Two female students walking their bikes and smiling

Accommodation services

Choose to live on or off campus while you study with CDU. Whether you’re moving interstate or to Australia from a different country, you'll find your home away from home. Even if you're just visiting the campus for a placement or trade block, take advantage of our short-term accommodation options.

On-campus accommodation

Casuarina accommodation

Located right on campus, CDU Village is owned and operated by Campus Living Villages in close partnership with Charles Darwin University. It provides a unique lifestyle and a residential community for both local and international students. Here, people come together not only to learn and study but also to build relationships, embark on personal journeys, and shape their future.
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Katherine accommodation

Katherine Student Accommodation (KSA) includes a recreation room, dining room, training and conference facilities and a pool. These facilities are available to all residents - whether living here on a short or long-term stay or visiting from any school groups or conference groups.
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Alice Springs accommodation

The Alice Springs Student Accommodation (ASSA) provides accommodation for CDU students, students from other universities undertaking placement, CDU staff, visiting guests, and groups.
Find out more

Off-campus accommodation

There are lots of providers offering accommodation in residencies built for students as well as private landlord options.

If you are arriving in Darwin from interstate or overseas, make sure you have short-term accommodation booked (hotel, backpackers) prior to your arrival. This is to ensure you have sufficient time to inspect properties thoroughly before signing a tenancy agreement. Prior to searching for private accommodation ensure you have thought about the type you are looking for, location and how much you can afford.

Suburbs near CDU Casuarina campus

Accommodation up to 15 minutes travelling time (by car) to CDU Casuarina campus includes the following suburbs:

Alawa	Millner
Anula	Moil
Brinkin	Nakara
Casuarina	Nightcliff
Coconut Grove	Northlakes
Jingili	Rapid Creek
Karama	Tiwi
Leanyer	Wagaman
Lyons	Wanguri
Malak	Wulagi

Things to be mindful of

All off-campus accommodation is privately owned and not controlled by the University.

The Accommodation team at CDU is happy to discuss accommodation options but is unable to book or arrange accommodation on your behalf.

StudyStays

StudyStays is our online student accommodation noticeboard.

You can find rental properties and advertise your property.

Email Accommodation Services at accommodation.assistance@cdu.edu.au to discuss possible options prior to your arrival.

They are unable to book accommodation on your behalf, however, they can give you advice on how to find suitable housing options.

You can also contact local real estate agents for listings of other rental properties.

Please note: the University cannot take responsibility for the information provided by external organisations.

UniLodge Darwin

UniLodge Darwin student accommodation is a great option for students studying at Casuarina, Palmerston or Darwin Waterfront. It neighbours the Casuarina Shopping Centre and is only a five-minute walk to the Casuarina campus.

UniLodge Darwin offers private studio apartments as well as shared 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom apartments.

UniLodge has the following features:

Excellent student common areas, including pool tables, table tennis and outdoor BBQ areas to relax and socialise in
Large media room with 70inch LED TV
Study rooms on every level
Secure electronic key and swipe card access to all areas
Friendly onsite team, available after-hours
Weekly rent covers all utility bills, including unlimited Wi-Fi, air conditioning, electricity, and water
Residential Life Program with a great range of fun events and activities for all residents.

UniLodge Darwin is a purpose-built student accommodation building, offering residents a large range of apartment options suitable for a variety of budgets.

For more information, please visit UniLodge Darwin or call the UniLodge concierge on +61 8 8942 0706.

Darwin Resort

Darwin Resort is an off-campus accommodation option for CDU students. Located on the Stuart Highway, 6 kilometres from the city centre, it has easy access to public transport.

The Resort features 30 standard hotel rooms and 55 stand-alone cabins. With an onsite common kitchen, laundry and gym facilities, the resort is ideal for short-term stays.

Please note: Prices vary per season.

Visit Darwin Resort or call +61 08 7979 9800.

Homestay

Students who are new to Australia enjoy the benefits of homestay programmes to get a taste of local life. An international student and a local person or family in the host country exchange cultures during a homestay. For an agreed-upon duration and cost, the "host" offers accommodation and assistance. Meals, assistance, and other activities are all options for homestays. The students gain an understanding of the language, way of life, and local customs.

There are specialized agencies that arrange everything – from matching you with a family to administrating payments.

The main agencies in Darwin are:

Global Experience

Visit Global Experience or call 0450 262 020

Australian Homestay Network

Visit AHN Darwin or call 1300 024 628

Other housing resources

Before committing to anything

When looking for off-campus accommodation, consider the following:

Which campus will you be studying at?
Will you be using public transport?
What length of tenancy do you require?
What is your budget/price range? Please be aware that due to Darwin’s remoteness and high demand for rental accommodation it has a higher rent than most places in Australia.
Rental references from previous landlords written in English may increase your chances of being accepted for a rental property. Real estate agents will call your referees. If you do not have rental references, personal references such as those from previous employers may be accepted by landlords.
All off-campus accommodation is privately owned and is not controlled by CDU. You may consider asking a friend to send you information and prices of accommodation prior to arrival to give you more of an idea, but do not commit to a property on a friend's advice.

Important information about off-campus accommodation

Off-campus accommodation is not controlled by Charles Darwin University. Quality, conditions and convenience will vary greatly.

To protect yourself against scams or inappropriate accommodation:

Do not pay for or sign a contract for accommodation unless you have seen the property first. You may stand to lose a considerable amount of money and/or you may find that the accommodation is not suitable.
Inspect the property before signing anything.
Keep copies of all correspondence, bank details and the listing itself.

Be aware of internet accommodation scams that are occurring.

External off-campus accommodation options

There are several organisations that advertise available accommodation.

These organisations are external to CDU and the university cannot take responsibility for the information provided by such organisations.

Studying and living in Australia

Once you have confirmed you are studying and living in Australia, you may wish to review important government websites that will provide useful information to assist with your planning.

Study Australia provide useful information on studying, working and living in Australia. There is also a Living Costs Calculator that can help with your preparations.

Other housing resources

Please see the below services/resources available for students. If you need general, non-urgent advice about renting including your responsibilities, rights and the laws relating to renting and accommodation in Australia, you can reach out to: