Residence overview and suitability
UniLodge SCU Lismore – Magellan is a non‑ensuite student accommodation located in East Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. The property sits within walking distance of the local university and offers a weekly rent of AU$235–AU$245 (indicative — confirm with the operator). With a minimum lease of 24 weeks, it is designed for students who need a stay of at least one academic semester or longer.
The residence has been rated by verified residents, with an overall guest rating of 5 out of 5 from one Google review and three detailed reviews on the booking platform. The property’s dimensional ratings highlight strong scores for location (4.8), social atmosphere (4.7), amenities (4.7), value for money (4.7), and safety & security (4.7). Areas with moderate scores include food (3.5), staff (3.5), cleanliness (3.5), internet (3.5), and condition (3.5).
Who this residence suits
Students who value a strong sense of community and shared social spaces
The property includes a games room, a gym, and a BBQ area. Residents have commented positively on the common amenities and the opportunity to gather with friends. One verified resident wrote: “What makes this place different from any other student accommodation is its common amenities. The rooms are attractive and beautiful. We had planned meet-ups with friends in the BBQ area every weekend which made our stay here more amazing.” This suggests the residence works well for students who enjoy group activities and a lively social environment.
Students looking for a convenient location close to campus and shops
The location rating of 4.8 out of 5 is among the highest dimensional scores. Another resident noted: “You can find anything and everything at the nearby shops. Their location is perfect for any student studying in Lismore!” The property is in East Lismore, near the university, so daily commutes are short. Getting‑around scored 4.7, indicating easy access to transport and local amenities.
Students who prioritise safety and value for money
Safety and security scored 4.7, and value for money scored 4.7. Rent starts at AU$235 per week (indicative — confirm with the operator), which is the same as the city’s from‑price of AU$235. For a non‑ensuite room in Lismore, this is a competitive point in the local market. The residence is well‑suited to budget‑conscious students who want a reliable, secure place without overspending.
Students who prefer a non‑ensuite layout (shared bathroom and kitchen)
The only available unit type is non‑ensuite. This means you share bathroom and kitchen facilities with other residents. If you are comfortable with shared living and want to keep rent low, this option fits. The room experience rating of 3.5 is moderate, so while rooms are described as “attractive and beautiful” by one resident, expectations should be realistic about shared spaces.
Who this residence does not suit
Students who require ensuite or private bathroom facilities
Since all units are non‑ensuite, anyone wanting a private bathroom or a studio apartment should look elsewhere. The property’s room type is limited, so if personal space is a priority, this is not the right choice.
Students who need short‑term housing (less than 24 weeks)
The minimum lease is 24 weeks, which is roughly six months. If you are only staying for a few weeks or one summer session, you will not be able to book here. The property also carries a “not_available” tag, which may indicate limited current availability – confirm directly with the operator for the 2026 or 2027 academic year.
Students who depend on high‑speed internet or on‑site support
Internet scored only 3.5 out of 5, and staff scored 3.5 as well. While not poor, these are the lower‑end dimensions. If you require very fast, reliable connectivity for online study or work, ask the operator about specific internet speeds before committing.
Students who expect premium interior condition or modern finishes
Condition (3.5), property maintenance (3.5), and indoor spaces (3.8) are moderate. The accommodation is functional and well‑regarded for its community, but it is not a luxury or newly‑renovated building. If you are looking for top‑tier fixtures and recent refurbishment, this may not meet your expectations.
What residents actually say
Three verified reviews are available on the booking platform. Here they are, quoted verbatim:
“The moment you enter here, you’ll have a sense of home. You will have a nice and safe stay here as their every service is on time. Amber has been a great help all this while from finding me a good student accommodation to assisting me there.” – 4/5 rating
“I am definitely rebooking this housing for next year as I had the best of everything here. You can find anything and everything at the nearby shops. Their location is perfect for any student studying in Lismore!” – 5/5 rating
“What makes this place different from any other student accommodation is its common amenities. The rooms are attractive and beautiful. We had planned meet-ups with friends in the BBQ area every weekend which made our stay here more amazing.” – 5/5 rating
All three reviews highlight the welcoming atmosphere, convenient location, and the value of shared amenities. No negative points were raised in the given reviews, but the dimensional scores for food, staff, cleaning, internet, and condition all sit at 3.5, suggesting there are areas that typical residents find acceptable but not outstanding.
Price positioning vs the city’s from‑price
Lismore’s city‑from price for student accommodation is AU$235 per week. UniLodge SCU Lismore – Magellan starts at exactly AU$235 and goes up to AU$245 per week (indicative — confirm with the operator). That places it at the lower end of the local market. Since only two properties are listed in Lismore, the competition is limited. For students seeking a non‑ensuite room, this is one of the most affordable options currently available in the city.
The weekly rent covers the room and access to common facilities (laundry, gym, games room). You should confirm with the operator whether utilities (electricity, water, internet) are included in the stated price, as that is not specified in the data.
Room‑type guidance
The only unit type listed is non‑ensuite. That means you will share a bathroom and kitchen with other residents. Typical non‑ensuite configurations in student housing have two to six residents per bathroom/kitchen. Ask the operator for the exact number of people sharing each facility.
If you are looking for an ensuite or a studio, this property cannot accommodate you. You would need to check the other property in Lismore (the only other option in the city) for alternative room types.
What to consider before booking a non‑ensuite room:
- Shared bathroom and kitchen require coordination with flatmates.
- Cleaning schedules and personal habits of others can affect your comfort.
- The cleaning dimension rating of 3.5 suggests that shared spaces are usually kept clean, but not always spotless.
- The room experience rating of 3.5 is average, so room size, storage, and furnishings are likely functional but not spacious.
Booking timing
The data shows a “not_available” tag, which may indicate that the property is currently not accepting new bookings or that certain periods are fully booked. For the 2026 or 2027 intake, you should begin inquiring as early as possible — ideally 6–12 months before your intended move‑in date. Lismore has only two student accommodation options listed, so competition for rooms can be higher than in larger cities.
The earliest available date is not specified (available_from: null). If you are planning to arrive in February 2026 for Semester 1, contact the operator in mid‑2025 to check availability. For a July 2026 start, begin asking from early 2026.
Since the minimum lease is 24 weeks, if you need a shorter stay, you will not be able to book here. Confirm your exact dates and preferred lease length with the operator ahead of time.
Frequently asked questions
H3: What is included in the weekly rent?
The weekly rent of AU$235–AU$245 (indicative — confirm with the operator) covers a non‑ensuite room in a shared apartment or dormitory‑style setting. Common amenities include laundry facilities, a gym, and a games room. It is not clear from the data whether utilities, internet, or contents insurance are included. You should verify the full inclusions with the property operator before signing any agreement.
H3: Can I bring a pet or have overnight guests?
There is no information in the data about pet policies or guest rules. In most Australian student accommodations, pets are not allowed, and overnight guests may require prior approval or have restrictions. Contact the operator directly to understand their policy.
H3: How do I book a room for 2026 or 2027?
To book, you will need to contact the operator (UniLodge) through their official channel. Since the property has a “not_available” tag, availability may be limited. Provide your preferred move‑in date, lease duration (minimum 24 weeks), and room type (non‑ensuite only). Ask for a written confirmation of the total cost, payment schedule, and cancellation terms. Bookings for 2026 should be made by mid‑2025; for 2027, by mid‑2026.
Sources & data date
All pricing, ratings, reviews, and property details are sourced from the housing provider’s listing as of July 2026. Ratings are based on 1 Google review and 3 verified resident reviews on the booking platform. Dimensional scores are averages provided by the listing.
Use the on‑site assistant for live availability
For real‑time room availability, current pricing, and to check if the property is accepting bookings for your preferred dates, you can use the chat assistant on this page to get direct answers from the operator.
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