FAQs

Here is some additional information you might want to know about living with us at Iglu.


If you still can’t find the answer to your question or you just want to chat with a member of our team, you can contact us or jump onto LiveChat (just click the bubble).

  • To start your application, you will need to pay one week’s rent (your holding deposit). This will be treated as your first rent payment once your booking is confirmed and you move in.

  • A bond equal to 4 weeks rent is required to be paid at the time of signing your contract to live at Iglu. This amount is then sent to the relevant state’s Rental Tenancy Bond Authority where it is held until after you vacate the property. It is then returned to you less any amounts you may owe to Iglu, such as unpaid rent or damages, at the end of your contract.

  • Our simple process means you don’t have to provide a record of previous rental history – you don’t even need to have prior experience in renting a property!

  • The price of your rent is fixed for the length of contract. If you decide to stay on beyond your current lease, the weekly rent of the new contract may increase – any rate increase will always be advertised in advance.

  • We have the following contract types are available at Iglu:

    • 12-months (equivalent to a full calendar year) – available in Brisbane and Melbourne and for NRAS and International U18 rooms in Sydney
    • 6-months (equivalent to a half full calendar year) – available in Brisbane and Melbourne and for NRAS and International U18 rooms in Sydney
    • 44-weeks (equivalent to an academic year) – available in Sydney on non-NRAS rooms
    • 22-weeks (equivalent to a semester year) – available in Sydney on non-NRAS rooms
    • Short Stay – where available, the Short Stay option will be shown on a room page with available dates to choose from.

    View our full guide to contract lengths.

  • The prices quoted are per person, per week. As part of Iglu’s warm hospitality, your rent includes:

    • free unlimited internet
    • all utilities (water, electricity and gas)
    • use of all communal spaces
    • access to 24×7 onsite support
    • an engaging program of resident events

    We also offer a complimentary weekday ‘Cool Start‘ breakfast at all Iglu properties.

  • Not at all. You are more than welcome to speak to the friendly team at your preferred Iglu property and book directly through them.

  • Your weekly rent is required to be paid fortnightly, and you are responsible for ensuring that your rent is paid a minimum of two weeks in advance at all times in accordance with your Residential Tenancy Agreement.

  • You can pay using Visa, Mastercard or Amex. Please note that we do not apply credit or debit card surcharges to holding deposits (one weeks’ rent) when paid on this website however a surcharge will apply to all future credit card and debit card payments. Currently this surcharge is 2% of the payment amount but is subject to change.

  • We are happy to refund your holding deposit if your application for an Australian student visa is not successful. Please refer to our Cancellation & Refunds Policy for details.

  • We are happy to refund your holding deposit if you don’t get a place in the course you apply for at university. Please refer to our Cancellation & Refunds Policy for details.

  • Contract start dates vary across Iglu properties and in some cases, you will see different date options available on for the same room listing. This is because some of our properties currently have set contract cycles due to availability, while others have more flexibility. Available contract start dates are shown for each room at each property. You can learn more here.

  • This varies across our properties. If a room is shown as being ‘Available Now’ you can discuss the contract start date directly with the property. Where a specific contract start date is shown this is the date your contract will start, regardless of when you physically move into Iglu. Where a specific contract start date is set, you will have the opportunity to advise your ‘Expected Arrival Date’, which must be after the contract start date, when you finalise your contract on our resident portal. Some properties do have set check-in dates and they will advise you of these prior to finalising your application. You can learn more here.

  • To maintain our contract cycles, your contract will normally run for:

    • 6 or 12-months – in Brisbane and Melbourne and for NRAS and International U18 rooms in Sydney.
    • 22 or 44-weeks – in Sydney on non-NRAS rooms

    This may vary in some instances and the property will advise if this is the case. Of course, you will always be given the opportunity to renew your contract and your property team will contact you in advance of the end date to advise the options. You can learn more here.

  • Yes, you can stay for the duration of your study. We will always contact you prior to the end of your existing lease to see if you would like to renew and for how long.

  • Of course. You can use our booking form to select your preferred Iglu property, date and time and we will be in touch to sort it out.

  • Yes, your rent includes gas, water and electricity.

  • Yes, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi is included in your weekly rent and you have to this throughout the building.

  • Iglu is not fully catered, however:

    • we offer a complimentary weekday ‘Cool Start‘ breakfast at all Iglu properties.
    • all apartments have well-equipped kitchens where you can prepare lunch and dinner.
    • food events are a key part of each monthly event calendar.
  • Given the convenient locations of Iglu properties, we don’t offer airport pick-ups, but we will provide you with information about getting to Iglu, including options for airport transfers.

  • No – you will need to bring your own towels, blankets, sheets and pillows. If easier, you can buy these items once you arrive at a retail store or you can purchase a linen kit from us in advance. With a quilt, pillows, linen and towels, it has everything you need to freshen up, make your bed and settle in for a good night’s sleep.

    Please note that the bed sizes at Iglu are:

    • Single size for standard 2-bedroom apartments at Iglu Flagstaff Gardens
    • King-single sized for all multi-share apartments (with the exception of Iglu Mascot and Iglu Flagstaff Gardens), single studios at Iglu South Yarra, some studios at Iglu Broadway and some one-bedroom apartments at Iglu Kelvin Grove
    • Double sized for most studio and one-bedroom apartments plus premium 2-bedroom share apartments and 6-bedroom share apartments at Iglu Mascot.
    • Queen sized for the majority of studio apartments at Iglu Central Park.

    It’s best to confirm with the property prior to purchasing any bed linen.

  • You are responsible for supplying your own crockery, glassware, cooking and eating utensils and any other kitchen gadgets (we provide kettles and toasters at the properties noted below, and all Iglu ovens and stove tops are electric). Other items you may need include coat hangers, cleaning supplies, washing powder, toiletries plus all your personal clothing etc. 

    Toasters and kettles are provided at: Iglu Brisbane City, Iglu Central, Iglu Chatswood, Iglu Flagstaff Gardens, Iglu Mascot, Iglu Melbourne Central, Iglu Melbourne City, Iglu Redfern, Iglu South Yarra and Iglu Summer Hill.

  • Yes – it is a condition of your stay here at Iglu that you must be currently enrolled and attending a course within an Australian Tertiary Institution.

  • The standard minimum age for students living at Iglu is 18.

    Australian Students

    We accept domestic under 18 students on the following terms:

    • you must be enrolled in a tertiary education institution
    • your parent or guardian will be required to sign an U18 acknowledgement form
    • you must comply with our rules regarding U18 residents.

    Applying to live at Iglu

    • Brisbane – you can apply directly to live at Iglu Brisbane City or Iglu Kelvin Grove
    • Melbourne – please contact your preferred property directly to discuss options.
    • Sydney – please contact your preferred property directly to discuss options.

    International Students

    The properties listed below are approved accommodation providers for international Under 18 students from the following institutions:

    Before applying, we recommend you review our International Under 18 Student Frequently Asked Questions.

    In all other cases, you must be at least 18 years of age when you come to live at Iglu.

  • The properties listed below are approved accommodation providers for international Under 18 students from the following institutions:

    Before applying, we recommend you review our International Under 18 Student Frequently Asked Questions.

    In all other cases, you must be at least 18 years of age when you come to live at Iglu.

  • Yes, there is an Iglu team member is onsite and available 24×7 to provide our students with support and assistance at any time.

  • Yes, all of our properties have CCTV cameras installed throughout the building common areas, entry points and hallways, which operate 24 hours a day. Our properties also operate on an electronic swipe card system, with four levels of entry-control programming – including building, floor, apartment and bedroom*. Entrance to the property outside of office hours is only permitted to those with an authorised room key.

    * Bedrooms at Iglu Kelvin Grove use standard locks not swipe card access

  • Yes. All Iglu properties have paid onsite laundry facilities available 24/7.

  • Yes, we have a comprehensive program of social, academic, sport, wellbeing and cultural events. These are organised by our dedicated team of staff and Resident Leaders (RLs) who are always keen to receive feedback or ideas for future events and activities.

  • Yes, you will get the chance to meet and mix with students from a wide range of universities and colleges.

  • When filling out your application form, you can put in preferences regarding who you would like to live with, and whilst we will do our best to meet your requests, it will be determined by room availability – so we advise you to apply as soon as you can so there’s more options for you.

  • Whilst there are a limited number of studios available for couples to rent, all other rooms within Iglu are sole-occupancy. So whilst you and your partner may each rent a room within the same apartment, each bedroom must only be occupied by 1 person.

  • Yes – you are allowed to have friends over, however you will need to ensure that they comply fully with the House Rules and any direction of Iglu Management. We also ask that you consider your housemates and ensure that your guest/s do not cause any disruption or damage any property of Iglu or your housemates. Students are required to register their visiting guests at reception for safety and security reasons.

  • We choose our locations to make it easy to get around without needing a car!

    However, we do have a limited number of parking spaces available at the following properties:

    Additional fees will apply for car spaces and you can contact the properties directly to discuss availability.

  • There is a strict no pet policy at all Iglu properties. No animals of any sort, are permitted in the building at any time this includes fish, birds or reptiles! This policy does not apply to students requiring the assistance of a seeing or hearing guide dog.

  • Yes – you will need to bring your own towels, blankets, sheets and pillows.

    If easier, you can buy these items once you arrive at a retail store or you can purchase a linen kit from us in advance. With a quilt, pillows, linen and towels, it has everything you need to freshen up, make your bed and settle in for a good night’s sleep.

    Please note that the bed sizes at Iglu are:

    • Single size for standard 2-bedroom apartments at Iglu Flagstaff Gardens
    • King-single sized for all multi-share apartments (with the exception of Iglu Mascot and Iglu Flagstaff Gardens), single studios at Iglu South Yarra, some studios at Iglu Broadway and some one-bedroom apartments at Iglu Kelvin Grove
    • Double sized for most studio and one-bedroom apartments plus premium 2-bedroom share apartments and 6-bedroom share apartments at Iglu Mascot.
    • Queen sized for the majority of studio apartments at Iglu Central Park.

    It’s best to confirm with the property prior to purchasing any bed linen.

  • You are responsible for supplying your own crockery, glassware, cooking and eating utensils and any other kitchen gadgets (we provide kettles and toasters at the properties noted below, and all Iglu ovens and stove tops are electric). Other items you may need include coat hangers, cleaning supplies, washing powder, toiletries plus all your personal clothing etc. 

    Toasters and kettles are provided at: Iglu Brisbane City, Iglu Central, Iglu Chatswood, Iglu Flagstaff Gardens, Iglu Mascot, Iglu Melbourne Central, Iglu Melbourne City, Iglu Redfern, Iglu South Yarra and Iglu Summer Hill.

    It’s best to confirm with the property prior to purchasing any bed linen.

  • Any item of the property that becomes damaged or broken either by way of accident or intention will be repaired and the costs to repair or replace the goods will be charged back to the person/s responsible.

  • Yes – you will be provided with a full list of Iglu House Rules when an offer is made. You will also receive a copy of the House Rules when you move in along with other helpful information to assist with settling in.

  • NRAS is the National Rental Affordability Scheme, an Australian Government initiative that aims to address the shortage of affordable rental accommodation by offering a financial incentive to accommodation providers. The incentive is offered on the condition that the dwellings are rented to eligible low to moderate income earners at a minimum of 20% below market rates.

  • NRAS regulations require Iglu to assess your gross income to determine your eligibility to live in one of our NRAS rooms. To be eligible you must have earned less than $58,905 in the 12 months before you take up residency in a studio, or less in the event of 6-bedroom shared apartments where the gross income limit per room is $28,597.

    You will also be asked to complete a NRAS Tenant Consent Form, which authorises us to provide your personal information to the Australian Government to assist them in determining who is accessing their services.

    Your income information will not be disclosed to people outside of Iglu other than in accordance with any legal obligation or internally to persons who have no need of access to the information, unless you tell us in writing, that you have given consent for us to do so.

  • A statutory declaration is a written statement of facts, declared to be true in the presence of an authorised witness. For NRAS purposes, we’ll ask you sign a statutory declaration declaring your gross income to be true and correct upon your check-in. If you intentionally make a false statement in a statutory declaration you can be charged with a criminal offence which carries the possibility of up to four years imprisonment.

    Only individuals who are licensed or registered to practice in Australia in a listed occupation may act as an authorised witness. We have someone on site who will be able to act as witness however this means arrival after 2pm on your contract start date or between normal business hours (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday) if you arrive after your contract start date is essential.

  • The income assessment section is based on your income and not your parents. If you have not earned any income, this includes income from family trusts or dividends, then you can enter $0.00 in your application.

    Please bear in mind that payments from a parent or immediate family member, any trust distributions and any tuition money that enters your bank account (that you do not provide proof of payment from your tertiary educational institution for in your supporting documents) in the 12 months preceding your contract start date are considered income.

  • If your gross income is found to be above the NRAS income limit during the initial screening and you are not deemed eligible, we will contact you to discuss alternative options available in a non-NRAS studio apartment or multi-share apartment.

    Please ensure you review the NRAS criteria and if you are unsure of what constitutes income, you are welcome to contact us.

    If your gross income is found to be above the NRAS income limit at the final screening (upon arrival at Iglu), your holding deposit will not be refunded, however your bond and additional weeks’ rent in advance will be.

  • Iglu is required to screen your gross income according to the same process again before renewing your lease.

    Iglu may also be required to assess your income on the anniversaries of your first commencement date “Anniversary Date” and at the beginning of any subsequent leases.

  • If this happens, you will be required to:

    • relocate to an alternative room in the student accommodation facility which is not a NRAS room; or
    • relocate to an alternative Iglu student accommodation facility which is not a NRAS room; or
    • search for alternative accommodation.
  • Prior to Iglu being able to confirm your application for one of our NRAS rooms, you will need to complete an Income Notification Form and provide supporting documentation substantiating your income.

    Examples of supporting documentation that could be provided (please note these are examples only and are not exhaustive):

    • Letter from your employer(s) or guardian/family;
    • Notices of assessment for annual tax returns;
    • Statements from Centrelink;
    • Government grant letters;
    • Most recent pay slips from each employer covering the term of income disclosed;
    • Proof of payment of tuition costs paid to your tertiary education provider (note: if you do not provide these, the income you receive into your bank account to pay for your tuition costs will be counted towards your total income.)
  • Gross income is the income received (which if applicable is before tax and other deductions). The following types of income may be specifically relevant to a student:

    • Pocket money received from your parents or immediate family members e.g. for living costs or accommodation costs;
    • Salary or wages from part time or full-time work;
    • Payments from your government e.g. Government grants or assistance;
    • Centrelink payments e.g. Youth Allowance, Rent Assistance, AusStudy;
    • COVID-19 Income Support Payments:
      • Income support payments are counted as income as part of the NRAS eligibility assessment, and as such, the additional fortnightly payment of $550 (Coronavirus Supplement) on top of the current income support payment will be counted.
      • Jobkeeper payments will also count for income.

    Other examples of income include:

    • Income from scholarships, bursaries, prizes and stipends paid to you (this includes tuition fees that have entered into your bank account in the 12 months preceding your contract start date);
    • Interest and dividends earned on investments, including interest from bank accounts and share dividends;

    The following is not gross income:

    • Scholarships and bursaries for tuition costs which are paid directly to the institution (i.e. does not pass through your bank account) or tuition costs that you have proof of payment for are excluded from income;
    • Lump sum payments such as lottery wins;
    • Inheritance;
    • Superannuation income;
    • Compensation from insurance or emergency relief or similar assistance;
    • The following COVID-19 Economic Support Payments and monies received from access to temporary early release of superannuation will not be counted as income for the purpose of NRAS and therefore not impact your eligibility, these are:
      • the two original $750 Economic Support Payments,
      • and the two additional Economic Support Payments; $250 paid in December 2020 and $250 to be paid in March 2021, and
      • up to $10,000 in 2019–20 and $10,000 in 2020–21 in superannuation payments accessed by individuals affected by coronavirus.
  • Yes, unless you provide us with proof of payment (e.g. payment receipt from tertiary educational institution, statement of account reflecting the payment to the tertiary educational institution, bank proof of payment to the tertiary educational institution) or it was paid directly into the tertiary educational institution (i.e. you did not pay it or the money never went through your bank account).

    Additional detailed information for NRAS tenants can be found on the Department of Social Services website.

  • COVID-19 Economic Support Payments

    The following Economic Support Payments and monies received from access to temporary early release of superannuation will not be counted as income for the purpose of NRAS and therefore not impact your eligibility, these are:

    • the two original $750 Economic Support Payments,
    • and the two additional Economic Support Payments; $250 paid in December 2020 and $250 to be paid in March 2021, and
    • up to $10,000 in 2019–20 and $10,000 in 2020–21 in superannuation payments accessed by individuals affected by coronavirus.

    COVID-19 Income Support Payments

    Income support payments are counted as income as part of the NRAS eligibility assessment, and as such, the additional fortnightly payment of $550 (Coronavirus Supplement) on top of the current income support payment will be counted.

    Jobkeeper payments will also count for income.

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