Here are some general rules, tips, and expectations to help you become accustomed to your new home!

Your accommodations will be different than what you’ve come to expect in your home country. In general, be prepared for a relatively small living space in an older building with very basic amenities. Now is the time to open your mind and get ready to experience something different; this attitude is in the spirit of your decision to study abroad. Please also remember, that when you are abroad, you will be representing your home institution and your home country; behave appropriately.

Housing Description:
During your time on the Semester in Tropical North Queensland program you will live on campus at James Cook University in George Roberts Hall. Approximately 1,500 students live in student on campus. In the residencies you will live with other international students as well as Aussie students.

Student are provided with a single room furnished with bed, desk, chair, bookshelves, wardrobe, phone connection, internet access, and email address. Additional facilities may include computer rooms, televisions, laundry, sport and recreation resources, and tutorial support.

Meals:

The meal plan at James Cook University is a full meal plan! It includes 3 meals per day 7 days a week.

Cleanliness:
Keep your room and the common areas clean; this is especially important when you are sharing a bedroom, apartment, residence, or dormitory.

Noise:
In order to avoid disturbing the neighbors or housemates, please use headphones when listening to music, or keep the volume low, and please keep your voices down.

Utilities and use:

Utilities are included.
There are water restrictions throughout Australia, and short showers are expected.
Students will need to be aware that internet is on a limited amount, so they should be aware of their downloads. If they go over the amount of data, students will have slow internet.
Heating and air conditioning should be used sparingly. NEVER leave heating or air conditioning units while you are not home. If you must have them on when you are sleeping, keep them low.
Always turn off the lights when you leave the apartment and when you are not in the room.

Safety:

You should lock the apartment door at all times. Also, when leaving the apartment, make sure the windows are closed and locked. Neither the study abroad company nor the housing company will not be responsible for any stolen items.
If the keys to your room are stolen, lost or misplaced, all locks to the apartment will have to be replaced at the student’s expense.
If the keys are left inside the bedroom and the locksmith has to open the door for the you, you will have to pay for this service.
It is strictly forbidden to throw any object or substance from windows, balconies, terraces or roofs. This includes keys, cigarette butts or anything else big or small.

Guests and Alcohol Policies:

Disrespectful behavior related to alcohol consumption will end up in dismissal from the housing and you will have to find your own housing at your own expense.
Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the residence hall.
The consumption of drugs, as well as keeping or dealing with them, is absolutely prohibited.

Financial Liability:

You will have to pay for any damage done to the apartment (doors, walls, floors, furniture, kitchen supplies, washing machine, etc.).
If extra time is needed to clean the apartment, or if items are damaged or missing, you will be charged and those charges will be deducted from your housing deposit. Housing deposits will be returned 8-12 weeks after the program has ended.

Helpful tips for living with other people:

Respect your hosts and the other people that live in the building.
Remember that you are not on a college campus and not in your own home. Respect the property and get out of the “college campus” mentality.
Talk to your roommates if they do something that bothers you. Talking it through is the easiest way to solve a small problem before it gets bigger.
Talk to the staff if a problem arises and you cannot work it out with your roommates.

Warning process:

If any of the above rules are broken, you will receive a first verbal warning. This warning will also be written and sent to your sending study abroad program and your home school.
The second infraction of any of the above rules will result in you being evicted from your apartment. You will need to find a new place to live at your own expense.
Please read through all of our behavior policies noted in the CISabroad Policy Handbook, linked inside of the attachment to your acceptance email.

Welcome to Semester in Tropical North Queensland

Welcome to
Semester in Tropical North Queensland