Frequently Asked Questions - Peninsula Residential Prospective Residents

Accommodation

Is the accommodation at Peninsula Residential mixed gender or single sex?
All accommodation at Student Village, Lardner Road and Bloom Street may be mixed gender with all students having a bedroom to themselves but sharing the common facilities with others. At Samada Street the two bedroom units are single sex unless specifically requested by the residents to be mixed gender.
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Is there separate accommodation for post graduate and undergraduate students?
All accommodation at Peninsula Residential is mixed study levels. Consideration is made when allocating rooms of residents' course and year of study, and country of origin. First year students prefer the busy social life at the Student Village whilst post graduate students prefer the quieter environment at Samada Street.
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Do I have to share a bedroom?
No. All bedrooms are exclusively for one resident. They are lockable with a security key that cannot be duplicated.
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Can someone else share my room if I wish?
No. OHSE regulations do not allow more than one student to take up residence in a bedroom.
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What is provided in each residence?
Most furniture and large appliances (no TV), heating (no cooling), couches, tables, chairs, oven, fridge, microwave oven, washing machine, clothes dryer, electric jug, toaster, vacuum cleaner, iron, ironing board.
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What furniture is provided in my room?
Bed, wardrobe, drawers, study desk, chairs, heater, portable clothes airer
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What do I need to bring with me to live on campus?
Personal appliances, PC, printer, bed linen, pillow, cutlery, crockery (plates), cooking utensils, pots and pans, TV
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Are any of the appliances coin-operated?
No, all of the appliances are provided with no extra charges.
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Can I bring a VCR/DVD/Stereo/Fridge?
Yes, although students should consider the available space in their rooms before bringing too many items. A small bar fridge is preferable. Residents playing music and watching TV in their rooms should be mindful of the noise levels so as not to disturb the other residents. Please note: Peninsula Residential is not responsible for the safe keeping of your belongings, and it is recommended that you lock your room when you away from it.
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Can I have my own bed in my room?
Yes arrangements can be made with the Operations Staff to move the bed from your room.
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If I want to leave earlier than agreed, how much notice am I required to give?
You must give 4 weeks notice in writing. Residents must have good reason to request to leave and are responsible for finding a replacement resident. A retrospective amended higher rental rate will apply.
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May I move into Peninsula Residential accommodation earlier than the nominated admission date and/ or stay beyond the nominated contract expiry date?
Subject to availability this is possible. Please check with the Operations office staff regarding your needs.
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Where do I park my car/bike?
Limited free car parking is available to all residents. Residents must first obtain a parking permit from the Operations Office which must be displayed at all times. Car parking spaces are not guaranteed and all parking restrictions must be obeyed or an infringement notice will be issued. Bicycles should be stored inside the residences as there is no locked facility available to store them.
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What accommodation is available at Peninsula Residential?
Student Village - 5 x 6 bedroom houses
Lardner Road - 1 x 6 bedroom house
Bloom Street - 12 x 4 bedroom units
Samada Street - 2 x 1 bedroom units, 10 x 2 bedroom units
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Does Peninsula Residential provide accommodation for non Monash University students?
Due to the limited accommodation available, first preference is given to full time students at Peninsula Campus. Residents must advise the Operations Office if their full time status at the Campus changes. If there are surplus vacancies then part time students and students of other campuses will be offered the accommodation. During Summer Semester it is possible to provide accommodation to other students.
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Can I put up picture frames, posters and other art effects in my room to give it a personal touch?
You are allowed to put things on the walls so long as you use the appropriate material eg blu tack to affix them to the walls. On departure, students must ensure that all adhesive material is properly removed and the room is restored to its original condition, otherwise charges will apply.
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Are there cleaning staff that come into my room?
No. The cleaning staff will clean all common areas on a weekly basis however the cleaning of your bedroom is your responsibility. A vacuum cleaner is provided to assist you with this.
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If I don't settle after the first few weeks, am I able to transfer to other accommodation?
It is very difficult to get a transfer as the residences are usually full and a transfer would mean a direct swap with another resident. Much care is taken in trying to match residents in advance to avoid this situation. If you are unhappy, it is advised that you first speak with the Resident Advisor responsible for your residence, or the Residential Supervisor. Every effort will be made to try to assist you with your problem. It is usually possible to swap at the end of Semester 1 and always possible to swap at the end of the Academic Year.
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Do the rooms have private bathrooms and toilets?
No. Each residence is a small community that shares the bathroom and toilet. The maximum number of residents sharing a bathroom is 4.
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What size are the rooms?
Rooms are on average about 3 metres x 4 metres.
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What size is the bed?
Beds are single bed size abut 2 metres x 1 metre. A limited number of long single beds are available. Please ask the Operations staff about these beds.
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Applications

How do I apply for accommodation at Peninsula Residential?
All applications must be received on the appropriate Application for Admissions form. This form is available to download at the web site or can be requested from the Operations Office. This form must be faxed or posted back to the Operations Office accompanied by the application fee, and 2 recent passport sized photos.
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Is there an application fee? If so how much?
For Academic Year 2008 a $50.00 application fee is applicable. This fee must accompany the application form.
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When is the best time to apply for accommodation?
Applications are received throughout the year for accommodation. It is best to apply when you apply for an offer of study from the Peninsula Campus.
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If I submit an application, does that mean I have secured a room?
No, all applications for admission are kept on a waiting list and successful applicants will be advised. It is reasonable to expect that if you put in an application well in advance of the start of Semester 1, Semester 2 or Summer Semester you can receive an offer.
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I am currently a Year 12 student in Australia. Do I have to wait till I get my results before I apply for accommodation?
No, you should not wait. As one important factor in considering applications is the order of receipt, the earlier that we receive your application the better chance of success you can have.
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What is the closing date for Applications for Accommodation?
The closing date for applications is advised on the Application for Admission Form. Peninsula Residential does however accept applications after the closing date for any subsequent vacancies.
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Will Peninsula Residential still accept applications after the closing date?
Yes
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Can I apply on line?
No, from Semester 2 2005 the on line facility has been withdrawn to allow important modifications to be done to the entire MRS application process. The Application for Admission form is still available from the web-site however it must be manually returned.
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Can I apply for accommodation before I get my visa approval and full offer from Monash University?
Yes, however you cannot take up residency unless you are a Monash Peninsula student.
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What do I have to submit with my application?
Please provide the completed Application for Admission form, two recent passport photos and $50.00 Application Fee.
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How long do I have to wait to get a place?
This varies depending on when you submit your application. Most offers for the Academic Year are sent in December and January. If you have not heard from the Operations Office by the end of January you may contact us to get an update of your application.
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Do I have to sign a contract?
Yes, an Offer of Accommodation including a Residency Agreement will be sent to you for signature.
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How are offers sent out to students?
A hard copy is mailed to the student's mailing address and a pdf is also sent by email.
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How long do I get to accept the offer?
Usually about 7 - 14 days.
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Are domestic students guaranteed a place at Peninsula Residential?
Peninsula Residential is a mixture of students from many backgrounds, courses, personalities and expectations. There are many domestic students in residence together with many residents from international backgrounds.
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If I am going to defer my studies, should I still apply for accommodation?
No, it is best to wait till the applicable period to apply for accommodation.
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Can I request a specific residence?
It is preferred if you give one or two preferences for where you would like to stay, although we try to give first preferences.
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How do I pay my Building & Amenities Fee from overseas?
Please pay either by bank draft made payable to “Monash University” or by credit card over the phone or faxed separately. (Please note Monash University has a policy of protection of credit card details which means that the details are retained by the Cashier's office separately from the Application for Admission.)
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Do I require a referee?
No referee is required for a student resident application.
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Can I nominate to share a residence with my friends?
Yes. Please ensure that your friends also submit an Application for Admission form. Although this office will try to locate friends in the same residence, it is not always possible.
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What do I put down for my current mailing address on the Application Form?
Please put the address to which your Letter of Offer should be sent.
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Should I advise Peninsula Residential about the course I have been offered at Peninsula Campus?
Yes, the Application for Admission form requests this information.
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I am studying a degree that has some classes at another campus. Which campus should I apply to for accommodation?
As there is no general answer to this question, it is best to contact the Operations Office directly to discuss your particular needs with them.
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Is it possible to apply for accommodation at Peninsula Residential before being offered a place at the University?
Yes. All Year 12 students applying through VTAC should apply in advance to ensure that their names are high on the waiting list.
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Do I need to attend an interview and do I need to provide a copy of my transcripts and/ or school reports?
No, there are no academic prerequisites to secure a place at Peninsula Residential.
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What is the minimum length of time I must stay at Peninsula Residential?
All residencies should be considered to be long term. Residency Agreements are for either Academic Year. Semester 2 or the Summer Semester.
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Can I move out earlier than the end of lease date?
In exceptional circumstances and where a replacement resident is found, residents can vacate earlier. The rent from date of arrival will be recalculated at the standard rate (refer Fee Regulations). Residents vacating at the end of the period, but prior to the expiry date, are required to pay rent to the end of the Agreement period.
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Can I stay at Peninsula Residential for a short time whilst I look for other accommodation?
No, you should seek other short term options.
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I am 17 years old. Can I still live at Peninsula Residential?
Residents under 18 years of age, but turning 18 during the Agreement Period, must advise the Residential Office of their age. A separate parent/guardian authorisation is required. These residents will be placed in accommodation with a Resident Advisor. This senior student does not act as a guardian, but will take a special interest in the welfare of the 17 year old resident. All members of the Residential Support Team (RST) have a valid Working With Children card.

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What is the process followed when allocating rooms?
Residents are allocated accommodation based on a number of criteria: availability, waiting list order, preferences, gender, background, course and year of study.
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Do I have to complete an application form, or can I just apply by email? A signed application form is required. Please email other enquiries to: peninsula.admin@adm.monash.edu.au

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I am in Melbourne now. Can I see the rooms at Peninsula Residential before applying?
It is not generally possible to see the rooms due to the fact that the accommodation is home to our students. Some rooms are available for viewing on Monash Open Day. Please contact the Residential Office for further details.
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Facilities and Services

What support services are available on campus?
At Peninsula Residential there is a Residential Support Team (RST) in place. This team comprises the Manager, Residential Supervisor, Residential Support Assistant and volunteer Resident Advisors. The RST lives on site and are available to assist at all times (subject to study commitments.) Health Wellbeing & Development offer medical and counselling services, and MONSU and Student Services assist students in other areas.
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What type of catering is available for my meals?
Each residence is self-catered, ie cook your own meals. An extensive variety of food is available for lunch at the Campus cafeteria during the week.
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What recreational facilities are available for students?
Monash Sport manages the sports facilities on Campus. There are gym facilities with a special discounted offer for residents, and access to many sporting areas such as basketball, netball, badminton, soccer and hockey. The residences are located close to the Jubilee Park swimming centre. There is a bike path to Frankston and the beach is 5 minutes away by car.
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Can I have an overnight guest?
Following approval from the Resident Advisor a guest may stay for one night.
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My family will be coming to visit. Can they stay with me?
It is preferred if all relatives make separate accommodation arrangements in order for the students to quickly adjust to their new environment.
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In the case of an emergency, who do I contact if I need immediate assistance after hours?
Please contact your Resident Advisor, another member of the Residential Support Team, the Residential Supervisor, Residential Support Assistant, Monash Security and/or Emergency Services (police/fire/ambulance) depending on the urgency of the assistance required.
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Is there internet access in my room? What do I need to do and what will it cost?
There is an annual internet Access Fee payable by all residents (refer to the Accommodation Fee regulations.) There are other charges imposed by ITS for accessing the internet via the Monash network. This will be charged at a rate of $9.00 per Gb for all use and will be invoiced monthly by MRS. Residents can check their use via the Monash portal.
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Do I have access to a phone in the common areas? How much does it cost?
At all residences there is a Monash internal phone provided where free calls are possible throughout the University PABX system. External calls are via a phone card at the rates applicable to the 1800 call charges.
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Do I have access to a phone in my bedroom? How much does it cost?
Yes, it is possible in all bedrooms to arrange with Telstra to put in a private line. This line is totally at the resident's expense. Installation costs are around $165.00 and rental fees and call costs are at residential rates. Further details of these charges are available from Telstra.
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Can I connect a dial up or broadband connection in my room?
Yes, a Telstra dial up or broadband connection is possible.
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Can I rent/borrow a phone?
The phones in the common areas are provided by Peninsula Residential. It is the resident's responsibility to provide their own phone in the bedroom.
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Arrivals

How far is the airport from the Campus?
The airport is in the outer North -Western suburbs of Melbourne. The campus is in the southern suburbs of Melbourne. It takes a minimum of an hour to travel from the airport to the Campus in off peak traffic.
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Do you organise airport pick up?
Airport reception for new international students is arranged through Monash International.
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On my arrival, where do I go?
To finalise arrangements and to collect your key please go to Level 2, Building C, Monash University - Peninsula Campus, McMahons Road, Frankston during office hours.
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What do I need to bring with me when I check in?
Please bring any correspondence we have sent.
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When is the best time to check in?
Please check in during the office hours of 8.15am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
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If I arrive outside these hours or at the weekend how can I collect my keys?
Although not preferred due to limited staff on campus, after hours key collection can be arranged. Please contact the Residential Office regarding alternative arrangements which will most likely be collecting the key from the Monash Security Office, Level 1 Building C.
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Is the Operations Office located at the residences?
No, the Residential Office is located close by in Building C.
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Can I just turn up at the accommodation without notifying anyone?
No, you must advise this office in advance of your arrival date.
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How much notice do I have to give Peninsula Residential of my arrival dates?
24 hours notice is required.
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General

Am I allowed to bring pets?
No
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What will my address be when I move to Peninsula Residential?
Your address will vary depending on your residence. This will be identified to you when a Residency Agreement is sent to you for signature.
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What happens to my mail after I have left?
If you have provided a mailing address, we will forward mail for 1 month. After this time it will be sent back to the sender.
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Are there any casual work opportunities?
There are no work opportunities in the Residential Office. There are some work opportunities on campus and many opportunities with MAPA to promote the Campus.
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How from the University is the on-campus accommodation?
All residences, except Samada Street, are located on the north eastern boundary of the campus. Samada Street residences are one minute's walk through the southern gate.
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How far is the closest shopping centre from the accommodation?
Frankston Central is located about 5 kms from the Campus. Public transport is available, and there is a bike track for interested riders. Other smaller local shopping centres are located within a 10 to 15 minute walk from the accommodation.
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How far from the Central Business District (Melbourne City) is the accommodation?
At least one hour drive by car in off peak traffic.
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How far from the beach is the accommodation?
Less than 5 minutes in the car
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What happens to my belongings if I accidentally leave something behind after I vacate?
If the belongings look obviously like rubbish they will be discarded. You will be contacted regarding other belongings to arrange for a suitable collection or disposal.
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What contents insurance company do you recommend?
There is no preferred company, however it is recommended that personal insurance is obtained.
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Will I have the same room for the entire stay of my accommodation?
There are no guarantees of accommodation beyond the current Agreement period, however you may nominate to have the same room on subsequent occasions. You may also nominate to change your room/residence if you wish.
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Can I store my belongings when I go home for the Summer Semester?
If there is room available, stored items may remain. The belongings are stored at the resident's risk, and a storage charge applies.
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Rent

What is included in the Accommodation Fee?
Furnished accommodation, utilites (see below), maintenance cleaning, pastoral support and access to 24 hour security.
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Are utilities included in the Accommodation Fee?
The use of utilities is included in the Accommodation Fee up to the capped amount.
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How do I pay my rental fees?
1. Cash or EFTPOS at Peninsula Cashier's Office, Level 2 Building C
2. BPAY - through your bank
3. via the Internet
4. via the Telephone
5. via the Post (this method is not recommended as the cheque may not arrive before the last business day of the month)
6. Arrangements can also be made to have fees automatically deducted from a credit card account.
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Can I pay my Building & Amenities Fee by credit card?
Credit card payments can be made by facsimile or phone only following prior arrangements. Please do not provide credit card details by email.
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Can my parents set up a direct debit facility from their bank account to pay for my monthly rent?
Yes, a direct debit facility can be arranged from a credit card account.
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What additional charges are there in addition to rent?
Building & Amenities Fee, Computer Access Fee, excess utilities charges (if applicable), phone call charges (if applicable), internet use charges (if applicable).
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If I am moving into Peninsula Residential in 2nd Semester do I still qualify for the concession room rate?
Yes, please contact the Residential Office for further details.
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Can I leave after my exams finish and pay only till then?
You are welcome to vacate after your exams, however you are responsible for the rent till the end of the Agreement Period.
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I am going home to visit my family for a month? Do I need to pay rent while I am away?
Yes, you are responsible for the rent for the entire Agreement Period.
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