Accommodation Rules
Residents are reminded that as a condition of residency they are required to comply with the following Rules and Regulations of the Graduate Union and with all instructions from Graduate Union staff. Those failing to comply may be asked to leave the premises.
Background and Formal Structure
Eligibility for Admission
Conditions of Residence
Rules and Customs
Duty Residents and Security
Visitors and Functions
Accommodation Charges and Payment
Cancellation Policy
Reception Times
Meals
Residents Rooms
Holding Rooms when not in Residence
Fire and Safety
Smoking
Wireless Internet Connection
Games And Television Room
Barbecue Facilities
Radios and Stereo Equipment
Insurance
Laundry and Washing
Check-in Times
Check-out Times
Return Of Keys
Complaints/Grievance Procedure
Background and Formal Structure
Graduate House was founded by university graduates. It opened in 1962, as a small hall of residence for graduates predominantly engaged in higher degree studies or research. Graduate House is controlled by a House Board of up to 12 members, including an elected residents representative acting for, and responsible to, the Graduate Council of the Graduate Union. The Graduate Council appoints a Head of College (Chief Executive Officer) who is responsible for team members of the house. The Head of College (Chief Executive Officer) is responsible to the House, for the good order and discipline of the House, and for bringing to its notice all matters that may lead to its improvement and further development.
Eligibility for Admission
While the House Board and the Head of College (Chief Executive Officer) have wide powers to admit any graduate as a resident, the following are the common categories of admission:
- Full time candidates for higher degrees enjoy the highest priority, and their normal tenure is for one year in the first instance with optional renewal during the currency of their studies. Post-doctoral research workers also come into this category
- Graduates preparing for enrolment in higher degrees
- Research visitors and special lecturers normally engaged in research or teaching in University departments, teaching in Hospitals or research institutions in Melbourne
- Graduates undertaking work experience or short vocational courses, including those participating in inter-government schemes
- Staff appointed to the University who at the beginning of their tenure may require temporary accommodation pending more permanent domestic arrangements
- Members within the Graduate Union and reciprocal clubs.
Residence normally ends upon completion of the particular course of study or research for which the residence was granted. The right to reside may be revoked, however for the following reasons:
- failure to accept the conditions of residence and the rules outlined below
- failure to pay the prescribed charges two weeks in advance
- the introduction of Graduate House to any person or group or any substance or thing likely to adversely affect the fabric good order safety or atmosphere of the house
- persistence after warning by the Head of College (Chief Executive Officer) or any other staff member of Graduate House of any conduct likely to affect the good order reputation or atmosphere of Graduate House and its status as a post-graduate college affiliated with the University of Melbourne.
Conditions of Residence
Residents other than short term visitors and short term members of the Graduate Union must complete an application for admission on the appropriate forms which include a signed agreement to pay the prescribed two weeks’ rent in advance and to give not less than 28 days notice of intention to depart. For long-term residency -more than four weeks- a bond is paid to secure accommodation this is two weeks’ rent which is refundable upon inspection of room on departure. There is also a key bond, which is paid by all residents and is refundable upon returning the key upon departure. Residents who are not already members of the Graduate Union are required to join as a residential member.
Rules and Customs
Graduate House is a residential college for postgraduates, offering an atmosphere that is both homely and conducive to study. Our residents enjoy the convenience of inner city living as well as being within easy walking distance to most of the main Universities. Our residents are primarily domestic and overseas graduates and this offers the house the opportunity to experience the diversity and appreciation of a wide range of cultures. Graduate House needs only one rule and that is that all residents conduct themselves in a manner which is not likely to give offence to fellow residents or to hinder their ability to pursue their studies and enjoy the fellowship of a community of scholars.
Duty Residents and Security
Graduate House has duty residents that live on the premises. They are there to greet new residents upon arrival and to help with problems outside office hours. Please view the notice board that lists contact details and rosters of the duty resident that will be there to be of assistance should you require.
Visitors and Functions
Residents are welcome to bring personal
friends and visitors to Graduate House. We ask that all
friends and visitors be vacated from the House by 11.30pm.
Friends and visitors must be accompanied by the resident at
all times when within the house for security reasons. Use of the public rooms may be authorised for occasional larger parties, but this must be arranged with the Head of College (Chief Executive Officer). The organiser, in consultation with the Duty Resident, must take responsibility for security, the safety and comfort of other residents and for ensuring that, following the function, rooms are restored to their normal state.
Accommodation Charges and Payment
Once the initial fees have been secured for your arrival at Graduate House, it is the responsibility of the resident to come and see reception and discuss how they wish to pay rent. Rent must be paid in advance, this can be done weekly, biweekly or monthly. Cancellations without a minimum of 28 days notice will result in a loss of bond for residing residents.
Cancellation of a confirmed reservation
More than 28 day’s notice – no cancellation fee.
Less than 28 day’s notice - $200 cancellation fee Please note: membership fee are non-refundable
Early Departure – In-house Resident
28 day’s notice in writing is required if an in-house resident intends to vacate on a date earlier than originally specified and the accommodation rate will be adjusted to that appropriate to their actual length of stay.
Failure to give 28 days notice will result in forfeiture of all bonds.
Reception Times
7.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday. Closed weekends and public holidays.
Rental payments 7.30am-2.30pm
Meals
Meals for the residents are served daily in the dining room. Meal times will be explained to you upon check in to Graduate House. All meals are to be consumed in the prescribed areas. We have a dining room and also a resident’s kitchen and eating area where residents can make their own meals and eat close to the preparation area. There are 5 dinners (Monday – Friday) and 7 breakfasts provided by Graduate House. All other meals are not included, residents can prepare their own meals in the residents kitchen. Our dining room is also open for lunch between 12-2pm Monday to Friday to Graduate Union Members who are welcome to bring friends and relatives to meals at Graduate House.
Residents Rooms
Residents’ rooms are cleaned once a week. It is the responsibility of the resident to make sure there are no items on the bed or floor so that the cleaning staff can clean the room.
Holding Rooms when not in Residence
Residents are required to pay the full rental rate whether or not they utilize the full entitlement for the room usage.
Fire and Safety
Residents should familiarize themselves with appropriate exits for use in the event of fire, and the notice dealing with fire safety in every resident’s room. Smoke detectors and fire sprinklers are installed in all rooms. For reasons of economy and safety, radiators, heaters, fans and air-conditioning must not be left switched on in empty rooms or overnight and particular care must be taken not to have the radiators or heaters close to drying clothes, bed covers, etc. One careless action in this regard can endanger the whole House and all residents.
The back stairwell in the new building is a fire escape. It does not allow access to any of the floors and can only be used as a fire escape if there is a fire or an emergency in the building. This stairwell is ONLY to be used in an emergency. The only exit is at the bottom of the stairs is an alarmed door, this alarm calls the fire brigade. If this alarm is tripped and there is no emergency this cost will be incurred by the resident who tripped the alarm. This cost is approximately $1600 per fire truck. In a building this size a minimum of three trucks would be sent.
Hand-basins overflowing because taps have been left running unattended have caused serious damage to the building in the past, and water can come into contact with electrical wiring.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in residents’ rooms and on Graduate House premises. Smoking areas are provided at the rear of the terraces and outside dining terrace.
Internet
Wireless internet access is available at cost.
Games And Television Room
Our games and TV room is well equipped for those staying in house to enjoy and unwind. We have table tennis table for enjoyment and a comfortable TV area where you can watch TV or a video/DVD. Residents use this area to congregate and enjoy one another’s company. We ask for the comfort of all residents staying in-house that these rooms be vacated by 11.30pm.
Barbecue Facilities
Barbecue facilities are available for residents’ use upon prior arrangement with the Office.
Radios and Stereo Equipment
These items should be used with the maximum consideration for other residents. Noise penetrates between rooms very easily.
Insurance
The personal belongings of residents are not covered by Graduate House insurance policies, and residents should arrange their own cover if they wish. Always lock your room and windows when you leave, and do not have cash or valuables in obvious places.
Laundry and Washing
Coin-operated washing and drying machines with troughs, irons and ironing boards are provided. A heater in the main laundry enables under-cover lines to be used as drying space. Please do not leave clothing overnight in the washing machines. If any problems with the machines please report to reception or a duty resident.
Check-in Times
Check in time is 2pm. Please call 30 minutes prior to arrival to confirm actual arrival time at Graduate House. Should you require an earlier check in time, please arrange this with Reception in advance.
Residents are required to vacate their room no later than 10am on the day of departure. Late check outs need to be arranged in advance with Reception.
Return Of Keys
A bond will be charged for keys issued to all residents. Residents are urged to remember to return their keys when they leave Graduate House as the bond paid will only be refunded once keys are returned to office staff. If keys should be lost, then a charge will be incurred for the replacement of lock and key.
Complaints/Grievance Procedure
All complaints or grievances should be directed through to the Head of College in writing as soon as possible. Written notices of complaints/grievances can be directed to the:
The Graduate Union of the University of Melbourne Incorporated
220 Leicester St CARLTON, Vic 3053
- by mail, or
- by handing the written notice to the Accommodation/Reception Coordinator at the Reception Office
If after consultation, a resident/member believes that their concerns have not been dealt with satisfactorily, the issue can be referred to the current Chairman of the House Board of the Graduate Union.
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