The first stage of the student accommodation is slated for completion in July.

The head of CSU in Port Macquarie, Professor Heather Cavanagh, said the accommodation would make the campus more accessible to more students from outside the region.

CSU will lease the accommodation facility from Sydney-based Chase Property Investments, which is working with commercial builder Intelligent Building Systems International from Brisbane, to complete the project.

Professor Cavanagh said the university was excited to be able to offer secure accommodation for students enrolled in various degrees at Port Macquarie.

Three accommodation buildings will initially provide 112 rooms with a bedroom with desk and ensuite bathroom for each student, communal lounge rooms and kitchens.

Students will have access to recreational areas in a separate building.

The entire facility, catering to 250 students, is due to open at the beginning of the 2018 academic year.

Initially there will be two two-storey buildings providing 32 beds in each building, and a three-storey building with 48 rooms.

There will be a separate student hub building providing recreation facilities.

CSU will employ two full-time staff when the first stage opens.

There will be 10 part-time jobs, which will be mainly filled by students.

The university will use local providers for cleaning, gardening and security.

Student residents will receive pastoral care and leadership guidance.

CSU students on the search for accommodation currently have a choice of homestays or private rentals.

Professor Cavanagh said students had loved the homestays.

“It is a fabulous way to integrate yourself into the community and we have been overwhelmed by community support,” she said.

“But at the same time, it’s not that on-campus experience.”

Some students will continue to choose homestays and rental accommodation but the student accommodation facility will provide another option.

The student body and courses continue to grow since the first intake in 2012. 

The next academic session at the Port Macquarie campus will start with Orientation Week from February 20.