Q. Where is the Footprints Cairns Student Lodge situated?
A. The Lodge is situated in Smithfield, one of the safest suburbs in the prestigious Northern Beaches area of Cairns. As well, it is located between two of the most popular beaches in Cairns - just 5 kilometres away.

Palm Cove beach is only a 15 minute drive from the Lodge too. It recently won an award for the cleanest beach in Queensland. The city centre is about 20 minutes drive from the Lodge in the other direction.

Q. What are the rooms like?
A. The units have three separate and private bedrooms with a shared living area and bathroom. You only have to share with two other room mates. The units are fully furnished and each room has a bed, desk and cupboard. The lounge area has TV, a couch and small fridge. Weekly room service is included in the rate. Everything is professionally cleaned each week. Don't forget to bring your bath towel!

Q. What facilities are available?
A. We have a resort-style swimming pool, beach volleyball court, pool table, licensed bar, and cable TV in the lounge area. We have a coin-operated laundry located in each accommodation block too. There is also a gym, Olympic sized swimming pool and other sporting facilities all within walking distance of the Lodge. Just across the street, opposite the Lodge, is the a Campus Shopping Village which has its own medical centre, grocery store and take-away food outlets. Very convenient.

Q. What are my transport options to get around Cairns?
A. Bus, Free Lodge Shuttle bus 2 times daily, Taxi, Bike or Walk
You can walk to JCU Cairns campus in about 10 minutes from the Lodge, a bike is also a great way to get around. It will take about 45 minutes to walk to the beach and even less to bike there. You can get around most areas of Cairns using the public bus system.

Alternatively, the free Lodge Shuttle bus runs into the city 2 times daily. A taxi would cost around $AUD20 - $AUD30 each way from the Lodge into Cairns city. Generally a taxi would seat four passengers. However 'maxi taxis' can be ordered for larger groups, therefore the cost can be split.

Q. What is the bus service like?
A. The public bus runs into town or to the beaches approximately every half hour on weekdays (hourly later at night) and every hour during the day on weekends. A full time JCU student will pay approximately $3AUD one-way. The bus stop is located at the end of the road, about a three-minute walk away - so catching a bus is easy! Timetables are available from Cairns Student Lodge.

The Lodge has a small bus which does free shuttle runs regularly into town to the educational institutions and to other places.

Q. Is car/bike parking available?
A. We have plenty of car parking spaces and bike racks available near each accommodation block. Our security guard regularly patrols the premises from 10.00pm until 6.00am, so you don't need to worry about the security of your car or bike.

Q. What if I get sick? Is there a Doctor nearby?
A. There is a medical centre across the road from Footprints Cairns Student Lodge (a two-minute walk). In addition you will always have necessary support if you are unwell as we have on-site staff and our residential assistants (RAs) who are here to assist you during your stay.

Q. What do I need to bring?
A. Your linen, a towel, yourself and your personal belongings, sheets and blankets can be supplied at a charge of $15.00. Cairns enjoys a warm tropical climate. However, remember to pack clothes for cooler weather if you plan to travel to other areas in Australia. There are shopping centres nearby where you can buy toiletries (shampoo etc) and any other items you may need when you arrive - so you do not need to try to pack everything you own into your suitcase!

Q. Should I bring phone/calling cards with me from home?
A. For overseas students it is usually best to buy phone/calling cards when you arrive. Often when using phone/calling cards from overseas your call credit can be used up much faster, or at a much more expensive rate. You can use the phone in your room to call locally, nationally and internationally. You can add credit to your Cairns Student Lodge phone account once you arrive. In addition, Australian phone cards can be purchased upon arrival, these are available at many convenient locations, including the Lodge.

Q. Do I have telephone access?
A. All students have in room telephone access with voicemail capabilities.
Your telephone connection and line rental for the semester is included in your registration fee and there is no extra charge for accessing your voicemail.
Call charges are approximately $0.50c per local call, long distance and mobile phones are more expensive and charged per minute. 1800 numbers and room to room calling is free.
International students are encouraged to purchase Australian calling cards which are much cheaper when calling overseas countries.