Student Housing Access Program (SHAP)

• What is SHAP?
• What's included?
• Student feedback
• Applications

What is SHAP?

The Student Housing Access Program (SHAP) offers rooms in University-owned 'share houses'. Properties are within walking distance of the Parkville campus.

SHAP provides a transitional step towards independent living.

It's not unusual for students to experience difficulties in securing or maintaining suitable housing at the start of, or during their studies.

SHAP is designed to assist these students and encourages applications from those who:

• are from rural, interstate or non-metro areas (does it take you more than one and a half hours, door to door, to travel from home to campus?)
• a student whose housing options are affected by financial difficulties
• have been subject to difficulties, discrimination or unusual circumstances that have impacted upon housing
• have a disability (includes a range of health conditions that have impacted upon access to suitable accommodation)
• are Indigenous Australian

SHAP is usually only available to Permanent Residents of Australia.

What's included?

Students sign a lease for up to two semesters.

This is similar to a standard residential tenancy agreement and provides students with an understanding of their rights and duties in the rental world. SHAP encourages independent living skills and experience.

Students also benefit from the back-up support of Student Housing Services.

• Rent is $115 per week ($498 per calendar month)
• Bills for utilities (power, gas etc.) are the shared responsibility of the household residents
• Bedrooms are offered unfurnished
• White goods (fridge and washing machine) are provided
• Modified accommodation to meet the needs of students with a disability may be available

SHAP residents can also apply for a Housing Grant through Student Financial Aid. Successful Housing Grant applicants receive rent assistance of $35 per week. A loan to cover the upfront SHAP bond of $498 may also be available from Student Financial Aid.

Student feedback

'Thanks to the folks at the housing department for making my move to Melbourne so easy. I love this city and the past year has been life changing - for this, I am grateful indeed.'

'I don't think I'd even have made it to exams without the stability and flexibility that SHAP gave me.'

‘The whole program was for me an enjoyable and helpful one- a good introduction to Melbourne.’

‘It was easier for me to study because I had a comfortable place to live. My housemate and I were very well suited and supportive of each other.’

‘My SHAP experience aided my academic performance by allowing me to settle into the city and the University quicker. I also made great friends through the program.’

'My stay at the property was most enjoyable, and, I believe, beneficial to not only my studies, but also my chances of securing appropriate housing in the future.'

Applications

You need to complete an application to be considered for SHAP.

You can download the SHAP application below.

SHAP application | PDF version | 122 KB | Last updated October 2008

Alternatively you can contact the Student Housing Adviser (Access & Equity) for one to be emailed or posted to you.

Email: shap-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
Tel: +61 3 8344 6550