Student Housing Australia: Top 10 Accommodation Options

Australia is one of the favourite study destinations for international students worldwide.

Students' primary concern after moving to Australia is finding suitable accommodation.

Luckily, the country offers various university student accommodation and student housing options, ranging from homestay and university accommodations to self-catered apartments and shared houses.

This article will help you choose suitable student accommodation and housing options for your needs and budget.

You will discover some of the cheapest accommodations available for international students in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Hobart, and the Gold Cost.

1. Homestay

Homestay can be an excellent option for your first month after arriving in Australia. There are many homestay options to choose from. However, booking your homestay through a provider suggested by your educational institution is essential.

This type of accommodation will provide you with valuable cultural experiences with a local host family. Homestay is available for both the short-term and long-term. 

Homestay Includes:

• Airport pickup

• A furnished room in the home of your host

• Properly arranged meals

• All utilities

• Welcome and orientation

• Homestay agent support

• Cultural exchange with your host family

Cost

• The cost will vary based on the type of homestay you choose. You can expect to pay between AUD $250 and AUD$ 350 per week, depending on the meals, rooms, and utilities.

Popular websites for booking Homestay in Australia:

• Homestay Network

• Homestay

Pros

• Homestays are comparatively cheaper than other accommodations, as you are only provided with laundry services and meals.

• While living in homestays, you won’t miss the creature comforts or family atmosphere you might have been accustomed to at home.

Cons

• You may miss out on social opportunities when living in homestays.

• Some students may even find it difficult to adjust to the life of a different family, particularly when it comes to food on offer or following house rules. 

2. Residential Colleges

Living on or near campus in a residential college is popular among international students seeking student housing in Australia. This is also one of the most accessible and convenient options to stay in Australia. 
 

At a Residential College, Students Will Get The Following:

• All meals

• Weekly room clean

• Fully-furnished bedroom

• Easy access to library facilities

• Tutors and Wifi

Cost

• The cost of residential college apartments varies. However, you can expect to pay between AUD $200 and $750, including utilities.

Popular Websites for Booking Residential Colleges in Australia:

• Flatmates

• Gumtree

• Airbnb (choose rent or share) 

• Domain (choose rent or share)

Pros

• You will most likely find a residential college apartment near your campus. You could walk towards the campus or take a short public transport ride.

• Living in residential college apartments will offer a more independent lifestyle and self-contained living spaces that will give you more privacy.

Cons

• While living in college apartments, you may miss out on the sense of community offered by living on campus.

• You may have to bear additional expenses like tutoring, meals, and internet access. Besides, you have to organize these facilities yourself.

3. Managed Student Apartments

These are purpose-built accommodations where the entire block is dedicated to housing 100 - 400 students. 

There are single or twin rooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen. Sometimes rooms are even shared amongst 4 or 5 students.

This student housing option is one of the most accessible and easiest to find.

Managed Student Accommodation Offers:

• All utilities, including internet

• Furnished bedroom with a wardrobe, chair, study desk, bed and mattresses. 

• 24-hour security and on-site staff support 

• Studies, social events and activities

• Communal laundry facilities

• Kitchen and bathroom with appliances

• Air conditioning and heating

• Study areas

• Recreation areas include cinema rooms, gyms, table tennis, gaming, television, and BBQs. 

Cost

• The cost depends from apartment to apartment. You can expect to pay between AUD $200 and AUD $500 per week. This includes utilities such as power, gas, water and internet. 

Popular Websites for Booking Managed Students Apartments in Australia:

• Semester in Australia 

• Campus Living Villages 

• UniLodge

• Urbanest

Pro 

• Since more people help cover the bills and rent, managed student apartments have reduced living costs.

• Living together with others will help you foster a solid foundation for friendship.

Cons

• One of the most significant disadvantages of living in a shared house is the lack of privacy. You will have to share the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. It can create a difficult situation, especially when you and your housemate want to use the bathroom simultaneously before going to university or work.

• Your housemate may have all sorts of bad habits, like playing loud music or stealing your food, which can be hard to deal with.

4. Private Rental

This is the best accommodation option for International students who want to immerse themselves in the Australian culture. You can live with your friends or alone, according to your preference. These are inexpensive options compared to other forms of student housing. 

Moreover, furniture is only sometimes available, so you must bring your own table. Rental agreements ask to pay rent in advance and the security payment bond. The bond is a payment of one month’s rent paid up-front.

You have to pay bills for gas, water and electricity separately. 

Cost

• The cost of a rental apartment varies. You can expect to pay around AUD $100 and AUD $500 per week. However, you will have to pay for food and utilities yourself.

Popular Websites for Booking Private Rentals in Australia:

• Flatmates

• Gumtree

• Airbnb (choose rent or share) 

• Domain (choose rent or share) 

Pros

• You can choose wherever you want to live. It can mean setting up a house further out in the suburbs or somewhere within the city.

• Private rentals offer a lot more independence than other accommodations. It helps you become self-sufficient and responsible when handling household chores like sharing cleaning duties, paying your bills, and even dealing with property managers or landlords.

• It gives you more freedom to live as you want. However, you may have to sit down with your housemate and set a few basic rules for the house.

Cons

• You have to deal with real estate agents and landlords.

• Sharing the space with others can get tricky as they may have a different lifestyle than yours. Moreover, shared house conflicts can get ugly — so be wary!

• Living out of your home can be expensive, particularly when deciding to live independently. You will have to bear additional expenses, such as bills and food.

5. Halls of Residence

These student housing options are affiliated with or owned by universities. They are either located on campus or close to it. International students can rent a single bedroom and share facilities such as a kitchen, bathrooms etc.

However, certain institutions provide apartment-style rooms with private kitchens and bathrooms. The fees include utilities like gas, water, and electricity. Students will also have free internet access in their rooms.

Features

• Self-catering facilities

• Shared bathrooms, kitchens and recreational areas

Cost

The rates of Halls of Residence start from AUD $320 and lead up to AUD $ 1,000/month. 

Almost every major college and university in Australia offers Halls of Residence, mainly catering to international students.

Pros

• The residence halls provide home comfort, with several institutions offering excellent amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and cinema rooms.

• Another great advantage is the proximity to your campus. This means you won’t have to worry about public transport fares or owning a car.

• Living in halls of residence enables you to meet new people and socialize. This can be a perfect opportunity if you have moved from a different country and feel out of place. Additionally, various events, like weekly parties, formal balls, or karaoke nights, may take place, allowing you to initiate a conversation or two.

• You may also participate in various co-curricular opportunities, like being a part of a sports team or musicals.

Cons

• Your institution may require you to abide by specific rules. This may include maintaining noise levels, the maximum number of guests allowed in a party, usage of equipment and other facilities, overnight guests, and more.

• Halls of residence are usually expensive — the cost may vary between different institutions. Also, it is crucial to note that some services like cleaning may not be included in this accommodation. So to cope with these expenses, always keep an eye out for bursaries and scholarships.

• Even though residence halls provide an overall positive experience, some students might need their privacy, and some may find social opportunities distracting.

6. Boarding Schools

Many private secondary schools in Australia offer complete boarding options for student housing to international students. Boarding schools include meals, laundry and cleaning services. Boarding costs may also cover social activities and academic tutoring services after school.

Most boarding schools offer a supportive family atmosphere. Students can choose from shared or private rooms. 

Features

• Provides meals, laundry, and cleaning services 

• Support Services

Cost

• The accommodation cost is around AUD$ 11,000 to $ 22,000 per year.

Pros

• Boarding schools enable you to build social connections.

• You get all the services, including cleaning, food and laundry. You may also get to participate in social activities and get tutoring services.

Cons

• You will only be allowed to occupy one room, and you might have to share the bathroom and kitchen with other boarders.

• The fees for boarding school can be very high.

7. Hostel Accommodation

This is a popular option for students moving overseas or interstate to study. It is an excellent short-term option for students until they find some permanent place to live. There are two types of hostel accommodations to choose from:

Backpacker Hostels

• Backpacker hostels are home-away-from-home. This accommodation option offers a relaxed and vibrant party atmosphere for students. There are several categories of backpacker hostels — some offer higher services like complimentary breakfast, freebies and free airport pick-up, whereas others only provide essential services. 

Classic Hostels

• Classic Australian hostels are known for providing a high service standard. You can get different types of services in these hostels ranging from less or average to good or excellent. 

• Students will have furnished bedrooms in hostels and access to a shared kitchen, bathroom, laundry, recreation facilities and lounge area. In these types of accommodations, students need to cook for themselves as compared to on-campus accommodations, and this type of accommodation is much cheaper. 

Cost

• Depending on the hostel you choose, it will cost you around AUD $90 to AUD $150 per week. 

Popular websites for booking Hostels in Australia:

• HostelBookers

• YHA Australia

Pros

• Proximity is a definitive advantage if you get a hostel near your campus. There are usually several hostel options in the city's centre, making it more convenient for students studying in the Central Business District (CBD).

• Living in a hostel allows you to meet new people, mainly when new to the place. 

Cons

• You may find that the cost only sometimes adds up to what you get, especially when you have to pay extra for food.

• You have to share the facilities in a hostel with several other students (it can be 50 or more).

8. Temporary Accommodations

Before you arrive in Australia, you must make arrangements for temporary accommodation so that you can look for a suitable property in person once you reach Australia.

You can organize temporary or short-term accommodation for at least 3 to 4 weeks while looking for permanent housing options and becoming familiar with the new city.

Do not arrange for private or permanent accommodation without seeing the property. You must inspect the property from the inside before renting it.

Here are some temporary accommodation options you can go for:

• Guesthouses

• Hostels

• Temporary housing offered by the institution

• Low-cost hostels

Cost

The accommodation cost in Australia is between AUD 90 - 150 per week.

Note: If your institution offers temporary accommodation, check out its website or contact support staff for more details.

A Popular Website for Booking Temporary Accommodation in Australia:

• Wotif

Pros

• When renting temporary accommodation, you may have to sign a short-term lease, which gives you the flexibility to move out as soon as you find permanent housing.

• You do not have to worry about getting your furniture as the short-term properties are fully furnished.

Cons

• Short-term rentals are more expensive than long-term rentals.

• The property owner can terminate the lease anytime, putting you in a stressful situation to find a new place quickly.

9. Free Accommodation - Au Pair

Working as an au pair (nanny) can be an excellent option if you have childcare experience. Many families in Australia require childcare services, and in return, they offer food and accommodation.

This option can work well for you if the working hours are consistent with your class schedule. You may have to put in extra effort to meet the working hours, but it will give you free accommodation to live in. This is a great option, especially if you are on a budget.

Pros

• As an au pair, you will get regular meals, accommodation, and some money in exchange for helping with childcare.

• It is one of the cheapest and best ways to live abroad and enhance your CV with international experience.

• It will also help you to share your culture with others and learn more about their culture.

Cons

• Working as an au pair will require you to adapt to another family's lifestyle.

• You might have to keep your plans aside and prioritise the family's plan.

• When you work and live in the same place as your employer, dividing your work time and free time can be challenging.

10. Move-in With Family or Someone You Already Know

If you already have reliable contacts, such as family or relatives living in Australia who have a place for you, then staying with them is always a great idea. This is a perfect way to build social connections outside the university campus and enjoy an independent life. 

However, you may miss the opportunity to experience living in student housing which is fun and has a social element.

Note: To be approved to host you, family members or friends must undergo a few checks, including a police inspection.

Pros

• Moving in with family or someone you know means that you can have all the comforts like home-cooked meals, your own space, and more.

• Living with family can also be way cheaper, depending on your situation. It also means you will spend less time working, giving you more time to study and spend your money the way you want.

• You will even have access to your own study space, which is hard to find on-campus or in shared accommodation.

Cons

• You may miss the opportunity to participate in on-campus social activities, mainly if you are in a rush to get home early after your class ends. Students living on campus may also form close-knit groups, which leads to off-campus students feeling isolated.

• Not having independence may also be a problem. Off-campus students living at home or with a relative may find it hard to deal with the lack of privacy and following house rules.

• Getting to and from class can also be a hassle if you do not live close enough to the campus. So be cautious of the days when you have only one lecture, as it can be too tempting to stay in bed.

11. How To Find The Best Student Accommodation In Australia?

From on-campus to off-campus, Australia has many student accommodation options. As an international student, you might need help finding accommodations according to your needs and budget. 

So here are a few ways that can help you to make a sound decision:

Step 1: Consider Your Budget 

With many student accommodation options available in Australia, you first need to consider your budget and then look for options that suit your budget. You can choose from on-campus colleges and off-campus options.

Make sure to research your institution's financial help options, such as bursaries and scholarships and possible government allowances like Relocation Scholarships and Rent Assistance. 

Step 2: Do Precise Research 

This is one of the most important things you need to do. Research each accommodation option carefully. Speak to institution housing advisers and visit on-campus accommodations.

Conduct proper research both offline and online. If you are choosing an off-campus location, ensure it is near your university or institution. 

Step 3: Weigh Up Advantages And Disadvantages

After considering each option, look for the advantages and disadvantages of each accommodation. For example, you may get a shared house with friends, but it may not be suitable for you in an academic sense.

Also, on-campus accommodations can be pretty expensive and may not give you a sense of freedom. 

Step 4: Manage Your Applications

Proper management is one thing you need to consider when arranging accommodation. This means you need to submit applications for on-campus accommodations on time. If you apply for accommodations with friends, ensure everything from bond payment to sharing utilities is adequately organised and managed.

There are many options available when it comes to finding accommodations for students in Australia. However, it is essential to consider all your needs and budget while choosing the right place to stay in Australia.

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