Student Services - Homestay Information

What is Homestay?

Homestay is a type of accommodation for overseas students in Melbourne, Australia. Homestay hosts offer students the opportunity to live in their homes and provide a comfortable, healthy and caring environment. Hosts are friendly and interested in learning about other cultures. Melbourne is a very multi-cultural city and all kinds of families can be hosts. They may not be from Melbourne originally but they will be able to tell you about our city and help you to settle in. It is a great way to meet people, learn about Australian culture and improve your English. Hosts will treat you as they would treat other members of their own family. (That means you DO have to make your bed and iron your own clothes! Very few Australian families can afford servants!). Be prepared to experience different food, customs and lifestyle. Enjoy the adventure.

All Homestay hosts live within 30 to 40 minutes traveling time from Melbourne’s central business district – and RMIT University’s city campus. You will be given information about daily travel to your classes, usually by public transport. On your first day you will be escorted to RMIT English Worldwide, if your host family is able to do so.

We ask that you let your host family know what time you will be home each day so they don’t worry about you.

What is the accommodation like?

A single room with facilities for studying is provided. You may have to share a bathroom as there might be other international students in the house. It is your responsibility to keep your room tidy and share the facilities in the house with any other inhabitants! Smoking is usually only permitted outside the house.

Your room will be furnished and your host will provide you with towels and sheets. The host provides some toiletries but you should bring your own toothpaste and shampoo. You do not have to pay additional costs for electricity and gas. Australians tend to use water, electricity and gas sparingly due to the expense and, particularly in the case of water, because it is a precious commodity in Australia. Please be considerate with your use of amenities and talk to your host family about these if you have any questions.

How much does it cost?

The RMIT English Worldwide Homestay Placement fee is $150.

Students usually budget for about AUD$190-$200 per week.

What is included in the cost?

All meals are included in the homestay fee, seven days per week. Hosts will prepare an evening meal but you will need to prepare your own breakfast and lunch with ingredients provided by your host. Melbourne is influenced by the many cultures that live here, but Western food and eating habits can be quite different to Asian styles. You should be ready to try different flavours and ways of cooking. Most families enjoy eating food from other countries so you are welcome to offer to cook if you would like to, but please discuss this with your host.

Telephone calls are not included in the rate, but telephone cards are available from a variety of shops such as news agencies and supermarkets around Melbourne.

How can I arrange my Homestay accommodation?

If you would like to arrange a Homestay for your time in Melbourne, please download the RMIT English Worldwide Arrival Service Form and return completed with payment to:

RMIT International
GPO Box 23030
Melbourne VIC 3001
Australia

You will receive a profile of your Homestay host family before your departure for Australia.

How do I get to my Homestay?

RMIT International can arrange an airport transfer service. You will be picked up from Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport and transferred by bus to your Homestay house. Transfers cost $A65.00 per person and are one way only. If you would like to use this service, please download the RMIT English Worldwide Arrival Service Form and return completed with payment to:

RMIT International
GPO Box 23030
Melbourne VIC 3001
Australia