Scenario: a student has requested to swap rooms because they are unhappy with their roommate.
It would be important for us to understand the reason for the distress. Even if a spare bed is available, we do not want to set a precedent for students to move around accommodations if they are not happy with their roommates.
1. Mediation
Find out if the student has spoken to their roommate. Can they agree on respectful living arrangements? Find out from the roommate about their experiences are the students concerns genuine. Find out the severity of the situation (is it a medical/health reason) or if she is able to have a discussion with her roommate.
2. confirm and pay for a new room
If a student requests to book and pay for a new single / private room and forfeit the remaining fees paid for the original room, pending availability, this is permissible.
3. confirm and pay for a new room
If there is no resolution and the student can demonstrate mental health issues, a room change could be accommodated with a medical certificate. This may be claimable on insurance. Monash Abroad does not have a confirmed budget to resolve non-insurable issues so this option should be the final option, justifiable and approved.
