Where to live in Australia?
Studying abroad brings so many advantages with it. One of them is the exposure to a different lifestyle and various other opportunities. It also brings along independence- you are on your own, you make decisions for yourself, you get a taste of the real world. Your safety, well-being, planning your days, even doing everyday chores- it’s all in your hands. You learn about life and its challenges. And the challenge begins as soon as you land in a new country and think of the basic question- where to live?
House hunting can be exciting, as well as confusing. But it is a major part of your student life in Australia. If you are worried, about finding a good accommodation while studying in Australia, we are here to help.
Here’s a comprehensive list of accommodation options we have compiled for you-
1] Homestay
This is a ‘home-like accommodation’ which is provided to the students by a family already living in Australia. The landlord’s family may or may not be living in the same campus as you, but there’s a family to look out for you. When you first arrive in Australia, a homestay is both a less expensive and a more comfortable option.
You can find homestays on your own, however, it’s best to choose from the list of homestays provided by your educational institution (they usually provide a list to foreign students and they are better from the safety point of view). Homestay provides a great cultural experience and may also help in keeping homesickness at bay.
Some of the facilities that homestays in Australia provide are:
- A furnished room inside a house/home of a family
- Kitchen with well stocked grocery or full meals
- Basic utilities such as iron, laundry etc
- Homestay agent support
- Airport pickup (if requested)
- Interaction with the host family
How to book a homestay?
You can check the following-
Cost of homestays in Australia
It varies from home to home; usually it’s between AUD 250 and AUD 350 per week
Is it a good option?
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2] Residential colleges
If you want to be on campus of your education provider, you can opt to stay in residential college campuses where hostels and dorm rooms are available for students. This can be a wholistic experience. The college will provide you with information in this regard while you are applying for your college.
Facilities you get at a residential college dorm include-
- Dorm room – shared or private
- All meals
- Weekly room cleaning
- Easy access to library, wi-fi, tutors etc
Cost of residential colleges in Australia
It varies from college to college; on an average it’s between AUD 200 and AUD 750.
Is it a good option?
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3] Managed student apartments
These are especially built for students with networks of apartments housing 100-400 students. These may be single or twin sharing rooms or bigger apartments that are shared by 4-5 students.
Managed student apartments offer the following facilities –
- Furnished apartment with desk, wardrobe, kitchen etc
- 24-hour security and on-site staff
- Community laundry
- AC, heating, wi-fi and other utilities
- Recreation areas like gaming, outdoor gardens, gym etc
Cost of managed apartments
It varies from single to double rooms or shared apartments; it’s mostly between AUD 200 and AUD 500 per week.
How to book managed student apartments in Australia?
Explore following-
Is it a good option?
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4] Halls of residence
Like residential colleges, this kind of accommodations are fully or partly owned by the universities or colleges you are studying in. They are located either within the campus or in close proximity. International students may rent single bedroom or double bedroom apartments depending on their budget and needs.
Halls of residence usually have the following facilities –
- Free internet
- Utilities like gas, AC, heater etc
- Furnished rooms and kitchen
Cost of halls of residence
Nearly every university or college in Australia offers halls of residence to international students. The cost starts from AUD 320 and may lead up to AUD 1,000/month.
Is it a good option?
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5] Boarding schools
Boarding schools in Australia have a lot of free spaces which are not occupied by their students. So they often rent out such boarding spaces to international students of university or college. This can be a good option for you.
Boarding schools offer the following facilities-
- Furnished apartments
- Meals, laundry and cleaning
- Support services
- May have amenities like gym or swimming pool
Cost of boarding schools
It is usually between AUD 11,000 and AUD 22,000 per year
Is it a good option?
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6] Hostels
If you are really low on your budget and do not mind living in hostels for the first few months in Australia until you get a part-time job, hostels are a great option.
In Australia, there are backpacker hostels as well as classic Australian hostels which offer the following facilities-
- Basic shared dorm rooms
- Meals like breakfast included
- Common rooms for study and recreation
- 24*7 support services
How to book hostels in Australia?
Find options at the following-
Cost of hostels in Australia
It is usually around AUD 90 to AUD 150 per week.
Is it a good option?
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7] Private rentals
You can also choose to rent a private apartment and eventually move in to a shared one with like-minded flatmates. This will make you completely independent in terms of managing the apartment, cooking, laundry and would truly give you the taste of a student’s life. However, you will need to make security deposits and in most cases, you have to buy your own furniture.
Cost of a rental apartment in Australia
The rent alone may be between AUD 100 and AUD 500 per week. In addition, you may need to spend on furniture, kitchen utensils, food, groceries etc.
How to book private rentals in Australia?
Consider following-
Is it a good option?
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Is it possible to live in Australia without paying anything?
Yes and No.
Yes, if you have family friends or relatives already living in Australia and they have a spare room.
Yes, if you are good at babysitting and you may get yourself employed as a nanny if the timing of childcare doesn’t clash with your class timings. Stay-at-home nannies get free accommodation and food apart from a salary.
But no, if you don’t have or want to take the above options.
How does Starbright Overseas Education help you?
Our panel of experts in Australian Education will assist you in finding the best possible accommodation option for you. We will suggest the pros and cons in more detail and also help you shortlist.
Do not fret, we have got your back till you are comfortably settled in Australia.
