Campus East costs similar to independent accommodation

An investigation has found that Campus East accommodation is very similar in price compared to independent accommodation.

Front of self-catered apartments on Campus East

Dining hall for flexi-catered accommodation.
Cafe to front and Campus food to left. 

The annual costs for Campus East housing include the annual residence fees and a minimum weekly rent of $229 for flexi-catered accommodation and $181 for self-catered accommodation.

In self-catered apartments a full kitchen is supplied and students cook for themselves, spending around $100/week on food. Whereas in flexi-catered accommodation students purchase their food through a pre-paid meal card and eat in the dining hall (school camp style), spending an average of $70/week on food.

Estimated table of 1st year costs for living on Campus East or in Independent housing

So in the first year of living in flexi-catered accommodation, a student would spend around $16,478 on residence fees, rent and food, whilst in self-catered accommodation a student would spend around $14,612 for the same things. In the years after this, Campus East student’s costs would decrease by $85.00 overall due to administration fees.

Bathroom at independent accommodation

For independent accommodation in the same area (Fairy Meadow), the rent for a fairly modern 2 bedroom apartment is around $180/person weekly.  In addition, food costs would be around $100/week and $150 each quarter for the electricity bill.

In the first year, the cost of living in independent accommodation is more than Campus East housing due to the $1440 one-off bond required when you move in. This totals $16,000 for the first year and $15,160 for every year after ($152 less than the cheapest Campus East housing).

Front of Independent accommodation

However, in spite of the fact that both Campus East housing and independent accommodation are very similar in price, living at home is usually a much cheaper option.


First year PDHPE student and resident at Campus East Hilly Allen says "without my parents help it would be very difficult to be able to live at Campus East. Other people get assistance from Centrelink if they're parents can't help because our weekly income usually just isn't enough." 

Thus, before making any permanent decisions about moving to Campus East be sure to do your sums and research how much assistance is available to you. 

To view the independent apartment that costs were based on visit this link http://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-fairy+meadow-405864421

To view the fees and charges schedule for living at Campus East visit this link http://www.uow.edu.au/content/groups/public/@web/@accomm/documents/doc/uow015174.pdf

To view the resident’s handbook which has further information regarding fees visit this link (look at pages 11 and 12 in particular) http://www.uow.edu.au/content/groups/public/@web/@accomm/documents/doc/uow015173.pdf