Busting the Biggest Myths About Living on Campus at ANU

We put the biggest ANU accommodation rumours to the test and reveal what life on campus is really like.

This article is presented in partnership with The Australian National University. 

Ask around about student accommodation and you'll hear some wild claims. Endless parties. Having to move every summer. Pricier rent than living off-campus. The real question is: do any of these rumours actually hold up? 

We did some digging into life on campus at The Australian National University and sorted the facts from the fiction. Along the way you'll see how the accommodation guarantee takes the stress out of finding a place, and there's a quiz at the bottom to help you land the residence that fits. Here are eight myths about living on campus, busted. 

Myth: It's tougher to get in from interstate or overseas. 

Moving to Canberra from another city or country is a big leap, and living on campus takes a solid chunk of the stress out of it. Apply by the deadline and, if you're eligible, the ANU accommodation guarantee has you covered for your first year, wherever you're coming from. It's a smooth way to feel settled fast when everything else is brand new. 

Want the full rundown on how it works? Make sure you check out the "So, what's this accommodation guarantee?" section below. 

Myth: You have to be a full-on extrovert to join in. 

Reality? There's something on for every kind of person. If your mental image of a hall event is a packed room and a blaring speaker, think again. ANU residences run everything from movie nights and craft sessions to study groups, mindfulness sessions, sports comps and communal cooking. And if you'd rather stay in with a book or hang with a couple of mates, no one's dragging you out. That's part of the mix too. 

Myth: You'll only make friends in your own residence. 

Your residence becomes your home base, sure. Your social life doesn't stop at the front door, though. ANU has a big tradition of interhall events. There are sporting challenges like Inward Bound, debates, arts and cultural comps. Add clubs, societies and campus-wide events, and it's genuinely hard not to meet people. 

Myth: Halls are only for first-years. 

Nope. Any ANU student can apply to live on campus, whether you're a second-year, a postgrad or here on exchange. Student accommodation is full of people at all stages of their degree, and plenty stick with the same hall for years. Some take on leadership roles to help new residents settle in and score a discount on their rent while they're at it. 

Myth: If you miss your first preference, you'll hate it. 

Honestly, we usually see the opposite happen, where someone falls for one residence on paper, ends up somewhere else, and loves it even harder than they expected. Every residence has its own personality, but they all deliver connection, support and community. Keep an open mind when you apply. Your perfect fit might be the one you didn't rank. 

Myth: Living on campus costs more than moving off-campus. 

If you only compare the weekly rent, off-campus can look like the cheaper option. That number doesn't tell the whole story, though. A room on campus bundles in electricity, internet, furniture and cleaning of shared spaces (plus meals, if you're in a catered or flexi-catered spot). Add a lovely daily walk through campus instead of a commute, with everything uni-related just minutes away, and you'll find you can do living on-campus for less. 

Myth: You have to move out every summer. 

Heading home for the break? You can store your gear on campus, so you're not lugging it across the country (or the world) and back. Keen to stay in Canberra? Loads of residences offer summer accommodation, letting you keep your room or move to another one for a bit. These summer options bend around your plans, not the other way round. 

Myth: Catered residences get more support. 

Flat no. Catered or self-catered, you get the exact same support behind you: dedicated wellbeing and community coordinators, academic programs and student leaders who help you find your feet. The only real difference? In one, someone's cooking your meals. In the other, that someone is you. 

So, what's this accommodation guarantee? 

Let's dive in a little deeper. ANU guarantees accommodation for all eligible students who apply by the relevant deadline. Every eligible applicant receives an offer in one of the University's on-campus residences. Get your application in early and you give yourself the best shot at your preferred residence and room type. 

Still weighing it up? 

Feeling unsure is normal. It's a big call and you want to get it right. If you're not sure which residence suits you, the ANU Accommodation Quiz matches eligible first-years with the accommodation that fits, so you can start uni feeling settled instead of second-guessing. 

Curious? Take the quiz to find your accommodation fit today.