Homestay Accommodation

Are you wanting to experience the Australian way of life first hand, and willing to try new things? Why not try Homestay?

Homestay is a great way to learn about Australian culture and to practice your English, while making life long friendships with an Australian family. If you are an easy going person who enjoys meeting new people and can easily adapt to new environments, then why not try Homestay?

What is Homestay?

Homestay allows you to live as an active member of an Australian family, and is a popular choice of accommodation. All families who offer Homestay accommodation have been approved as Homestay providers by University staff. As a member of a Homestay family you will experience Australian culture in the home. It is expected that as a Homestay student you will remain in Homestay for a minimum of four weeks. In that time, you will experience the warm hospitality of our Homestay families, who will welcome you into their home as a gesture of friendship. Just as you are eager to learn about Australian culture, our Homestay families are looking forward to learning all about your country and culture.

What Can I Expect?

Australian families may be different from the family you have been used to in your home country. In Australia, people who care for each other and live together in one house may be considered to be a family, so an Australian family may be:

  • A couple with no children
  • A single person
  • A couple with children
  • A single person with children
  • An older couple whose family has grown and moved away.

When you are considering Homestay, remember you will be coming to live with a family which has customs, habits and rules. It is important that you understand and accept how the family operates. It is not like living in your own home or in a hotel. You may find your host family's house looks very different from your own, your room is larger or smaller than you had imagined, and family members relate differently to each other. All these things make Homestay a unique and special experience. If you have a problem, try to talk to your Homestay family about it. They will want to help you resolve any issues quickly before they become major problems.

What Will I Be Provided With?

Your Homestay host will provide you with the following:

  • Your own furnished bedroom. All Homestay properties have been inspected and approved by the Homestay Co-ordinator.
  • You will probably share a bathroom and laundry facilities with the host family.
  • 21 meals per week ($205 per week). This generally includes packed lunches during weekdays although if you have chosen the cheaper option ($190 per week for 16 meals) weekday lunches will not be provided.
  • Inclusion in family activities, outings and special events.
  • Students who choose Homestay accommodation are transferred directly to their Homestay provider on arrival in Newcastle.
  • Please note: some hosts will also charge an additional fee for use of the internet ($5 - $7 per week)
  • In locations where public transport is a problem, some hosts will drive students to and from the University and may request extra fees to cover petrol. (Usually under $30 per week)

Cost

There is a $195.00 administration fee charged for each Homestay placement. You will be sent an invoice for this charge during your first semester at the University. Students should pay the Placement Fee at the Cashier's Office in the Student Services Building on campus within a week of arriving in Newcastle.

The Homestay accommodation fee is $205 per week. You must pay for 2 weeks ($410) on arrival. This is non-refundable. You should prepare to stay at least 4 weeks in your Homestay. After this time you can negotiate to stay longer or arrange alternative accommodation

Download Homestay Prospectus

How Can I Apply?

To apply, please download the Homestay Application Form and post the Application Form to:

Homestay
Accommodation Hub
The University of Newcastle
Callaghan NSW 2308
Australia.

Please note that we are unable to provide Homestay for students studying at our Sydney campus. 

Homestay Hosts

Interested in becoming a Homestay Host? Click here for more information.

For further Homestay Information:
Contact the Homestay Coordinator
Phone: +61 2 4924 1447
or + 61 2 4924 1454
Email: homestay@newcastle.edu.au

Feedback

Help us help you. If you are a Homesty Host family or a Homestay student and you have feedback about Homestay, then we'd like to hear it.

Click here if you are a Homestay Host.

Click here if you are a Homestay student.