Studying abroad not only brings international students a different perspective and experience but also provides them with abundant practical opportunities. As the world gradually enters the post-pandemic era, international students are returning to school. However, accommodation is the first concern for students after going abroad, and they often hesitate when choosing accommodation. Generally, besides student dormitories and student apartments, renting off-campus is also a good option, which is more convenient and flexible.
According to the law, students under 18 years old in Australia who do not reside in student dormitories can only choose homestays when living off-campus. Students over 18 years old have more housing options. However, renting a house in an unfamiliar place is not easy, and one may easily fall into traps. Therefore, Uhomes presents the most comprehensive Australia student accommodation guide and recommended renting websites for 2024. If you are unsure about renting in Australia, come and take a look!
1. Australia student accommodation types
House
The most common type of housing in Australia is typically standalone houses, each with their own independent yard. They are suitable for people who enjoy socializing, dining, and hosting parties together. The rent for such houses generally ranges from $150 to $250 per week.
Advantages:
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- Relatively quiet environment, ample parking spaces, multiple rooms, more space for storing miscellaneous items, and a private yard for planting small plants.
Disadvantages:
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- Houses made of wood have poor insulation and are prone to pests, making maintenance more troublesome, especially for those rented out entirely.
Unit
Usually 2-4 stories high, apartments in this range are typically closer to town compared to houses, which is convenient. They also tend to have fewer residents. Suitable for students who don’t require extensive facilities, with moderate pricing.
Advantages:
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- Apartments are generally close to train stations and shopping centers, making transportation convenient. Some apartments also provide gyms or swimming pools. They are also easy to maintain.
Disadvantages:
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- Some older units may lack elevators, electronic access control systems, etc., resulting in lower security and poor soundproofing.
Apartment
Mid-to-high-rise buildings, equipped with access control and security systems, are generally located in busy transportation areas, making them the most common choice for students studying in the city.
Advantages:
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- Safe, well-equipped facilities (such as swimming pool, gym, sauna, underground parking), convenient shopping and transportation.
Disadvantages:
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- Rent is relatively expensive, typically ranging from $300 to $600 per week for the entire unit. However, sharing with roommates can bring the cost down to around $200 per person.
Townhouse
Townhouses are typically one or two stories high, combining features of both houses and apartments. They often come with a courtyard and generally have smaller floor areas compared to houses.
Advantages:
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- Townhouses are typically made of brick, ensuring good quality and sound insulation, making them more comfortable to live in compared to houses. Many landlords subdivide them for rental, usually with 3-4 bedrooms and 2-3 floors. The latest townhouses may even feature one bathroom per person, offering better value for money compared to houses.
Homestay
Homestay is a type of accommodation provided by the Australian government for international students. Local Australian families open their homes to host international students, welcoming them as part of their family. Typically, international students stay for several months, with younger students more inclined to choose homestay. For students under 18, homestay is a requirement if they opt for off-campus accommodation.
However, most students over 18 prefer to move out and share accommodation with peers, as living in someone else’s home can be inconvenient. Additionally, homestay tends to be more expensive than renting a place independently, and the meals provided may not always suit one’s taste preferences.
2. Cost of Australia student accommodation
The main expenses for renting a house in Australia include rent, bond, and utility bills (water, electricity, gas, internet).
Rent:
Prices vary by city. Sydney is relatively expensive, while other states are much cheaper. You can find a good place to live for $100 to $150 AUD per week in most cities, but it’s challenging to find the same price range in Sydney.
Bond:
Typically, landlords collect a bond equivalent to 4 weeks’ rent (the maximum allowed by law). It’s not allowed for landlords to charge 8 weeks’ bond. Some flexible landlords may collect a bond equivalent to 2 weeks’ rent.
Utility Bills:
There are two types of utility bill arrangements: inclusive bills and shared bills. Inclusive bills mean that water, electricity, gas, and internet costs are all included in the rent. Shared bills mean that the rent covers rent and the utility bills are divided among the tenants. Landlords who choose shared bills are usually concerned about different living habits among tenants, such as excessive electricity or air conditioning usage. Most landlords prefer inclusive bills for easier calculation.
3. Recommended Australia Student Accommodation Rental Websites
uhomes
Website address: https://en.uhomes.com/au/sydney
Description:
Uhomes is focusing on global student accommodation and committed to ensuring an unforgettable global student experience. With our comprehensive solution for student accommodation, finding the ideal place to stay has never been simpler. Whether you’re studying anywhere in the world, Uhomes is prepared to assist you in booking across borders and regions seamlessly.
Real Estate
Website address：https://www.realestate.com.au/rent/
Description：
Real Estate is the most authoritative vertical real estate website in Australia, providing online queries for house prices, rentals and sales, land development, and commercial properties. It offers comprehensive information including photos and Google Maps location to facilitate users in obtaining detailed information. It is the most popular real estate website in Australia. Most of the rental properties listed on the website are through agents, requiring payment of agency fees when signing contracts with them. Rental properties are generally leased as a whole and may not include furniture. You can also download their app.
Domain
Website address: https://www.domain.com.au/
Description:
Domain is another reputable local rental website in Australia, also used by agents for renting properties. It primarily offers whole rental properties with fewer shared accommodations, and is less suitable for Chinese individuals as landlords mainly prefer foreigners or locals, resulting in higher prices. In comparison to Real Estate, Domain offers two unique features: providing short videos to understand property information and allowing tenants to have a more intuitive understanding of the property condition, in addition to photos and maps.
4. The Rental Process of Australia Student Accommodation
Renting from private individuals
Advantages：
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- Lower prices, simpler process – just confirm your intention, pay the bond and 2-4 weeks’ rent, and you can move in as soon as the same day.
Disadvantages:
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- Lack of protection, informal procedures, and disputes are common – such as landlords arbitrarily raising rents or withholding deposits. It is advisable to check the condition of the room, sign a tenancy agreement, request an English receipt for the bond payment from the landlord, and keep written evidence of rent transactions. It is also recommended to use bank transfers to avoid cash transactions.
Renting from an Agency
Advantages:
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- Variety of housing types, formal procedures, legal protection.
Disadvantages:
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- Complex process, time-consuming; higher income requirements for tenants, low success rate for applications; longer lease terms, unable to terminate the contract early.
Preparations Befroe Rental
| Steps | Content |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparations | Prepare necessary documents such as bank statements, student visa, and employment proof. |
| 2. Viewing properties | Contact the agent to arrange property viewings and inquire about relevant details. |
| 3. Fill in application form | Request the application form, fill it out, and prepare guarantor information if required. |
| 4. Sign the contract | Thoroughly review the contract, complete the “Condition Report.” |
| 5. Pay the bond | Deposit the bond into a regulated account and keep related documents safe. |
5. Rental precautions in Australia
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- Safety comes first, so consider the environment and facilities around the house. Even in relatively safe areas, there are streets with sparse population. It’s best to avoid living in such places. Also, consider whether the room faces noisy roads or high-noise train stations.
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- When viewing properties, observe the landlord and assess their character, especially if you’ll be living with them.
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- If possible, observe the people you’ll be living with under the same roof and their backgrounds. It’s preferable to live with fellow students.
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- Check if the property is close to train or bus stations and convenient for commuting to school or work.
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- Find out if the rent includes utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and internet before moving in.
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- Rent prices are influenced by both the area and the start of the school term. Generally, when schools start, housing becomes scarce, and rent prices skyrocket. Conversely, during school holidays, many international students return home, causing a significant drop in rent prices. If you have a short holiday or don’t plan to return home, consider house hunting during the break
FAQ
Are there private student accommodations open to non-study-related stays?
Yes, some private companies offer more flexible terms and may accommodate different types of renters, including working professionals or even tourists, as these businesses look ahead to the diverse needs of city dwellers.
How much does it cost to live on campus in Australia?
- Accommodation: Approximately $150 – $400 weekly.
- Utilities and Wi-Fi: Included with some accommodations; otherwise, estimate around $20 – $50 weekly.
- Groceries and Eating Out: Around $80 – $150 weekly.
- Transport: For those requiring public transport, around $15 – $50 weekly.
- Textbooks and Supplies: A one-off or per semester cost, typically $500 – $1,000.
- Leisure: Set aside $30 – $100 weekly for personal enjoyment.
- Healthcare (OSHC): Costs vary, but on average, expect around $438 annually.
