Finding a place to live and meeting the expenses are going to be a daunting task for a student on budget.  There are many types of accommodation available for students’ whichever Australian city you are planning to study.

Temporary accommodation

Until you find a permanent place to stay, you may have to look a temporary accommodation. This can be hotels, motels or backpacker hostels. There are many websites you will find helpful in finding a temporary accommodation.

Trivago – http://www.trivago.com.au

Agoda – https://www.agoda.com

TripAdvisor – https://www.tripadvisor.com.au

Wotif.com – https://www.wotif.com/

Booking.com – http://www.booking.com/

With Airbnb you may be able to rent a room from a local host.

Spread your search a few kilometres around the University or further and look for public transport options from there. Public transport journey planner will be a good help. https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey#jpsearch%5Baction%5D=showPlanner

University Accommodation

Universities offer housing services for international students which offers rooms in University-owned ‘share houses’ or apartments. You will be able to find further details from the university website. Most of the time these housing options are on campus or near to the University Campus. Taking up university accommodation helps you socialise better with other students and will reduce the time spend for commute. Moreover, you will be able to spend more time at labs and computers rooms in the Campus as you have the option of using those facilities round the clock.

Off campus accommodation

There are many options if you want to rent on your own or share with your friends. Most Universities have a Student Housing Database which students can access.

Student Lodges

Usually student lodges and student accommodation specifically designed for university students are available near the university. This type of accommodation is fully furnished. Unilodge is a company that provides student accommodation in all major Australian cities.

https://unilodge.com.au/

Privately rented accommodation

Renting a property in the private housing market gives you the opportunity to live independently and to be self–reliant. For some students this choice provides an excellent option for privacy, autonomy and lifestyle independence. This option however can be expensive as you are responsible for organising the tenancy, paying for the connection to utilities, paying the full rent and managing ongoing bills. Please consider your budget carefully.  It is recommended that you allow at least 35% of your income for rent. You are also solely responsible for all the daily chores associated with living in a house. For example, there is no sharing of dishes, cooking, grocery shopping or cleaning duties. Again, if you enjoy being self-sufficient and are organised these responsibilities may not be daunting.

You also have the option of sharing a privately rented place with your friends. Two or three friends can join together and rent a house or unit.

To find out how to rent a house in Australia , visit our tenancy section.

HOMESTAY

Homestay provides a cultural exchange between you and a local family or individual (called a Host). You live as a guest in the host’s home. Unlike many other accommodations options, you do not need to pay a bond, provide furniture, sign a lease or search for a property. Living in a supported environment, you are provided with a clean furnished room (this includes items like a bed, desk, wardrobe,  chair and a study lamp) access to bathroom and laundry facilities and meal services. Utilities (electricity, gas and water etc.) are also included. The minimum stay is 4 weeks. Hosts offer ongoing support and orientation to the local area and facilities such as banks, post office, shops, public transport etc. Homestay charges vary. As a general guide, it costs between A$250 and A$305 per week. The rate may depend on whether the host is offering a single or shared bedroom, the type of accommodation (house/unit) and the location of the residence. Homestay agencies who arrange the placement charge a placement fee. This is usually equal to one weeks rent.

www.homestaynetwork.org

https://www.homestay.com/australia

https://homestayfinder.com/Homestay/Australia.aspx#.V9kNiK0dbYg