1. How does the application process work?
As a current resident, you get priority access to apply for Kensington before applications open to new students.
• Reapply during the priority application period.
• Choose your preferred room type and specific preference
• Applications will be processed in the order they are submitted and accepted. To secure your preferred room type, we recommend applying as soon as the application period opens.
• Receive your offer and accept within 48 hours to secure your room. An acceptance fee of $100 applies for returning student.
• Rates for the 52-week contract option are exclusive to current residents and generally lower than the 2026 rates for new applicants.
• During the application period we will try to accommodate students in the best available rooms within the building and do our best to accommodate preferences.
• After this priority period, any unconfirmed rooms will be released to the general student pool at the 2026 rates.
2. How to apply?
• Access the accommodation portal and login.
• Go to the Applications tab, select the term/session you are applying for, and complete the required sections (contact details, emergency contact details, release of personal information).
• In the Living Preferences section, please use the Preferences/Comments field to specify any requests—such as your preferred room number, roommate, or floor level—and indicate whether you would like to renew your current room or not.
• In the Room Preferences section, select your room types in order of preference.
• Review your application and then submit.
3. What contract dates and lengths are available?
You can choose between a 52-week contract or a 26-week contract. Please note that for 26-week contracts, the special early-bird rates and benefits do not apply.
4. Can I choose different start or end dates for my contract?
Contract dates are fixed, and unfortunately, we’re unable to offer flexibility in changing them.
5. Why are some application rates the same as the 2026 rates for new students?
• One-year contract: These rooms are in very high demand and usually book out quickly. We’re giving current residents priority access to secure them before they are released to the general public.
• Semester contract: Promotional rates are not available for semester contracts, as longer-term contracts help us maintain lower overall pricing and foster a stronger residential community. However, current residents on semester contracts will still receive priority in room allocation within the building, subject to availability.
6. What happens if I don’t accept my offer within 48 hours?
If you don’t accept within 48 hours, your room will be released to another student and generally, cannot be reinstated. You may still apply again during the general application period, but higher 2026 rates will apply.
7. Can I apply for any other accommodation options during the priority period, such as the USYD on-campus accommodation?
No — If you’d like to apply for a different property (such as one of the USYD on-campus residences), you’ll be able to do so once applications open to the general public. Those applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
8. Can I apply for Kensington, confirm my offer, and still apply for The University of Sydney on-campus accommodation once applications open to the general public?
Once you’ve confirmed your accommodation at Kensington, you won’t be able to apply for the University of Sydney on-campus accommodation unless you cancel your Kensington booking first.
Please note that the University of Sydney on-campus accommodation is limited and in high demand. The application process is highly competitive, and securing a room is not guaranteed. For this reason, we don’t recommend waiting to apply for the University of Sydney on-campus options, as you may miss out on both a room and the special rates and benefits currently available to current residents.
9. When will I know if my application is confirmed?
We’ll process the applications after the priority period has closed. Once your application is processed, you’ll receive an email with your offer and next steps.
10. Can I apply after the priority period ends?
Yes, but your application will be processed with the general public at the standard 2026 rates for each contract type, and we won’t be able to offer priority room allocation or special rates.
11. Do I need to pay a deposit again?
No — The deposit you paid initially will carry over to the new contract and will be refunded to you at checkout, provided there are no additional incidental charges.
However, you will need to pay a non-refundable $100 acceptance fee when confirming your 2026 booking.
12. What happens if I apply for Kensington but then change my mind?
You can cancel your contract in line with the terms of the Residential Agreement. This means providing the required notice period, and any applicable conditions or fees will apply.
13. Is there a waiting list if my preferred room type isn’t available?
Before you accept your agreement, you can email us to request changes. We’ll review your request and let you know what options are available. Once the agreement is signed and your booking is confirmed, no further modifications can be made.
14. When do applications open for new students?
Applications for new students will open once the application period for current residents closes.
15. Can I apply for an accessible room?
Accessible rooms are designated for students with accessibility needs. If you apply for one, you must upload supporting documentation for assessment. Applications for accessible rooms submitted without supporting documentation will not be considered.
16. Can I request to live with a friend?
Yes, roommate requests can be made under the “Living Preferences - Preferences / Comments ” section during the application process. If both you and your friend are returning residents, you may indicate who you'd like to live with, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request, subject to availability.