From Eh to Oz
Bond University is set on a pristine, 66-hectare campus at Robina on Queensland’s Gold Coast. One of the most common things we hear from OzTREKK students who study at Bond? Wow! The campus is so clean and beautiful!
Bonus? The Gold Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Bond is known for its personalized approach to education. As a Bond student, you will enjoy smaller class sizes where eminent professors and industry-experienced lecturers know you by name.
If you plan to study physiotherapy, you’ll be studying at Bond’s $20-million, state-of-the-art Bond Institute of Health & Sport. Features include clinical skills laboratories designed to simulate real medical environments, and modern teaching and research laboratories with the latest scientific equipment. The purpose-built tutorial rooms cater to small-group learning and lecture theatres are equipped with video streaming, wireless, and an audience-response system. The building also features a dedicated computer laboratory.
On the Bond Boarding Pass, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting ready to go to Bond University, including how to accept your offer and accommodation tips.
Accepting Your Offer
Congratulations on receiving your offer!
Here are some important tips to ensure your acceptance process is as easy and smooth as possible.
Important Information
Congratulations once again on receiving your offer!
Please take time to read your offer email and letter of offer carefully and make sure all the information is correct.
Acceptance deadline/offer lapse date: Make sure to complete your acceptance process prior to this date. If a lapse date is not indicated on your letter of offer, we have provided a lapse date for you in your offer email.
This date will give you enough time to submit your acceptance documents, receive your Confirmation of Enrolment, apply for and obtain your student visa, kiss your family and friends goodbye at the airport, and hop on a plane bound for Australia!
Check your name: (As on your passport), birth date, and Bond student ID number (eight digits, referred to as “SID”).
Commencement and completion dates: Plan to arrive in Australia at least two weeks prior to your class start date.
Acceptance deposit amount: Your offer letter gives you the deposit amount required to hold your place.
Tuition fees: Your offer letter will list the total tuition fees.
University’s tuition fee policy: Bond reviews all fees annually and these fees are subject to change without notice. It is important to factor this into your financial plan.
Understand Bond’s refund policy.
Australian Release Policy: It is important to be aware of the Australian Release Policy. If you are considering transferring to another Australian institution, you must be aware that if you apply for a visa, you will be unable to change institutions. You should not apply for a visa unless you are certain you want to attend that university. Please read the Australian Government’s Release Policy for more information. Let us know if you have any questions!
Specific admissions requirements/conditions (if applicable), including vaccination info and certificate requirements.
Declining Your Offer?
In case you choose to decline your offer, please let us know as soon as possible. Let us know by emailing your OzTREKK admissions officer outlining your decision and reason for declining your offer. We will then advise the university on your behalf. This is important because it can potentially open a spot for another student!
How to Accept
Step 1 – Read Your Entire Offer Letter
Ensure that you have read and understood the Student Acceptance Declaration terms and conditions.
Step 2 – Respond to Offer
- Log in to the Bond University StudyLink Portal.
- Use your primary email and select Forgot Password to set up your own personal log-in.
- Select My Applications to view your application and offer.
- Select Actions for your offer and then Respond to Offer. Under offer details, select Accept Offer.
- Review all information. Confirm your acceptance and proceed to the deposit payment. You will be redirected to Bond’s OneStop secure payment site to complete payment.
Step 3 – Pay Acceptance Deposit
Pay the acceptance deposit amount indicated on your offer letter.
Payments must be made through Bond’s Convera account by credit card or telegraphic/wire transfer. See Paying Via Convera for information about the process.
When you complete your payment, your application status will change to “Acceptance Processing.”
Step 4 – Confirm Acceptance with OzTREKK
Once you have accepted your offer and completed your payment, please email us to let us know, so we can keep an eye out for your CoE.
Step 5 – Receive Your CoE
When your acceptance and payment are processed, the university will create your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). OzTREKK will email you your CoE and instructions on how to apply for your Australian student visa.
Payment Methods
Payments must be made through Bond’s Convera account by credit card (Visa & MasterCard) or wire transfer, in Bond’s portal, at time of acceptance.
For instructions on how to use Convera, see Paying Via Convera.
#OzTREKKTip: Do not pay by bank draft or cheque.
If you plan to pay your acceptance deposit via credit card, contact the credit card company and advise them that a large payment will soon be processed in Australia, in Australian dollars, as it may be deemed a possible fraud attempt.
Accommodation
About Finding Accommodation
Before you get into the nitty gritty about your university-specific accommodation options, it’s important to review the basics of securing long-term accommodation in Australia, which is often the number one predeparture priority of OzTREKK students. If you aren’t living on campus or pre-arranging accommodation before you leave Canada, we highly recommend that you understand how renting a property in Oz works, so you’ll be prepared to hunt for a place to live when you arrive. There are many benefits in arranging housing after you arrive. You can
- physically inspect the property before accepting the terms and conditions of the lease;
- decide whether you will be comfortable in your new neighbourhood;
- assess the noise levels, both by day and night. Remember, you need to be able to sleep and study in your new home;
- check whether it is well-lit at night.
This process still requires preparation. Consider the following when thinking about accommodation:
- Ensure you have temporary accommodation arranged.
- Be prepared financially for the time you may need to spend in temporary accommodation.
- Make housing your first priority.
- Avoid rushing your house hunting. Feeling rushed can hinder your ability to make wise choices.
- Be informed. Before you arrive, read as much as you can about the various housing options and how to arrange them. Then you can get straight into house hunting after you arrive, rather than trying to figure out where to go and what to do.
Things to consider when comparing options
- Location – Take a look at Google Maps when comparing accommodation options!
- Amenities – Kitchen, meal plan, gym, A/C, etc.
- Cost/price range – This will be dependent on the location and amenities, typically the closer to campus and the most amenities offered the higher the price.
Short-term Accommodation
The Gold Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia and offers a wide variety of temporary accommodation options.
If you are interested in exploring other options for temporary accommodation, you can visit the following websites for hotel and backpacker information:
On Campus
Bond University’s on-campus accommodation is within easy walking distance of the university lecture rooms, libraries, academic facilities, Sports Centre, and a variety of dining options.
Bond’s accommodation options for living on campus vary from single and share rooms to flats. Rates include electricity, water, laundry facilities, wireless internet, and weekly cleaning.
To secure a room on campus at Bond, their Accommodation website provides an online booking feature which is normally open about two months prior to the beginning of the semester.
Bond University Dining Plan
Bond University has a dining plan for students that allows you to determine your spending. Students can select a dining plan option within the on-campus accommodation application form. The dining plan allows you to use your Student ID card as a dining card at Bond food and dining outlets at any time. You can even pick up essentials at the Bond Express convenience store (alcohol is excluded).
For more info, please visit the Bond University Dining Plan page.
Off Campus, Managed
Most rental units around the Bond campus offer two- and three-bedroom apartments, within landscaped complexes hosting a range of resort-style facilities. Facilities may include pools, tennis courts and restaurants. Some of these complexes will assist an individual student to find appropriate accommodation.
The following can be booked at any time and should be reserved well in advance of your commencement. The average cost is between $250 and $350 per week:
Varsity Shores (adjacent to campus – north side)
The Chancellor (Varsity Lakes village – adjacent to campus)
The Chancellor Lakeside (Varsity Lakes village – adjacent to campus)
Central Park Apartments (Varsity Lakes village – 1 block to campus)
Varsity Apartments (Varsity Lakes village – 2 blocks to campus)
For additional options, check out the Bond University Housing website!
#OzTREKKTip: Varsity Towers is not recommended for postgraduate students, as many younger, study-abroad students choose to stay here. Unless you want to party like it’s 1999 all the time, you might do better in another location.
Semester in Australia
Semester in Australia offers furnished apartments in the Gold Coast, with rates starting at AUD$4,500 per trimester (February to mid-June; mid-June to end of October).
Private Rentals
Students from Canada who are studying at Bond on the Gold Coast, rent houses or apartments and often share these with other students. Rentals vary from $150 to $585 AUD per week, depending on size, location and number of bedrooms. Additional costs include a security deposit (a bond), food, electricity, telephone, etc.
If you choose shared housing, most students are living nearby, in Robina, paying between $200–$350. If you wish to commute and live closer to the beach, areas to consider include Burleigh, Mermaid, and Miami ($200–$300).
Lots of tips on Bond’s Off-campus Accommodation Info Guide!
The Study Gold Coast website also provides accommodation options and advice.
To find off-campus accommodation providers, rental tips, property advice, etc., visit
Look for a Place and a Roommate
- Have a look at student.com and type in your city!
- Roomgo
- Flatmates
- Gumtree
The Burbs
One of the key components of your research will be to get a feel for the city/town in which you will reside. Public transportation options are key to understanding where you could live based on where your university is located and which bus/train/tram/ferry travels to and from campus. Spend some time reviewing the city maps, become familiar with potential suburbs in which you could reside, and visit Australian public transportation sites.
Get Around Town
Bond University is nestled on the cusp of Robina abutting surrounding suburbs including Varsity Lakes, Burleigh Waters and Mermaid Waters. Getting around is easy with public transport options available including buses, trains, taxis including Uber, and bicycle lanes on most roads.
- OzTREKK’s Gold Coast City Guide
- Getting around on the Gold Coast
- Gold Coast suburbs
- Bond University’s Campus Map
- Gold Coast city
What Students Say About Where They Live
Reviews from 2023 Intake
Bond DPT student
Quest Robina at $380 per week. It is a hotel with some residence apartments. It is very safe. Close to campus and amenities, farther from beach. Took 1 – 2 weeks to find.
Bond DPT student
Varsity Lakes Gold Coast $375 / week. Love the building I am in. Gym, pool, theatre, golf sim. It’s a good halfway point between BHIS and Bond main. On the lake for nice walks post school. Close to buses to school and the beach. Start early. Took 2 – 3 weeks to find. Get looking at the market and find people who want to room with you. Make sure you guys are all in Australia because sometimes real estate agents won’t accept applications if one person is in Canada
Bond JD student
Varsity Lakes – Cienna Building at $400-$500 / week. Super close to school and it is brand new. Took 3 – 4 weeks to find. Find something close to the school within walking distance unless you’re going to drive. Start emailing a bunch of accommodation places 1-2 months before you arrive and see what vacancies they will have.
Bond DPT student
Varsity Lakes $350 per week. Public transit is amazing. The city is the cleanest city I have ever been in. I absolutely love this suburb. Took 1 – 2 weeks to find. Talk to program admins at Bond – they are great.
Bond DPT student
Varsity Waters (Building) Varsity Lakes is the suburb $375/week. Great building. Got in here due to Wayne’s connections. There are 4-6 of us from the program. Can walk to main campus, 10 min drive to physio campus and bus stop is right in front of my building. It’s super quiet and right by the lake. I don’t have any dislikes. Took less than a week to find.
Bond DPT student
Burleigh Heads $875. Get your living situation sorted before you arrive, or at least have an airbnb close to the uni you can stay at while you look. Set up your bank, phone, and Gocard day 1. Great location for the beach and Burleigh. Calm, quiet. 3+ weeks. Start looking early, and get a hold of a realtor.
Bond DPT student
Varsity Lakes, 2 Main Street. $800 per week. Close to campus and public transit. Brand new building and easy application and very friendly building manager. Lots of students living in this building. I like that it’s a quiet neighbourhood and walking distance to campus. Dislike that there is limited restaurants around, however, only 10 min drive to a more populated area with food/drink options. 3+ weeks. Look on flatmates.com and facebook rental groups.
Bond DPT student
Gold Coast, Varsity Lakes, Cienna Living. $400. Close to main campus and bus stop. Nice new building. Close to campus and transit. But boring. Took 1 – 2 weeks to find. Prepare in advance.
Bond DPT student
Varsity Lakes. $400/week. Love love love the building and the location, close to both campuses (main and BIHS), groceries and the lake, which is a beautiful spot to go for runs/walks. Try your best for furnished, especially if you don’t have a car but be flexible. Transit here is decent so if you are a bit further away that is always an option. Love it.
Bond MOT student
Varsity Lakes suburb. $270 weekly (I have a great price compared to a lot of people). I would most definitely recommend living in Varsity Lakes. You are right on the bus lines to all the big places and its all accessible. Don’t book something before you go – it can be really scary but I recommend booking an Airb&b for two weeks when you arrive and start house hunting right away. That way you can see places!! Took 1 – 2 weeks to find.
Bond DPT student
Mermaid beach $1100/week. Beautiful. By the beach. All good. And close to beach! Lots of locals. Less than one week to find. Start at student accommodations, then look for other housing just so it’s easy when u first get here.
Reviews from 2022 Intake
Bond DPT student
Homestay in Robina with an Australian family at $170 per week, arranged before arrival. I enjoy it but would rather live alone or with other students so they understand my busy schedule a bit more. Be proactive and message other students within your program. Everyone is in the same boat and once you are here for a bit it’s easy to switch houses.
Bond JD student
Robina, The Vue. It’s a 6 min walk to class and very nice. $300 per week. Took about 3+ weeks to find it. Get to Australia first and stay at an air bnb as finding nice place that will last a long time is better then just having a place.
Bond DPT student
I live in Robina at the Vue. $235 for rent and about $50 monthly for utilities… it is new and close to my classes. Took about 4+ weeks to find it. Look early and consider homestay to start. More earlier than you think to find accommodation and reach out to fellow students in your program to live together and make friends quickly.
Bond DPT student
Homestay with Australia family, $300 per week. It was ok for a short period. It took 1–2 weeks to find it, but arranged before arrival.
Leaving the Airport
About Airport Transfers
You’ve arrived at the airport! What happens now?
Australian Customs and Border Protection officers will check you and your luggage when you arrive. When you’ve cleared customs, you’ll be looking for a way to get to your accommodation!
Check out Bond’s airport transfer page for information about how to book transportation from the Coolangatta Airport (Gold Coast) airport or Brisbane Airport..
Advice from OzTREKK Students
Each year we send a survey to the students in their first year of studying in Australia. We ask about their university, program, adjustment to living in Australia, accommodation, and work outside the classroom.
Read our Bond University Students’ Advice to get all the insider tips (copy and pasted directly from the survey!) for a smooth transition to studying at Bond University!
