Australia » James Cook University » Living in Queensland

LIVING IN AUSTRALIA

The Location

Australia’s natural beauty is talked about worldwide with its beautiful beaches, deserts, rainforests, and world-class cities.   Australia is an ancient land, geologically one of the oldest on earth. The world’s largest island and the only nation to occupy an entire continent, Australia is the size of the United States, yet has only 20 million people.

The James Cook University campus cities of Cairns and Townsville are located in tropical northern Queensland. This remarkable region is filled with activities and attractions to explore.  Townsville, a thriving coastal city, is a stepping off point for visiting the Great Barrier Reef and is only an hour from tropical rainforests.  Cairns, a major tourist destination, has a young, cosmopolitan atmosphere and offers access to many attractions including scuba diving and snorkeling.

Accommodations

A range of housing options is available. You can either live in an on-campus residence hall or find off-campus housing. James Cook University has an accommodation service office to assist students in finding housing.  Visit the Accommodation Service online at: http://www.jcu.edu.au/office/accom.

Townsville:

JCU’s Accommodation office helps students with on-campus accommodation as well as in private rental or shared accommodation (off campus).  For students who prefer off-campus accommodation, the office maintains a registry of houses, units, apartments, shared accommodation, home and caretaker arrangements. 

On-campus accommodation is available at the Townsville campus for international students.  There are residence halls (University Hall, Western Hall, George Roberts Hall and Rotary International House) that are managed by JCU.  The Rotary International House is self-catering (students cook for themselves).  In addition, there are resident Colleges which provide catered accommodation.  Students do not need to belong to any particular faith in order to stay at the JCU residential colleges.

Cairns:

Although there is no on-campus accommodation available at the Cairns campus, there are privately operated student residences close to the campus.  There are also rental options available in nearby suburbs.

Cairns Student Lodge is very close to the JCU campus and provides fully catered (provides meals) and some self-catered accommodation for 234 students.  Facilities include internet access, swimming pool, barbecue area, dining room, and an on-site manager.  The Student Lodge is linked to the JCU campus by a pedestrian walkway/bicycle path.  Information is available at:  http://www.studentlodge.com.au

On-Site Support:

James Cook University offers a range of services and student support programs from arrival service, accommodation and orientation services to advising and social activities.  The International Student Centre (ISC) assists every international student at JCU to ensure their stay in Australia is a pleasant and productive one. 

Arrival Service:  The International Student Centre provides an arrival service for new international students arriving in Townsville or Cairns.  This service is available in the two weeks prior to Orientation at JCU.  You will be met on arrival in Townsville and Cairns, whether it is at the airport, bus or train station, and taken to your pre-booked accommodation.  Students accepted to the OUS program will have an opportunity to sign up for this service.

Campus Contacts

Click on the name of your University for contact information.

* Also serves as the program Coordinator/Assistant.

Downloads

• Program Application
• Deakin Program Handbook
• James Cook Program Handbook
• Australia Slideshow

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