Known for its prestigious institutions, attractive job opportunities and pleasant weather, Australia is one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world.
However, managing the high cost of living in Australia can be challenging for international students, especially when it comes to securing affordable accommodation.
We understand how tricky it is to find suitable accommodation in a country you've never been to. Therefore, we've created a simple guide to student accommodation in Australia to help you find an enjoyable place to live when studying abroad in the Land Down Under.
Read on for the many student accommodation options at your disposal.
On-campus accommodation
Most Australian students live off-campus and commute to their campus every day to attend lectures. While on-campus accommodation is an unusual choice for local students, many Australian universities offer on-campus housing for their students.
On-campus student accommodation varies in shape and size depending on the institution. It can be anything from a block of flats on the same street as a university building to a room in a residence hall.
Some universities, such as the University of Melbourne, offer online housing boards where students can search through classified advertisements for accommodation near campus.
The rental costs of on-campus student housing in Australia vary with institutions. On-campus accommodation is often fully furnished, with its facilities managed by universities. Bills such as gas, water, electricity, WiFi and integrated university-managed support services are usually included in the rent.
The University of Sydney offers students a few different halls of residence to choose from, each with its unique characteristics. The Queen Mary Building, for instance, offers fantastic rooftop city views and welcoming communal areas, while Abercrombie provides students with independent, studio-style living.
Rooms at the Queen Mary Building cost at least AUD 347 per week, while studio flats at Abercrombie will cost you a minimum of AUD 477 per week.
Off-campus accommodation
Private rentals
Privately rented shared accommodation is the most common student housing option in Australia. Navigating a foreign rental market may seem intimidating, but worry not: thousands of students in Australia go through the process each year, and plenty of resources are available to help you find somewhere to stay.
Australia is a large country with varied rental costs depending on cities, specific areas and property types. Rent in Melbourne and Sydney tends to be more expensive than that of the rest of Australia.
You can expect to spend an average of AUD 200 to AUD 400 per week on rent if you go for shared accommodation. If you prefer living on your own, prepare to spend between AUD 300 and AUD 500 per week on renting a one-bedroom flat.
When renting an unfurnished property, remember to budget for furniture and appliances. Additionally, expect to pay a security deposit equal to one month's rent.
Last but not least, renting privately often means you will have to pay your bills separately on top of your rent. Therefore, it is necessary to include the cost of utility bills in your budget too. Check out our article on the cost of living in Australia to help you plan your finances.
Purpose-built student accommodation
Exclusively designed for students, purpose-built student accommodation offers a range of living options, from private, self-contained studio flats to shared living spaces with communal areas and facilities.
You can usually find purpose-built student accommodation near prominent institutions or public transport. The handy thing about renting this type of accommodation is that bills are often included in your rent, meaning your monthly expenses will be more predictable and easier to manage.
Homestay
Homestay is another housing option for international students. It involves living with an Australian family as a guest, arranged by agencies that match students with registered families available to host international guests.
Typically, a homestay provides a room, facilities inside the house, meals and cleaning, but if you prefer to cook, you can also opt for self-catered arrangements.
If you want to experience what living with an Australian family is like and are after the comfort of a family home, homestay accommodation could be your perfect housing solution. We recommend getting in touch with education agencies or homestay providers like Global Experience, Homestay Network and homestay.com for more information.
Remember to ensure that your chosen homestay complies with the Australian Government Schools International (AGSI) Homestay Standards.
Tips on renting student accommodation in Australia
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Always keep an ear out. Many Australian students secure their rooms through friends and acquaintances and by keeping an eye on their university notice boards and posts on social media profiles. Check classified ads for cheap furnishings such as beds, dressers and desks.
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You can buy affordable furniture from IKEA or source second-hand furniture from charity shops (also known as ‘op-shops’). Op-shops may not look like much, but you can often find items like biscuit tins, bookshelves, tables and stools for a fraction of the price.
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If you are a student in Melbourne, you can find affordable household items, cooking utensils and furnishings at the Queen Victoria Market.
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You can also find great deals on Gumtree and through ads posted on university notice boards and forums.