Accommodation

Students have a range of accommodation options available to them when they study at PIBT. These include:

• On-campus accommodation
• Homestay
• Off-campus accommodation
• Temporary accommodation
• Airport Reception

Please note: PIBT recommends that you stay in a Homestay accommodation if you are under 18 years of age. If you intend staying with friends or relatives (other than your family), then you must obtain permission from your parents and the college. In addition, the person you are staying with, must be above 21 years of age and must agree to act as your guardian/local carer. For more information please refer to the section on "Under 18s" on the International Students page.
Pre-Departure Accommodation Guide.

On-campus Accommodation

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PIBT students have access to on-campus accommodation at the Mount Lawley Student Village, which features brand new five-bedroom apartments just a short walk from the university. The apartments are modern and fully furnished, with private bedrooms, bathrooms, large kitchens and spacious lounge areas, so students will have plenty of space to hang out with friends. The on-site facilities include a pool, café/convenience store, sound lounge, e-library, study zones and shared laundry. With resident assistants on hand to organise events and activities, you will find plenty to do and lots of ways to meet new people.

For more information and to download an application form, visit ecuvillage.com.au

Homestay

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Homestay is a popular accommodation option available to overseas students in Perth. Homestay may be families, couples, single people or single mothers with children. All are selected to provide good quality facilities and meals if required. The Homestay families have requested a student to stay with them, so students can be sure they will be very welcome.
Host families speak English and this will help to improve language skills. Host families help with day-to-day problems such as transport, banking and shopping. Homestay gives you a friendly environment where you can live, relax and study in comfort and security.
PIBT utilises three companies to arrange accommodation for students. All questions regarding Homestay accommodation should be sent directly to the accommodation provider that you wish to use. Please visit their websites to find out more information and to complete an application form:

WA Homestay Network - http://www.homestaynetwork.org/supervisors/page/86-WA-Homestay-Network-The-WAHN-Team

PSA - http://www.perthstudentaccommodation.com

NACEL - http://www.nacel.com.au

Applications for Homestay must be submitted to the accommodation provider 4 weeks prior to arrival in Perth. Please complete the application forms in full - these details will assist in providing you with suitable accommodation. If you choose Homestay, advise the accommodation providers if you have special diet or medical considerations (eg. religious; vegetarian), if you are a smoker and if you have problems living with pets (cats, dogs, etc.).

To secure Homestay, a Placement Fee must be paid at the time of submitting a request. Contact your local representative for assistance and complete the Accommodation/Airport Reception Form available from the websites listed above.

Off-campus Accommodation

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Newly arrived students - be aware that you may need to devote AT LEAST ONE TO TWO WEEKS to finding suitable accommodation.

Off-campus options include house or unit/ flat rentals, or hostels. Costs vary considerably depending on size, quality and location. Renting normally requires you to sign a contract of 6 or 12 months and you will usually be required to pay one month’s rent in advance as well as pay a refundable deposit (bond) in the event of any damage during the rental period. Any lease or other housing arrangements entered into are at the sole discretion of the student and the accommodation provider involved.

NACEL (one of our accommodation providers) also offers 'shared student housing' in fully furnished and equipped houses. Follow this link for more information.

Information about rental properties is available from reception (a list of local properties), from local Real Estate agents and newspapers. The best day to look for housing is Saturday, using The West Australian newspaper. Some students also have success using the Gumtree website http://perth.gumtree.com.au/. You may also find 'shared accommodation' notices on noticeboards around campus.

Some Real Estate agents that you may like to try:
http://www.harcourts.com.au
http://www.bexleys.com.au
http://www.ljhooker.com.au

If you are going to rent private accommodation, please read this important Essential Renting Guide from DOCEP (Department of Consumer and Employment Protection) on renting in Western Australia.

Off-campus Accommodation and Living Costs*

*These costs are an estimate only. They do not include additional costs associated with a more expensive lifestyle.

TAKING CARE WHEN LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATION ON THE INTERNET
There is support available for you at PIBT if you are looking for accommodation.

You are welcome to see Maria-Elena, the Student Counsellor, if you are currently looking for somewhere to live.
There are some scams on the internet advertising properties in Perth and asking students to send money via Western Union.

• Always visit the property and take a friend with you
• If you decide you want to move in, create an agreement with the Landlord/agent (see link below)
• It is best to pay money IN PERSON and get a receipt OR
• Make sure any account you pay into belongs to a registered real estate agent and is based in Perth

It can be a complicated process and in Western Australia there are very good laws in place to protect tenants and any money they pay for bonds and advance rent. For further information please visit: Western Australian Consumer Protection.

Temporary Accommodation

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Short-term accommodation may be arranged on behalf of students and/or parents on request through our accommodation providers. PIBT utilises three companies to arrange accommodation for students. All questions regarding short-term accommodation should be sent directly to the accommodation provider that you wish to use. Please visit their websites to find out more information and to complete an application form:

WA Homestay Network - www.homestaynetwork.org/supervisors/page/86-WA-Homestay-Network-The-WAHN-Team

NACEL - www.nacel.com.au

PSA - www.perthstudentaccommodation.com

Be sure to complete the application forms in full - these details that will assist in providing you suitable accommodation. Short-term accommodation is approximately $30-40 per night or $185-195 weekly. Visit www.beattylodge.com.au or www.ymcajewellhouse.com.au to find out more information.
You may also like to book your own temporary accommodation to suit your needs. A good website for this is www.staywa.net.au

Airport Reception

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PIBT students arriving in Perth for the first time are welcome to a free airport greeting and transport to their accommodation. To arrange this, the following form needs to be submitted in good time: www.perthstudentaccommodation.com/airport-reception