Student Accommodation Australia: Finding Your Home Away from Home
What are the types of student accommodation in Australia?
When you're considering accommodation in Australia, you've got a variety of fantastic options to suit any lifestyle or preference. As we mentioned earlier, the four main options are:
Private rentals
Homestays
Student accommodation, and
Residential colleges.
What to consider when choosing student accommodation in Australia?
Now, you might be wondering: how do you choose the right one for you?
The secret here is to think about your personal needs, lifestyle and budget. Before you decide, think about what's important to you. Do you want something as close as possible to your campus and/or part-time job? Do you need to live near public transport? Is it important to you to have shops, hospitals, and parks nearby?
It’s also important to understand the pros and cons of the different accommodation styles.
A private rental involves you renting a room or a whole apartment or house. You may choose to live with flatmates or on your own, and private rentals can come furnished or unfurnished. This is a great accommodation style if you crave freedom and independence. Living with other people can also be a great way to make new friends. However, private rentals can be pricey and they don’t come with the extra amenities or perks you get in other housing situations.
If you live in a homestay arrangement, you’ll live with a local family in their home. All bills are typically included in the price of rent, and in some arrangements, meals are included too. Homestays are ideal if you want companionship and guidance. They also allow you to learn more about Australian culture, which can help reduce feelings of culture shock. However, homestays aren’t always located near campus so you may have a longer commute to and from classes.
Student accommodation is specifically designed for students, giving you the chance to meet your peers and make new friends. Student accommodation also comes fully furnished, is located close to campus, and sometimes offers amenities like gyms, cinemas and rooftop terraces, making it extremely convenient. However, student accommodation can be on the more expensive side.
Last but not least, there’s residential colleges. These are located on-campus or very close to campus. In a residential college, you’ll usually have your own room but other spaces - such as your kitchen and toilets - will be shared. Residential colleges usually offer extra perks, such as room cleaning and meals.
