Griffith University Village

The room I was given had soaked floors from a leak, no AC, and a horrible smell. I couldn’t open the windows, and when I asked staff for help, they ignored me. They later promised to act but didn’t, and I started feeling sick from the air, with nausea, dizziness, and constant headaches that I believed were signs of mold exposure. I had to throw away moldy belongings and clean everything else I owned. There were insects in my food, including bugs in my rice, likely mold mites or weevils caused by the humidity. Some of my things were soaked with toilet water. I paid for cleaning supplies and replacements myself, and got no apology or compensation. After I was finally moved, staff showed up at my door without warning and said someone else was moving in. The following day, a manager berated me in person, called me a “RED FLAG,” waved her finger in my face, and insisted the old room was fine and I should have moved back, even though it was COMPLETELY UNLIVEABLE. When I asked if she had seen it herself, she said yes, but she was lying. This was the worst housing experience of my life. The place felt dangerous, disorganised, and deeply unprofessional. Maintenance was neglected, students’ health was put at risk, and then I was blamed for trying to get through it. As an international student, this was the worst treatment I encountered in Australia, and I think they should consider how badly they reflect on the country. The place also felt unsafe and unsanitary, and staff made me feel gaslit. I wouldn’t stay here, especially with children. Residents deserve to feel safe, respected, and heard, but I was treated like a nuisance for asking not to be poisoned. Staff should be ashamed of how they treat people.

Being able to walk to university for class is so handy, and there are plenty of social events, from dinners and parties run by the facility to activities students organise themselves. I love knowing the people around me and being friends with them. Moving to the village was my first time away from home, and I couldn’t have asked for a better start. I’m sure I wouldn’t have made even a quarter of my friends if I hadn’t moved here. It’s a great environment, almost like a permanent summer camp, and I’d definitely recommend it :)

We get free meals several times a week, and staff put on lots of interactive, fun events throughout each trimester, giving residents a chance to explore the GoldCoast's best. I’ve had no trouble with staff and find them really helpful whenever I need something. I moved here straight after high school, nervous about living alone and managing stressful uni life, but I’ve never looked back. After nearly two years at the village, I’ve made lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I think it’s a great student option. I highly recommend it to anyone. 😎⭐😁

My apartment, which housed five people, had two toilets. One was in the bathroom with the shower, and the other was separate. Each room came with basics like a chair, desk, bed, closet, and a medium-sized bucket, but no quilt or pillow. I’m not sure whether all apartments are laid out the same way. Mine was okay, though I wouldn’t call it really good. The main thing I couldn’t accept was that there was no air conditioning. The tram station was about a 10-15 minute walk away.