation in 2021 are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience as timeliness of application is our main criteria when processing applications.
What if the course I am offered does not have an on-campus component in 2021?
Deakin Res continues to monitor on campus course requirements and if you accept an offer to live on res and retrospectively find that your course does not include on-campus learning you will have an option to cancel your residential place.
Who can live on res at Deakin?
All Deakin students, who feel living on campus will help them feel better connected and supported while they study will be eligible to apply, regardless of study mode (full time, part time and cloud). To support this, we have significantly reduced or frozen our fees for 2021, providing a truly cost-effective and convenient accommodation option at each of our campuses.
Is shared accommodation available in 2021?
A variety of accommodation options continue to be available to residents including studio apartments and shared accommodation. The layout and design of our shared accommodation options at Deakin means that you will, at most, share a bathroom and kitchen with three other residents (at Burwood and Waterfront) or five at our Waurn Ponds and Waterfront Campus.
Can I choose to live with friends?
Deakin Res prides itself on providing residents with the opportunity to live with a diverse community. Residents are allocated accommodation based on the preference you provide in your application including room type, requests for single gender and other options as per our inclusive housing policy, however it is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends from various courses and backgrounds. If you would like to request to be located near to a friend you may do so directly by emailing your campus and they will endeavour to place you within the same college/building or area of the residential precinct. Please note that this is not guaranteed and is subject to availability.
Will the residential orientation program still run in 2021?
Our residential orientation program will look a little different next year, but that’s not to say it won’t be just as essential in helping you to form new friendships, meet key members of staff, participate in a diverse range of activities and events and comfortably settle into life at Deakin. A number of key events will be held online – including our compulsory orientation briefings with our General Managers and Campus Life team, and some educational sessions as well. There will also be plenty of time and opportunity to meet residents on your floor, unit or apartment with regular small-scale ‘get to know you’ activities as COVID restrictions permit.
What kind of events and activities will be offered as part of the social program next year?
Like 2020, next year will also feature a blended approach towards our student experience programs. This means that some activities will be hosted online whilst others will be in person at various locations on-campus and offsite in the local area. We know that social distancing requirements are still in place and constantly changing, but our staff and student leaders will ensure you are safe and getting to enjoy your time at Deakin. Our residents loved this blended approach to social programming this year, with rave reviews of both the virtual and in-person activities.
What makes Deakin Res unique?
We know studying something new at Deakin is a big step towards a bright future. Living on campus is a big part of this. It provides a smoother transition into university, it’s at the heart of Deakin, the hub where the action happens and a home where the entire Deakin experience is within your reach. Deakin Res provides a wide range of accommodation styles on offer to suit your needs, has a proven COVIDSafe management plan in place, and a team of staff available around the clock to ensure you are safe, supported and connected.
Want to know more?
DRS is a 24/7, 365-day operation which means we are always available to answer any questions. To connect with a DRS staff member please use one of the following mechanisms.
Don’t miss out on our Webinars
Live Chat: https://www.deakin.edu.au/life-at-deakin/accommodation/on-campus
BURWOOD Phone: +61 3 9251 7671 Email: bsradmin@deakin.edu.au
GEELONG WAURN PONDS Phone: +61 3 5227 1158 Email: gsradmin@deakin.edu.au
GEELONG WATERFRONT Phone: +61 3 5227 8631 Email: wfadmin@deakin.edu.au
WARRNAMBOOL Phone: +61 3 5563 3111 Email: wsradmin@deakin.edu.au
Written by
Laura is widely regarded as an industry expert in the theory, planning, and delivery of exceptional student experiences, having honed her skills over the course of a career spanning two decades and multiple higher education institutions.
