Doing the Maths: How government support can help pay for your student accommodation at Robert Menzies College

If you’re looking for a place to live at uni, you’re probably thinking about costs. Not many students have cash to spare so affordability is an important question. 

Can you afford to stay at Robert Menzies College (RMC)?

At first glance, a residential college like RMC can look more expensive than other options.

But when you consider even just a few of the built in benefits, you might take another look.

Location saves money (and time and hassle)
We’re just a short walk from all your classes and tutorials which means no extra costs. When you do need to leave, we’re close to public transport, and we provide free parking if you have a car. 

Fully or semi catered meals saves money (and time and mess and hassle)

No extra time shopping and cooking means more time to study or work casually. 

Our meals are healthy—and you can eat as much as you want. There’s less chance you’ll get hungry, order in and blow all your money.

Pastoral, social and academic support saves money (and heaps of hassle)

Having all the support you need means small problems don’t become bigger problems, which end up costing money to solve. Having built in social support keeps you happier, healthier and more able to study and work.

37-week contract saves money (and takes you home for the holidays!)

When you rent an apartment, you’re usually committing to a 12 month lease minimum. RMC contracts cover the university terms, with options to stay on for uni holidays. Being at uni when you need to be, and home in the breaks saves costs. 

Jobs available makes money (and saves hassle!)
We often have on-site work available in our maintenance, housekeeping and catering teams. Wake up and you’re at work in five minutes.

Plus there’s government assistance!

If you’re eligible for Youth Allowance/ Austudy/ Abstudy and Rent Assistance* a fully-catered single room with shared bathroom at RMC can work out at just $155.40 per week.

fortnightlyWeekly
Living at RMC in a full catered, single room with shared bathroom$493.50
Youth Allowance – living away from home 18 years or older$530.40$265.20
Rent Assistance$145.80$72.90
Balance to Pay (eg. Casual work/ scholarship / savings/ parents$155.40

*Check your circumstances with Services Australia for what you may be entitled to. 

  • Youth Allowance for students and apprentices is financial help if you’re a student or apprentice aged 24 or younger. You must be either studying full time or doing a full time Australian Apprenticeship.
  • Austudy is financial help if you’re studying and are 25 years or older
  • ABSTUDY is a group of payments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students or apprentices.

Follow this link to see the full range of payments you may qualify for through Services Australia.

RMC offers College Scholarships

You can also apply for a scholarship to help with College fees. Check out the options on the Scholarships tab on our website.

To see more of what we offer, check out the RMC website.

If we can answer any questions for you, give us a call on 02 9936 6000. 

Or come and take a tour, and check us out for yourself. 

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