Juggling a family or caring responsibilities with study brings its own unique set of challenges to undertaking a degree at the ANU. While we are working with the ANU to improve the services available to parents, there are some services and tips that can make the transition into study and your life with your family in Canberra a little easier.

If you have questions about being a student and a parent, please contact our officer at sa.parentsandcarers@anu.edu.au

Accommodation

The ANU currently does not have any dedicated accommodation suitable for families on-campus. University information suggests that students arrive in Canberra alone and secure accommodation before bringing the rest of their family. Securing accommodation can be difficult at the beginning of the academic year and it is incredibly competitive as there is a large intake of new public servants moving into Canberra at the same time.

If you are looking for more than one room in a single property, the likelihood of finding accommodation within your budget is much higher if you’re looking outside the city centre. Areas such as Belconnen and Woden are easily accessible by bus and bicycle, and accurate bus and bicycle maps and schedules can be found using Google Maps.

Parenting Rooms

ANUSA hosts our own parenting facility on Level 2, Di Riddell Student Centre, (Building 154). The Parents Room has been established on campus for the use of students and staff requiring a place to attend to specific needs of young children and to meet the needs of nursing parents.

As of 2024, there are nine parenting rooms on campus with varying resources: