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Why choose College over renting?

Colleges have a reputation for being expensive, but this is undeserved. The hidden costs of living in self-catered accommodation are usually not taken into account. The following table sets out a comparison based on current College fees (in 2012) and a weekly local unfurnished rental of $290, sharing with others. College only requires students pay for 34 weeks per year (two semesters of seventeen weeks) whilst renting would require a minimum term of 52 weeks. In addition college meals are prepared, nutritionally balanced and students don’t have the stress of worrying about shopping, bills, cooking and cleaning. College fees also include academic support and many extra curricular activities. All costs below are in Australian dollars.
College life is the perfect next step between living at home and living independently.

 EXPENSES    COLLEGE   34 weeks    RENTING   52 weeks 
 Establishment costs         
 Bond    1300.00*    1160.00
 O Week fee    555.00*    0 
 Application fee    100.00*    0 
 Registration fee    450.00*    0 
 Students Club fee    200.00    0
 Furniture & Removals     100.00    1200.00 
 Telephone connection        0    50.00 
 Internet connection    0     50.00
 Electricity connection    0    60.00 
 Student costs    34 weeks     52 weeks      
 Rent    15,470.00     15,080.00
 Books & stationery    800.00    800.00 
 Living costs  Per week         34 weeks           Per week           34 weeks           
 Meals   0  0  150.00  5100.00
 Travel  15.00  510.00  20.00  680.00
 Phone  20.00  680.00  20.00  680.00
 Internet  10.00   340.00  10.00  340.00
 Utilities  0  0  20.00  680.00
 Laundry  5.00  170.00  10.00  340.00
 Household expenses  0  0   10.00   340.00 
 Entertainment  40.00   1360.00   40.00   1360.00 
 Miscellaneous (Insurance, health, gifts, toiletries etc.)    70.00  2380.00  70.00  2380.00
 TOTAL    $24,415.00    $30,300.00
  Saving    $5885.00    
 *only relevant in the first year at College