Living with friends during your uni years sounds like a dream, right?
Built-in study partners, people who understand the highs and lows of university life, someone else to send out for the milk when you’re already in your pyjamas… Perfection.
You might be wondering, but can I live with my friends in Australia as an international student? The answer is yes, of course!
There are plenty of co-living options for international students to suit a range of budgets, schedules and personalities:
- Co-living hubs, such as Campus Melbourne and Campus Perth, offer a flexible and social living environment for uni students over 18 years of age. With everything from your Wi-Fi to your weekly housekeeping covered from day one, it’s a great option for stress-free living with friends, and also offers plenty of opportunities for making new ones!
- Renting an apartment or house is another option for living with your mates, and it can work out pretty economically if you are looking to live with a group of friends. Renting privately does give you more flexibility in terms of location and cost, but it also comes with a lot more responsibility (like organising your utilities, buying or renting furniture and signing a lease!)
Living with friends while studying abroad can take your experience to the next level and ensure your university days are ones you’ll never want to forget. To give you an inside look, we interviewed Sreelakshmi and Sharon, international students from India, about their experiences living together at Campus Melbourne.
Meeting in Melbourne
Both Sreelakshmi and Sharon arrived in Melbourne in July 2024 after receiving their visas later than expected. Finding accommodation at the last minute was stressful, but Campus Melbourne offered a safe, affordable option close to the city.
“When we came, everything was new to us. The only thing that felt connected was Campus Melbourne because of the exceptional service they provide,” Sreelakshmi explained. “They were very welcoming and helped us throughout the process.”
Although both Sreelakshmi and Sharon called India home, they didn’t know each other before coming to Melbourne. They first ‘met’ on Telegram, a messaging platform often used by international students to connect with one another. They found themselves in a message group for newcomers, hoping to find new contacts and information on living and study arrangements.
“We messaged each other after finding out we were both going to Swinburne University, and that’s how we came together to Melbourne,” they shared.
What it’s like living with friends
For many international students, moving abroad can be overwhelming. Juggling studies, expenses, and often part-time work isn’t easy, but having a friend by your side makes the adjustment smoother.
“The best thing about living with your friend in a different country is that you have someone to talk to and share things with,” Sreelakshmi said. “On your bad days and your good days, having a friend could make your life easier and more interesting.”
They both agree there’s really no downside to living together: “I don’t think there is any bad thing when living with your friend.”
But who does the chores?
One challenge for any shared living arrangement is figuring out how to handle chores. Some housemates use strict rotas, but for these two, it’s all about balance.
“We don’t divide; it just comes naturally to us. If we go shopping together, we split the bills to buy groceries and personal things. While doing chores, I cook, and she chops. I clean, she keeps things organised. I think we balance out each other, and that’s why everything is going well and we are happy with each other.”
Communication is the only rule
While some housemates swear by detailed house rules, Sreelakshmi and Sharon prefer to keep things simple. Their golden rule? Be open.
“There are no house rules [typically]. What we both think is best is to not keep things to ourselves,” they explained. “If we have something on our mind about the house or even about splitting bills, we speak it openly. It’s necessary when you live with another person – you should have transparency.”
Building community beyond your apartment
One of the major perks of co-living hubs is the built-in community. Campus Melbourne hosts regular events and provides open communal spaces where students can meet others from all over the world.
“We really like their communal space because we have made a lot of friends through these open spaces and events. We heard they are expanding the communal kitchen downstairs, which will make it more interesting. We’re so excited about that because we’ll be able to meet new people from all the floors.”
Tips for living with friends for the first time
After a year of living together, Sreelakshmi and Sharon had clear advice for others considering co-living with friends.
“From my experience of living with [Sharon] for one year, what I would suggest is to be kind, yet bold in your voice. If you feel wrong, let the other person know.”
The need to be considerate of those around you, especially as you’re just settling into a new living arrangement, is a really important message. By showing empathy and patience and sharing the housekeeping responsibilities, you can ensure that you not only preserve your friendships but also create a safe and welcoming home environment for each other.
“Be a good friend, but be a better roommate or housemate,” said Sreelakshmi, “because you are not just a friend – you are also a family to them.”
