Student Accommodation Options in Australia
Australia is one of the favourite study destinations for students all over the world.
One of the international student's primary concerns after moving to Australia is finding the right accommodation.
Luckily, the country offers different types of accommodation options for international students, ranging from homestay, university accommodations to a self-catered apartments and share houses.
In this article, we are going to help you choose the right student accommodation catering to your needs and budget.
1. Homestay
For your first month after arriving in Australia, homestay can be a great option for you. There are many homestay options to choose from. However, it is important to book your homestay through a provider suggested by your educational institution. This type of accommodation will provide you with valuable cultural experiences in a local host family. Homestay is available for both short-term and long-term.
Homestay includes:
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Airport pickup
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A furnished room in the home of your host
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Properly arranged meals
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All utilities
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Welcome and orientation
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Homestay agent support
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Cultural exchange with your host family
Cost
The cost will vary on the basis of the type of homestay you choose. You can expect to pay between AUD $250 and AUD$ 350 per week, depending on the type of meals, rooms, and utilities.
Popular websites for booking Homestay in Australia:
2. Residential Colleges
For international students, living on or near campus in a residential college is a popular choice. This is also one of the easiest and convenient options to stay in Australia.
At a residential college, students will get:
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All meals
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Weekly room clean
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Fully-furnished bedroom
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Easy access to library facilities
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Tutors and Wifi
Cost
The cost of residential college apartments vary. However, you can expect to pay somewhere between AUD $200 and AUD $750 including utilities weekly.
Popular websites for booking Residential Colleges in Australia:
3. Managed Student Apartments
These are purpose built accommodations where the entire block is dedicated to the housing of 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.
Managed student accommodation offers:
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All utilities including internet
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Furnished bedroom with a wardrobe, chair, study desk, bed and mattresses.
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24-hour security and on-site staff support
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Studies, social events and activities
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Communal laundry facilities
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Kitchen and bathroom with major appliances
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Air conditioning and heating
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Study areas
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Recreation areas like cinema rooms, gyms, table tennis, gaming, television, BBQs, etc.
Cost
The cost depends from apartment to apartment. You can expect to pay somewhere 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:
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 accommodations.
Moreover, there is usually no furniture available, so you will have to bring your own furniture. Rental agreements need a payment of rent in advance and the security payment known as a 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:
5. Halls of Residence
These accommodation options are affiliated with or owned by institutions. 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, there are also certain institutions that provide apartment-style rooms with private kitchens and bathrooms. The utilities like gas, water, and electricity are included in the fees. Students will also have free internet access in their rooms.
Features:
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Self-catering facilities
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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 universitity in Australia offer Halls of Residence particularly catering to international students.
6. Boarding Schools
There are many private secondary schools in Australia that offer complete boarding options to international students. Borading schools include meals, laundry and cleaning services. Boarding costs may also cover social activities and academic tutoring services after school.
Most of the boarding schools offer a supportive family atmosphere. Students can choose from shared or private rooms.
Features:
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Provides meals, laundry, and cleaning services
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Support Services
Cost
The accommodation cost is around AUD$ 11,000 to $ 22,000 per year.
7. Hostel Accommodation
This is a popular options for students who are either moving overseas or interstate to study. It is a good short-term option for students until they find some permanent place to live. There are 2 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 free breakfast, freebies and free airport pick-up, whereas some others only offer basic 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.
In hostels, students will get furnished bedrooms along with access to a shared kitchen, bathroom, laundry, recreation facilities and a 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 type of hostel you choose, it will cost you around AUD $90 to AUD $150 per week.
Popular websites for booking Hostels in Australia:
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 face difficulty in finding accommodations according to your needs and budget. So here are a few ways that can help you to make a sound decision:
1. Different accommodation options within your budget
With many student accommodation options available in Australia, the first thing you need to consider is 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 financial help options provided by your institution such as bursaries and scholarships and possible government allowances like Relocation Scholarships and Rent Assistance.
2. Do a 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 accurate research both offline and online. If you are choosing an off-campus location, make sure it is near to your university or institution.
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 share house with friends, but it may not be good for you in an academic sense. Also, on-campus accommodations can be quite expensive and may not give you a sense of freedom.
4. Proper Management
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 applying for accommodations with friends, make sure that everything from bond payment to sharing utilities is properly organised and managed.
When it comes to finding accommodations for students in Australia, there are many options available. However, it is important to consider all your needs and budget while choosing a right place to stay in Australia.
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