February 4, 2022

International House back online as a student residence

Move will help meet strong demand for student accommodation

The University of Wollongong (UOW) will bring International House (IHouse) back online for student accommodation in response to a stronger than expected demand by students to live in UOW Accommodation.

Applications for UOW accommodation are up significantly this year with strong demand from both international students, following the opening of international borders, and from domestic students seeking an on-campus residential experience in 2022 as the University returns to in-person classes.

The addition to UOW accommodation options of IHouse, with close to 220 beds, will assist in meeting demand, and will provide an exceptional residential experience for our students.

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Experience) Professor Theo Farrell said: “We are excited to be able to offer more students a vibrant and caring residential experience that supports their successful study. And we are delighted to see such strong demand from students wanting to return to campus and all that campus life offers.”

The impact of COVID-19 has resulted in a very strong desire from students for a residential university experience.

Further, the late release of ATARS, resulting in delayed university offers for incoming first-year students, has reduced the amount of time they have had to look for accommodation, leading to larger than usual numbers applying for on campus accommodation.

Returning international students have also had less time than usual to find accommodation, due to uncertainty about whether Australia would re-open its borders, with a large number also applying for on campus accommodation.

IHouse has not operated as a student residence since late 2020, when it underwent a major renovation and the University has maintained the facility during the closure period. Minor works like furnishing supply are underway to make it ready for students to move in before the start of the Autumn Session on Monday 28 February.