14 Nov 2023 | How To Find Student Accommodations In Australia
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Introduction
It is one of the most exciting yet daunting aspects of your journey as an international or domestic student: finding affordable student accommodation in Australia. Whether you are venturing into the hustle & bustle of life in Sydney, Melbourne or the sleepier suburbs of Adelaide, knowing what accommodation alternatives exist can only help your move transition far smoother than ever imaginable. This guide will assist you in walking through the various student accommodation options within Australia to ensure you end up in the right place to stay during your time studying in Australia.
There is so much that Australia can offer, from beautiful landscapes to quality education, students have much to choose from. Whether you live in on-campus residences or shared housing with a roommate, each has its offer, depending on your priority and expenditure budget. So, we will now look at the varied student housing Australia has to provide and how you could secure accommodation for students in Australia effortlessly.
Types of Student Accommodation in Australia
On-Campus Residences
Most students prefer to live on-campus. They are close to the university buildings, and therefore, classes and activities can be accessed fast. Student living arrangements in Australia: On-campus residence can take the form of a dorm room or shared self-catered apartments. Usually, you would get a package deal including utilities and meals to eliminate the hassle of paying for bills every month.
Why Choose On-Campus?
It fosters a sense of community with fellow students living close by. Plus, being on campus means you'll always be on time for a lecture!
Off-Campus Apartments
Off-campus apartments, strengthening that independence is probably the best-case scenario for anyone. These apartments are privately owned and can be found near university campuses or in neighborhoods that cater well to students. It allows them to pick & choose their roommates and lifestyle. Many students have option for this to experience city life firsthand.
Is off-campus living right for you?
It allows you more privacy and freedom but also comes with responsibilities like managing rent, utilities, and groceries.
Homestays: Homestays allow students to live with an Australian family and offer a cultural experience like no other. They are a good option for younger students or English learners who want to enjoy homemade food.
Read More: Australia’s Best Universities and Study Programs
What makes Homestays Unique?
You'll experience Australian hospitality and have a family-like environment, which can be comforting when you're far from home.
Shared housing: You all share a house or an apartment and divide the rent and utility bills. More than just saving cash, co-living is a nice way to make some friends and get used to the university lifestyle.
Is shared housing for you?
It's perfect if you enjoy socializing and are okay with sharing common spaces like the kitchen and living room.
Purpose-Built Student Accommodations (PBSA)
Over the years, purpose-built student accommodations have grown in popularity around Australia. These are purpose-built for students and come with all the facilities, including gymnasiums, common study spaces, and social areas, under one roof. PBSAs are very common for having built-in furnishings and will offer many all-bills-inclusive payment solutions that provide utilities and Wi-Fi.
Why consider PBSA?
They're hassle-free, designed with student needs in mind, and located close to universities.
Boarding Houses: The most traditional and likely cheapest option on this list is a boarding house, where students can rent out individual rooms while acting as roommates with shared bathrooms and kitchens. Boarding houses are typically much smaller and more intimate than shared housing but capture that same community feel.
Is the boarding house living for you?
If you prefer a quieter, more structured environment, a boarding house might be the perfect fit.
Read More: Guide to Studying in the World's Leading Universities in Australia
Urban vs. Suburban Living: Which is Better?
Cities in Australia are the blend of both urban and sub-urban living. So, though the city lives more, is near a university, and can go to university easily, then suburban life can be absolutely quiet sometimes even cheaper though.
Which Environment Suits You?
Are you a city lover who thrives on the buzz of urban life, or do you prefer the calm and space of suburbia?
Finding the Right Student Accommodation in Australia
Now that you know the types of accommodations available, here's how to find student accommodation in Australia that matches your needs.
Research Different Regions: Each region in Australia has its lifestyle and costs of living. For example, Melbourne is known for being an arts and culture city. Brisbane is warmer compared to other regions, and relaxed. Comparing all of them will determine a perfect location that suits a person's budget and personal choice.
Budget Wisely: Realistically budgeting when looking for student accommodation Australia is quite imperative because you will have to compute for rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries, among others. Generally, the major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are always more expensive than smaller towns like Adelaide or Perth.
How Much Should you Budget?
Again, the weekly rent may vary depending on the city but you can approximate to pay between 150 AUD to 500 AUD per week. Don't forget to top-up for utilities and entertainment.
Online Platforms: Your Best Friend- One can find rental listings on websites like Gumtree, Domain, and RealEstate.com.au. They offer different types of student accommodation in Australia, from shared houses to luxury apartments.
Did you know?
Many landlords list directly on these platforms, giving you access to the latest available accommodations.
University Housing Services: Many universities in Australia offer accommodation service so that students can find the most appropriate flat accommodations for them. They usually make an agreement with nearby apartment complexes and help you to decide where best to stay.
Can University Housing Help?
Yes! It's a reliable resource, especially for international students who are new to the country.
Tap into Social Media
Social media groups and forums for student housing Australia are goldmines of information. These groups allow you to connect with other students, find roommates, and even get insider tips on the best places to live.
Read More: Best Courses to Study in Australia After Completing 12th
Faq
Q1: Are utilities included in rent?
A. Varies by type of accommodation. Utilities are usually included in purpose-built student accommodation and on-campus apartments, but this is not the case off campus by default.
Q2: How far ahead should I start looking for an apartment?
A. Ideally, you want to begin your search a couple of months before your target move-in date. This would ensure that you have a lot of time to search for the ideal place to stay.
Q3: Can I negotiate the rent?
A. Yes, a rent is sometimes negotiable especially in a long lease.
Q4: Are short term rentals possible?
A. Yes, it's possible to do a short term rental; however, the price could be much higher.
Q5: What documents would I require to get my rental?
A. Typically you need some identification, proof of enrollment and some references.
Are you ready to find your dream student accommodation in Australia?
With the right approach, securing your ideal living arrangements for students in Australia will be a breeze!
