STUDYING IN AUSTRALIA – TYPES OF ROOMS

You have a large range of room types options in Australia from which to choose from.

However, you need to be aware that Australian universities provide very few on-campus options and  it is not non-existent with colleges. This is why it is likely that you will live off-campus (this is how 90% of the people live).

We suggest two things:

1. Start looking for a room as soon as you receive the letter of offer from your institution (and before you leave your home country).
2. Arrive in Australia two weeks before the start of classes in order to get settled. This will give you enough time to find a room in your city

In this way you will avoid a lot of stress when arriving in Australia.

Please note: There is high demand for these type of rooms in Australia, particularly in the capital cities.

Homestay

This is one of the most popular options. You will live with a family in their home. This is a good way for you to fully integrate into Australian life.

Homestays are popular with younger people or People studying English. Single or shared rooms are generally available, and costs vary by type of room, but are usually between AU$180 and AU$300+ per week depending on the city and type of room.

Meals are generally covered (breakfast & dinner during the weekdays and three meals during weekends).

Please note many homestay companies also charge a one-off placement fee (around $250 per person)

Having said this, if you want to share with people in a similar situation to yours, homestay may not be the best option for you.

PBSA and residential buildings.

There are a variety of companies that specialise in accommodating people that come to Australia to study.
They vary from PBSA* buildings with 40+ rooms to 2-3 bedroom fully furnished flats where you will share the social areas. These option tends to be more expensive as they have new facilities. They also tend to include services such as gym, pool, etc.

* PBSA: these are buildings that were planned, designed and built for people that arrive Down Under to study.

The difference with other buildings is that the others may have been re-purposed or re-designed AFTER they were built.

Private Rental Property

Many choose to share the cost of a rental property with several house mates. People who choose this type of rooms may either move into a pre-established household, or they may rent the place with friends. With rental properties you will very likely have to buy the furniture.

Studios generally cost around AU$400 per week (depends on the city), and shared flats (eg private/shared room) cost around AU$90-AU$350 per week (again, depending on your city).

On-Campus Rooms (university run halls)

Some universities provide on-campus options through residential colleges, halls of residence, or flats.

Prices and availability vary according to the university and the services offered as some of them also provide you with meals, cleaning, and a range of services for social and academic needs.  You should apply early, as these options are (very) limited and very popular.

Generally, on-campus options costs around AU$300-AU$500 per week depending on the city. Please note they are more expensive because they tend to include lots of other activities and have support services that other options don’t have.

Serviced Flats

This is a popular choice for people who come with their families and dependents (eg PhD and Postdoc).

This option tends to be a bit more expensive given that the flat is fully catered and serviced BUT the whole family wouldn’t have to worry about anything.

These places tend to be centrally located as well thus it will provide you with independence of fully self-catered living.

This is also a popular option for study groups and visiting delegations.

Hostel and Backpackers

Some people may choose to stay in hostel or Backpackers. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared.. At around AU$80-AU$170 a week*, these rooms tend to be cheaper than university or homestays.

*Please note: The prices mentioned above are when you share the room with 4-6 other people. Hostels also bring their prices up during summer time (which becomes a bit too expensive for what they offer).

Hotels

Some people like to arrive to a hotel for 1-2 weeks whilst they get to know the city, explore the suburbs and decide which one would be the best option for them.

This option can be expensive (especially in the capital cities and during summer time).

Want to read about the good and bad of studying and living in Australia (and how to manage these expectations)?