- a citizen of any country (except Australia, New Zealand or Papua New Guinea)
- a temporary resident of Australia, or
- a Permanent Resident of New Zealand or Papua New Guinea
Public Holidays
Australia has a number of public holidays. Some are shared with other countries while others are unique to Australia. It is important to note that public holidays may impact university classes, public transport, retail shops, and medical services (excluding hospitals). For a full list of Australian public holidays visit the official website.
Mobile Phones and Sim Cards
Having a mobile phone is an easy way to keep in touch with family and friends at home. You can buy an Australian sim card that can be inserted directly into your existing phone, and many phone companies offer prepaid and short-term options. The primary phone providers in Australia are:
- Optus: http://www.optus.com.au/
- Telstra: https://www.telstra.com.au/
- Vodafone: http://www.vodafone.com.au/
- Virgin Mobile: http://www.virginmobile.com.au/
Banking in Australia
Your finances are important to consider when you are studying in Australia. There are a number of banks to choose from, and many offer student options and allow you to open your account before you arrive. The major banks in Australia are:
- ANZ: www.anz.com.au
- Commonwealth Bank: www.commbank.com.au
- National Australia Bank (NAB): www.nab.com.au
- Westpac: www.westpac.com.au
Your Visa and Health Care
There are a number of visas available to international students studying in Australia, including options that allow working while studying. Choosing the visa that is right for you will depend on your specific study situation, and all visas have conditions that need to be met by the visa applicant. For full information on visas for international students studying in Australia visit www.studyinaustralia.gov.au and www.border.gov.au
Depending on your chosen university and course you may also be required to fulfill English language requirements. Contact your chosen university for information on the English language requirements of various courses.
To study in Australia you are also required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC covers any health care costs you may incur during your stay. Find out more.
Emergency Assistance and Representation
There are a number of places that can offer you help in an emergency, or if you are in need of representation during your time studying in Australia. Options for assistance include foreign embassies, consulates, and your chosen university. To find out more visit the following websites:
- The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: http://protocol.dfat.gov.au/Mission/list.rails
- The Council of International Students Australia: http://www.cisa.edu.au/
- Australian Federation of International Students: http://www.afis.org.au/
- a citizen of Australia, New Zealand, or Papua New Guinea
- a dual citizen of Australia and any other country, or
- a Permanent Resident of Australia
- A 42-week rooming agreement paid in full in advance
- A 22-week rooming agreement paid in full in advance
- A 22-week rooming agreement paid fortnightly (every second week) in advance (available to domestic students only)
Cairns Student Lodge has 42-week rooming agreements start at the beginning of the year and span throughout Semester 1 and 2.
If you are studying in Australia for one semester (half a year) we also offer a limited number of 22-week rooming agreements subject to availability. 22-week agreements typically start at the beginning of the year (for students studying in Semester 1) and July (for students studying in Semester 2).
Three signatures are required on the rooming agreement:
- the person renting the room
- the Cairns Student Lodge General Manager, and
- a witness
A witness is defined as being any person over the age of 18 who knows the person renting the room.
Contracts start from the day you arrive at the Lodge. Students usually arrive one week prior to the beginning of the Semester for Orientation Week. So that would be the date your contract commences.
- your preferred room mate must be included on your preferences, and you must be included on theirs
- your preferred room mate must be of the same gender, and
- rooms must be full
We encourage you to complete the section “” in the on-line reservation form. This helps us analyse your answers and place like minded people together.
At Cairns Student Lodge we have taken care that all our facilities look their best, but we understand that sometimes things happen. In the case of damage beyond normal wear and tear, we will fix it and charge you the cost; payment is then expected within 14 days of you being notified of the cost. For full details, please see the Fees and Charges Schedule.
Fees for 22-week and 42-week paid in full in advance rooming agreements can be paid by direct credit, cash (in person at reception), or by credit card (over the phone or in person). Please note that credit card fees apply and will depend on the type of credit card being used.
For 22-week paid fortnightly in advance rooming agreements, a direct debit authority must be completed and payment made via direct debit from an Australian bank account. Payment cannot be accepted via credit card or direct credit.
Cairns Student Lodge guarantees that rent will not be increased during the length of your rooming agreement.
Religious Denominations
Cairns offers support for multiple religious denominations. If you have identified a religious organisation that you wish to attend, our helpful staff will assist you in finding the best way to get there. James Cook University (JCU) Cairns also has a number of religious student groups that may be of interest.
Sporting Facilities
James Cook University (JCU) Cairns Student Association has a student support centre can help you to connect with locally run sporting clubs. There are a number of clubs in the area offering a wide variety of sports.
There is a gym located cross the road from Cairns Student Lodge in the Campus Shopping Village, and a YMCA gym within walking distance that offers student discounts. The JCU Student Association also runs a popular gym at reduced rates for students. Please contact the JCU Student Association for more information.
The Smithfield Marlin Coast pool is within walking distance. They offer a 50-metre outdoor pool, a 25-metre covered pool, swim squad, and swim coaching.
Cairns Student Lodge is located approximately 15km from the Cairns airport. Transport options from the airport are via taxi or shuttle bus.
Taxis
- Taxi Services from the airport cost approximately $50 to $60 and can be booked by phoning 131 008.
- Uber offers discounted transfers. Use the app on your phone or visit the Uber website.
Public Transport
Cairns Student Lodge is connected to the Cairns northern beaches, Smithfield Shopping Centre, and Cairns city by Cairns Sunbus. Getting to class, the city, or a major shopping centre is easy with bus stops conveniently located at:
- the end of Faculty Close (on McGregor Road)
- the Captain Cook Highway (just near Smithfield Library)
- James Cook University campus
- Cairns city centre (one block from CQU), and
- Cairns TAFE
Ticket fares start from as little as $1.10.
The bus ride from Cairns Student Lodge or James Cook University into Cairns city is approximately 30 minutes’ duration, or 10 minutes to the northern beaches.
| Route 110 | Cairns Central | Palm Cove | Cairns Central, James Cook University, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove |
| Route 111 | Cairns Central | Kewarra Beach | Cairns Central, James Cook University, Smithfield, Trinity Park, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach |
| Route 112 | Smithfield Shopping Centre | Yorkeys Knob | Smithfield Shopping Ctr, James Cook University, Smithfield Heights, Yorkeys Knob, |
Private Bus/Car Tranfers
- Sun Palm Transport provides a shuttle bus service from Cairns to Port Douglas. Book online at the Sun Palm Transport website. The Sun Palm shuttle bus costs approximately $20 one way.
- Trinity Beach Transfers offer a transfer service at approximately $35. To book please contact John or Debbi via Facebook (Trinity Beach Transfers), email trinitybeachtransfers@yahoo.com.au, or by phone: 0417 767 642 (John), 0408 878 530 (Debbi), 07 4055 3363 (Office).
- Cairns Private Transfers have all transfers for the airport, Cairns, Port Douglas and surrounding areas. Cars and 6 seater vehicles available. Call Nicky or James 0411 429 294 or book on-line.
# Airport to Cairns Student Lodge $50 (1 – 2 pax) # Cairns Student Lodge to the Airport $40 (1 – 2 pax) # Cairns Student Lodge to the City $50 (1 – 2 pax) # City to Cairns Student Lodge $50 (1 – 2 pax)
Bicycles
Cairns Student Lodge provides plenty of covered bike storage areas. If you don’t have a bicycle but would like one, James Cook University has a recycled bicycle program. Bicycles sell for approximately $50 each and they can be sold back to the program when you leave.
Marlin Coast Amcal pharmacy (phone 4057 8944) is also located opposite Cairns Student Lodge and is open 8am to 8pm.
For after hours appointments House Call Doctors can visit you at your unit too. Appointments can be booked by phoning 13 55 66, online at House Call Doctor, or via the mobile app. International students can find specific information at House Call Doctor
Residents’ mail is delivered via the mailbox system in the dining hall. If you receive a delivery that is too big to fit in your mailbox, a note will be left notifying you that you have a delivery. If you receive a notice in your mailbox you can collect your parcel from reception. Staff can sign on your behalf if a parcel requires a signature on delivery.
You can find everything you need with a number of shopping facilities located within easy access. Campus Shopping Village, located directly opposite Cairns Student Lodge, is home to a grocery store, chemist, medical and dental facilities, hair and beauty services, gymnasium, and a number of food outlets including takeaway options. A wider range of shopping options is available via a short bus or bicycle ride away at Smithfield Shopping Centre; shopping options include Coles and Woolworths supermarkets, banks, a post office, doctor’s offices, chemists, clothing stores, hair and beauty services, and a bookstore.
Campus Shopping Village, Smithfield Shopping Centre, and the surrounding area offer numerous off-campus food options. Options include Thai and Indian cuisine, ramen, KFC, Red Rooster, McDonalds, Hungry Jacks, pizza, kebabs and sushi, as well as a number of cafés.