Selected a city? Check! Enrolled in your course? Check! Student visa organised? Check! The next step to prepare for your international study experience in Australia is to find the perfect new home that won’t blow your budget. But where to start?
We’ve compiled a list of ways to find the cheapest student accommodation so you can stress less.
Determine your priorities
First and foremost, it’s essential to consider what your budget is. From there you can determine which amenities are essential to you and which are probably more of a luxury. Everyone has different priorities for their international study experience and yours might be completely different from someone else’s.
If you prioritise convenience and are not interested in cooking for yourself, look for accommodation that offers services like catering and cleaning. You will, however, need to be prepared to pay more for this. If saving money is more important to you, it’s probably best to opt for shared rooms in accommodation with these services and additions or go without them completely. It may be more time-consuming to manage your own cooking and cleaning, but it will allow you to cut down on living costs and learn to live independently within a community.
Take our Homebase quiz to see which type of accommodation matches your preferences!
Research locations and commute
As a general rule of thumb, the closer you are to the CBD, the more expensive your accommodation will be as you’re paying for the central location and easy access to facilities. While this may be the most convenient option, it might not be the best value. The cost of running a car or catching public transport to and from campus can be a big expense that you might not have considered. It’s a good idea to research surrounding suburbs and compare the extra commute costs with the additional accommodation costs to see which is the best value.
Once you’ve decided which suburb is the best new home for you, you can narrow down your research to accommodation providers or rentals in those areas.
Read more about transport in Australia.
Use a comparison site
Comparison sites are a great way to see all your accommodation options in one place. This will save you the hassle of visiting, contacting and cross-checking each individual provider yourself. For example, Amber is the leading global student housing site used by 80 million students worldwide to search, compare and book student accommodation. The platform allows you to filter your options by the categories that are most important to you, and safely and seamlessly book accommodation.
Watch out for hidden costs
You’ve found your dream accommodation for an unbelievable price – or so you think. There are a number of costs that are commonly missed or not considered before signing an accommodation agreement. For example, you may have found a share house or private apartment with cheap rent, but it most likely does not include utility bills and essential amenities. Compare it to a student dorm with all-inclusive bills, laundry, internet access, gym access and meals, and you’ll probably be paying more over time.
These hidden costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to do your research and confirm the expenses you may be required to pay and whether they are included in your accommodation agreement.
Check out our Cost of Living Calculator to compare the expenses of different living situations.
Look out for deals and discounts
Student accommodation providers will occasionally offer discounts and deals for international students. You can also call them to discuss your circumstances, as they may have recommendations on the best room option for you. Your chosen institution may have preferred accommodation providers that they partner with, so you can also reach out to them to discuss what housing options are available to their students. Here are a few options to get you started:
- Scape Student Living
- UniLodge
- Campus Living Villages
- Dwell Student Living
- Yugo
- Iglu
- Campus Perth
- Y Suites
- Together Co-Living
Look into alternative accommodation
Student accommodation is definitely the most stable and convenient option for when you first arrive in Australia, as you’ll have access to a range of useful services and amenities to help you settle into your new city. Later down the line, however, you might want independence and a more immersive Australian experience. One way to live like a local is to look into alternative accommodation options. Although the Australian rental market is extremely competitive at the moment, it’s worth keeping an eye out on realestate.com and Domain for cheap private rentals or on Flatmate Finders or Flatmates for a room in an established share house. This can be an extremely fulfilling and potentially cheaper option. Make sure to understand Australia’s rental system so you can keep yourself safe and ensure you make the best housing choice.
Read more about student accommodation in Australia.
