Imagine having received your college offer letter and your student visa, but the only hurdle between your dream life in Australia and your present is a flight trip. But what happens after the flight lands? You still need your housing sorted. It is advised to start this process early to catch up on on-campus listings. However, multiple other options for you may be more convenient or more flexible with their rules, which is why here is a guide for everything related to your accommodation journey in Australia.
Types of Accommodation
There are mainly 2 types of accommodation:
On-Campus:
The on-campus student accommodation in Australia is managed by the university and is often the simplest and easiest form of accommodation. They are fully furnished, and the entry process is simpler than private renting. If you’re a student in your first year and don’t know much about Australia yet, it is better to choose this and later shift out.
However, popular universities may have their accommodation filled quickly, which is why you should apply early. You can find the applications and their deadlines on the website of the respective universities.
Off-Campus
There are multiple options for off-campus accommodation:
- Purpose-built Student Accommodation (PBSA) – private housing designed for students; includes furnished rooms, study areas, utilities, etc. You can find listings on UniLodge, Flatmates, Iglu, and Scape.
- Private Rentals (apartments and shared houses) – the application process is extremely tough, going through inspections, the documentation process, etc., which could delay your accommodation plans.
- Homestay – you live in an Australian host family, but within the rules and restrictions of that family. You may check these sources for an option: Australian Homestay Network (AHN) and Study Vision.
Top Cities for Housing in Australia
Australia can be really expensive, especially in popular cities. Here are some top cities ranked according to expensive to cheap housing:
|
Cities
|
Shared Room |
Private Room |
| Sydney | AUD 800 – 1200 | AUD 1200 – 1800 |
| Melbourne | AUD 750 – 1100 | AUD 1100 – 1700 |
| Brisbane | AUD 700 – 1100 | AUD 1000 – 1500 |
| Adelaide | AUD 600 – 900 | AUD 900 – 1400 |
| Perth | AUD 650 – 950 | AUD 950 -1400 |
| Canberra | AUD 700 – 1000 | AUD 1000 – 1500 |
| Hobart | AUD 600 – 850 | AUD 850 – 1300 |
| Gold Coast | AUD 600 – 800 | AUD 1200 – 1800 |
Required Documents
Rental accommodations are document-based in Australia and go through a strict screening process. Here are the documents you should keep ready.
- Passport
- Student visa grant letter
- Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from your university
- Proof of income or financial support (includes savings, a scholarship letter, or sponsorship letters)
- Recent bank statements
- References
- Guarantor details.
Rental Rights and Responsibilities of a Student
As an international student in Australia, you are protected as a tenant and have progressive rights. But you are also bound by the law regarding certain responsibilities.
Rights
- The rental bond should be filed with the state authority and must not be kept with the landlord.
- You must receive confirmation that the bond has been filed with the state authority.
- You have the right to request repairs and maintenance if required.
- Landlords must give prior written notice before entering your space.
- Rent increases must adhere to state rules and notice periods.
- You are entitled to a bond refund if the property is in good condition after leaving.
- You may end your tenancy at any time if the landlord has violated a term in the contract. If you leave for personal reasons, you will have to pay a fee to break the lease, so please read the contract properly before signing.
- You may contact the Australian Human Rights Commission if your landlord has discriminated against you.
Responsibilities
- Keep the property cleaned and undamaged.
- Pay your rent on time and report maintenance issues promptly.
- Give proper notice before leaving, or you might have to pay a fee according to the one mentioned in the lease.
Conclusion
Your accommodation is the only haven you will have in a foreign country. It’s where you will make your first friends, host parties, and make the most of your memories—be it by sleeping or group studying. Our advice? Choose wisely. Do thorough research of the listings and be aware of fakes and scammers by only choosing trusted websites, even if they are a bit expensive. Your journey of higher education is incomplete without your accommodation, so start planning early.
FAQs:
-
When should we start planning our accommodation?
- You should start browsing for options at least 4 to 6 months before your intake starts, and start applying to on-campus housing. If they’re unavailable, start looking for off-campus options.
-
Can I work in Australia while studying to cover my costs?
- Yes, you may be allowed to work on a student visa, but during your session, only 48 hours per fortnight. If your class is not in session, you are allowed to work for unlimited hours.
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Do homestays include food?
- Yes, homestays might include food depending on the kind of booking you have.
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Which city has the highest Indian population?
- Melbourne is the city that hosts the highest Indian population.
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How much bank balance is required to study in Australia?
Australia is quite expensive, which is why you must have a substantial amount in your bank account. It should cover living expenses, tuition, and travel costs, so you should have somewhere between AUD 50,000 and AUD 80,000 or more.