DAILY LIFE
Dormitory or flat for your first year?
Compare the full written offer for each place. A residence fee and a flat’s rent may include different services, bills and deposits; put the same cost items side by side before deciding.
In this guide
What a dormitory usually includes
A residence may provide furniture, utilities, internet or meals, but the package varies. Deposits, advance payments, extra charges and holiday closures may still apply. Ask for the written fee schedule and cancellation terms, and check room occupancy, accessibility, guests, entry rules and catering. Eligibility and availability also differ between university, state and private residences.
What a flat actually costs
Ask for a complete quotation: rent, deposit, advance payments, building charges, utilities, internet, furnishing and any lawful agency charge. Record what is refundable and when it is due. Compare the first month separately from recurring monthly costs; neither a flat nor a residence is always the cheaper option.
The honest trade
Compare privacy, rules, commute, accessibility, kitchen access and administrative work alongside cost. Some students prefer a residence while settling in; others need a different arrangement from the start. Base the choice on your requirements and the actual contract, rather than a single recommended sequence for everyone.
If you choose a flat, before you sign
Before signing or transferring money, check these points and ask for help understanding any unfamiliar contract terms.
- A written contract you have read, with the rent and the term stated
- What the deposit covers and the conditions for getting it back
- Whether the building charge and utilities are included or separate
- The identity of whoever is letting it, verified
- The flat seen in person, by you or someone you trust
- Photographs of any existing damage, taken on the day you move in
A FEW MORE ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions
Can I arrange a dormitory before I arrive?
Ask your university or the residence’s official channel about applications, eligibility, available places and written booking terms. Obtain a booking confirmation; an enquiry or offer of help does not reserve a room.
Is a flat cheaper if I share it?
Splitting rent may reduce your individual share, but compare all costs and responsibilities, including what happens if a housemate leaves. Meet prospective housemates and agree on household rules before committing.
Plan your next step.
Bring your questions about programs, documents or settling in to a MEC Education advisor.