Finding a Place That Fits: A Guide to Student Accommodation in Australia

Students’ university experience greatly depends on accommodation. It affects the quality of sleep before the exams and the possibility to build relationships and to feel comfortable in the new environment. Unfortunately, students do not conduct thorough research related to accommodation, choosing it spontaneously after enrollment and orientation.

This article will focus on practical tips related to the choice of student housing in Australia. All the information below is meant to help students, not to sell.

Why Is It Important to Think About Accommodation in Advance?

Student housing is important not only for convenience but also for personal growth and financial state. Firstly, the longer commute leads to the feeling of constant stress and difficulties with routine. Secondly, the atmosphere in the neighbourhood can either facilitate or complicate the adaptation process. A student with comfortable accommodation finds it easier to get used to the university, having one less problem.

Moreover, it influences the financial state of a student. As there are some differences in the cost of rent, electricity, water, and the internet, it can cause additional stress to the student throughout the semester. Early thinking about the accommodation is usually more successful than impulsive decisions.

Comparing Purpose-Built Housing, Shared Housing and Homestays

In Australia, most students choose either purpose-built housing, shared housing, or homestays. Every option has its own pluses and minuses, which should be considered when choosing.

Purpose-built housing was created specifically for students. It is located near the campus and includes furnished accommodation. This type of housing suits the freshmen well, starting studies at big universities. If a student is going to study at the University of Sydney, he/she can take a look at the USYD student accommodation nearby in order not to spend time commuting.

If the student seeks more independence, he/she will prefer shared housing because it is cheaper. However, he/she has to deal with some organisational issues: bonds, division of bills, etc. Homestay suits those who need an easy cultural transition, especially international students during the first term.

Budgeting with Realism

Accommodation costs differ greatly depending on the city in Australia. Usually, students underestimate these costs because they think about accommodation very late and they see the total price, not separate expenses.

A good idea is to separate fixed and variable costs. The former one consists of rent and internet costs which can be estimated easily and which should be put in a budget for each week or month. Variable costs (utilities, internet, transport, etc.) need to be taken into account because of frequent changes due to the lifestyle and workload of the student.

It is important to keep a record of spending in the first month approximately in order to understand real expenditures.

Location and the Cost of Time Spent on Commuting

Living near the campus is not always considered a privilege, but it saves money and time, which are valuable in terms of student life. A shorter commute allows one to have more time for studying, sleeping or doing a part-time job.

The reliability of public transport also differs in suburbs. Thus, it is better to check it in advance because the cheap accommodation may imply expensive commuting, which can spoil the financial state of the student. It is possible to check it by yourself by walking to the university or looking at the timetable.

What to Check Before Signing?

It is important to know some practical facts:

• The presence of utilities and internet in the rent
• Minimum lease and the ability to terminate it in advance
• Noise level and rules of the building, especially during the period of exams

These details are usually not mentioned in advertisements; however, they influence daily comfort significantly.

Settling In: First Days

It is important to establish the routine to adapt faster. It can consist of such things as understanding how to get to the university, knowing places of purchase of food and other routine processes.

Also, the process of meeting new people can be facilitated by choosing the accommodation with shared areas. This aspect is especially important for students living far from their family who need to create a community for themselves.

Deciding with Clarity Instead of Pressures

Student accommodation decisions influence financial and mental state as well as academic success. There is no ideal option which is suitable for everyone since the best option depends on budget, personal qualities and willingness to live independently.

The main thing is not to let other people’s experiences influence your expectations. Comparison and budgeting are the key points to have comfortable living conditions.