Accommodation Services provides a range of services and programmes to students that set us apart from other accommodation options. We concentrate on providing an appropriate living, learning environment, and the administration and Residential Support Team work towards achieving this.

You'll find Ballarat itself is a great place to live, too. It has a world wide reputation for its historical tourist attractions, and it is considered a very attractive city to live in.

Across Australia studies have shown that students who live on Residence, on average, achieve higher academic grades and have greater social and life skills. Here at Ballarat we take this further through the introduction of the living, learning environment programmes, the formal leadership programme, and the detailed Orientation to Res and ongoing student support networks. Emphasis is placed on creating a friendly, caring, living and study environment that helps new residents adapt as quickly as possible to being away from home, encourages them to make new friends, and urges them to maximise their study capabilities.

Residents are also encouraged to treat the Residence as if it were their home. To that end they are invited to play an active part in improving the services provided and planning the various social, sporting and cultural activities that are organised during the year.

Regular cleaning of common areas is provided in each of the Residences and maintenance issues are taken care of by our staff as soon as practicable.

Benefits of living in a hall or residence

Proximity - Many of our residents are only a walk across the bridge to classes.

Meals - Not all residences here at Ballarat have catering included, yet to many it is a great benefit, over half of our residents do get meals provided for them. Importantly, the cafeteria is a place where community is built.

A sense of community - It is not often that someone gets to live in a tight community outside their family home. Students in residence have the opportunity to live in a large, tight community, you have the opportunity to form opinions on social structures, and importantly how to work, socialise and fit in, within a large group. You can be part of a community at any time of the day and night; there is always someone around. It gives you the opportunity to develop skills that will assist you in your future employment and social situations.

A strong support network - The University of Ballarat Accommodation Services has a very strong support network. Students can ask for help and you are given it. You can ask for a confidant and you are given it, you can ask for someone help you celebrate and you are given it, you can ask for academic assistance and you are given it. In fact most of the time students on residence do not need to ask. As with most students, you have the opportunity to experiment with how you do things and push the boundaries, in residences you can do this in a supportive and safe environment.

Lifelong friendships and relationships - You have such a large group of people surrounding you, you will make friends that you will keep in touch with for many years. There are many people from similar and diverse backgrounds, and you will get to know a great deal about them.

Academic support - you have the opportunity to access to informal academic assistance, study skills seminars, mentors, other students studying the same course and subjects as you as well as others that have previously achieved high grades in the subjects you are currently undertaking.

Personal growth and development - you have the opportunity to grow as a person. Your ideas and thoughts on subjects will be challenged by your peers, you can get yourself engaged in conversation at any time. You have the opportunity to learn a great deal about yourself and your values and to develop your character.

Community roles - Through structured clubs such as the Residents' Society or through peer groups activities, you will have the opportunity to put your hand up for a role in the community. You have the opportunity to be an advocate for others, organise activities and functions, and work to for others in your community. You have the opportunity to be part of a team, or to have your voice heard in various forums.

Leadership roles - You have the opportunity to apply for leadership positions in the community. There are numerous opportunities to form in your mind how to lead and you can take these skills with you wherever you go.

Self-confidence and the ability to stand out in a crowd - You can utilise your opportunities to strengthen your self confidence, you can use your advanced social skills to stand out in a crowd and be noticed. University Halls of residence, through living with many other people provides you with the opportunity to develop your skills in this area.

Social sporting opportunities - There are many areas in the community where you can involved yourself in social sporting activities, if you look for it. Living in residences, it will find you. There are structured competitions as well as informal groups, mucking around playing sports. Social sports are enjoyable and good exercise, but most importantly you learn to work in a team.

Social activities - Social activities can be and are enjoyable for everyone. Social functions are important the students as it provides a great opportunity for residents to relate to each other. They are an opportunity to develop your social skills.

The halls and residences provide a living learning environment for our students