There is a wide range of student accommodation available in Australia. These include university halls of residence, university apartments (for postgraduate students), and privately rented independent housing. Students can also arrange a 'Home stay' with a local family or board at many of the private secondary schools. Once you get an admission, the university's international office would help you find a suitable accommodation.
Various options:
Home stay or farm stay
Institutions maintain a register of families prepared to board international students during the academic year. Meals are usually included in the cost. Single or shared rooms may be offered. , and the cost will vary accordingly. Home stay is popular with younger students and those studying short-term English courses. Farm stay offers the same services in a rural setup.
Educational institutions ensure that home stay families are reputable, and that they offer accommodation of a reasonable standard. This type of accommodation gives international students access to the Australian lifestyle in a natural and friendly way. Students are often treated like members of the family.
Approx. Cost: A$ 150 - A$ 200 per week
Private Board
Private board is similar to home stay. Students negotiate personally with the landlord about the standard of accommodation and meals they require.
Approx. Cost: A$ 50 - A$ 150 per week
(Depending on the services provided)
Hostels and Guest Houses
Hostels are usually run by organizations such as youth Hostels Australia, the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). Students share kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Approx. Cost: A$ 80 - A$ 120 per week
Share and Rental Accommodation
Students often share accommodation with fellow students. They advertise on student notice boards and in the classified section of newspapers. All members of the household are responsible for cooking and cleaning. Students may have to provide their own furniture.
Approx. Cost: A$ 70 - A$ 150 per week
University Apartments
Postgraduate and married students have access to this type of self-contained, fully furnished accommodation within the university system.
Approx. Cost: A$ 130 - A$ 215 per week
University Residential Colleges
Residential Colleges provide accommodation with meal. They are slightly more expensive than university Halls of Residence. The College undertakes cleaning and household tasks. Sporting and social facilities, tutoring, libraries and generally computer access are also provided.
Approx. Cost: A$ 150 - A$ 250 per week
Halls of Residence
Halls of residence are located on or near university campuses and are generally cheaper than residential colleges. International students find them an attractive option. Students usually have meals and some cleaning services provided. Only full time students are accepted. Students need to apply early because of the high demand for places.
Approx. Cost: A$ 100 - A$ 150 per week
