Accommodation shortage affecting local University students - how you can help

As Macquarie University’s July session 2 kicks off, excitement for welcoming new and continuing students to the Macquarie Park community is met with some concern amidst the current housing and cost of living crises.

Therefore, the University is calling for members of the public to open their homes and host a student.

Professor Mariella Herberstein, Dean of students, says that a favourable homestay experience can enable students to achieve their academic goals and optimise wellbeing:

“We are assisting students in need of accommodation to find safe options. You can help these students by registering to become a homestay provider”

Homestay hosts will receive a tax-free income to help cover the costs of housing a student. In return, hosts are expected to provide students with a private bedroom, meals and a quiet place to study.

If you’ve got a spare room that you’d be willing to rent, Macquarie University encourages you to register with one of three preferred homestay providers; the Australian Homestay Network, Auzzie Families and Homestay Network.

While many students have already secured accommodation, coming together as a community to support those that haven’t yet found an appropriate and safe place to live, could be life changing!