Also the way I read that email is not that ANU will start placing people in houses but rather they'll tell everyone to look at the noticeboard and consider withdrawing their UAS application and renting privately instead.
Well of course, if they actually placed people into other people’s apartments then they would still have to provide all the on campus stuff - which would be hard to do, by getting other students to advertise then they don’t need to do that.
It’s a bit desperate and very un-organised. I mean, why has it even been left so late? They know in late 2009 how many places at Uni they will offer people, they know how many first year places will be offered at ANU, they must have a general idea of how many people will need accommodation. It happens every year – not just because of the youth allowance, this happened last year and the year before. Then there is a big rush at the last minute.
I understand a balance is required, but don’t offer a guarantee and tell 1st years that they get priority (which is what the accommodation site says) if they cannot stick to it.
The Accommodation Services are completely useless and offer very little help in my opinion, they expect some students – some who will be moving out of home for the first time, to find out only days before where they will be living, it’s a big thing and the UAS doesn’t seem to understand it. Last year one of my friends only found out on the Saturday where he would be living, with the first week of Uni starting on the Monday.
It can make a big difference on peoples experience of uni and can set off their whole year, I know 3 other 1st years who were shoved into Toad Hall me with, 2 ended up quitting ANU altogether after a few weeks and the other 1 ending up leaving the accommodation and sorting out other arrangements.
The problem is, they make this guarantee and can’t keep to it. In 2008 they said the same thing, not enough beds, new place being built next year so will solve the problem... it didn’t, they said the same last year and the same this year.
You may think it’s ok to put a 1st year kid into a hotel, but even if it’s affiliated with a certain college, they will still miss out.
It’s ridiculous.
I just think it gives a really bad impression of ANU, which is a shame as it’s a great University.
. There seem to be lots of people in the same position as you. Just get out there and make sure you meet people at various social events. .... and don't worry, im a shy person too (not really looking forward to that first day when i know nobody :S)