Written by Grace Mulliett
Choosing where to live at uni is a big decision, and Charles Sturt University in Albury-Wodonga has three very different options. Here’s what I’ve learned living in one of them.
Rothwell Cottages
Single bed · shared all-gender bathroom
I’ve been living in Rothwell Cottages this year, and it’s been such a good fit. The cottages are built from mudbrick, so they stay naturally cool in summer and warm in winter, and the heated flooring makes a huge difference on cold mornings. Yes, we have drop toilets – but it’s genuinely nothing like you’d expect. There’s no smell, and they’re honestly pretty modern.
Each cottage houses only eight people, split across two sides, so I share a bathroom with just three others. That smaller group size has been the best part. My housemates and I have become genuinely close. We have regular house dinners together and take turns cooking and cleaning as a team. It’s so much easier to keep a small kitchen running smoothly than it would be in a huge share house, and it’s honestly one of my favourite parts of the week. I’ve made so many great friends in Rothwell Cottages, and I also feel like I’m living sustainably.
We have our own parking area that is more secluded from the university, although the downside is that it takes a few extra minutes to exit the university. The view is really lovely, and there are lots of wild kangaroos roaming the fields.
Murray Village
Single bed · shared all-gender bathroom
If a bigger, more social scene sounds like your thing, Murray Village is the place. It has colour-coded houses of up to 20 people, one shared kitchen and always someone around. It’s more organised, with labelled cupboards and a schedule for taking the bins out. Both Murray Village and Rothwell Cottages have a cleaner who comes in to clean the bathrooms. The cleaner also changes the toilet paper and paper towels, vacuums, and cleans the shower and bathroom floors. Tidying of belongings is your own responsibility.
My friends all live in Murray Village. It’s a great place to be around lots of people and you have more room to invite friends over. I’ve been told that Murray Village has different vibes depending on the house and its residents. I think Blue House is more fun and party-orientated, while Red House is ‘sportier’ and more independent, making it a quieter environment.
Explorer Village
Double bed · private ensuite
For those who want their own space, Explorer Village offers a fully self-contained room with a private bathroom and kitchen, making it a great option for mature-age students, postgrads, or couples. Personally, I don’t know anyone who lives in this accommodation, but it is the closest option to the library. It’s also near Rothwell Cottages but offers a much quieter, more private environment.
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