You’ve made the decision to study in Australia, yay! You’ve even narrowed it down to living in Perth - go you! But how do you actually find somewhere to call home?
Organising a rental can be daunting at the best of times, but doing so in the midst of a huge life change (like moving across the world) can feel like an almost impossible task.
From choosing the right location to working out your budget and deciding whether to live alone, in a sharehouse or in student accommodation, there’s plenty to consider. The good news is that a little planning can help you find a place that suits your lifestyle, study needs and budget.
What to look for in student accommodation
1. Location, location, location
Where you live can play a big part in your student experience. Ideally, you want to be close to your place of study, public transport, shops and places to socialise.
For example, if you’re heading to Curtin University or Curtin College, consider Waterford. Just a 10-minute walk from campus, Yugo Perth University offers a convenient base for student life.
More of a city person? Yugo Perth City is a 12-minute walk from Perth’s CBD, with plenty of dining and entertainment options nearby. City campuses and student support services, like Edith Cowan University City and the StudyPerth International Student Hub, are within walking distance. Plus, suburban campuses like Curtin in Bentley, Edith Cowan University in Joondalup and The University of Western Australia in Crawley are all easily accessible by public transport.
You can use the Transperth JourneyPlanner to check your commute before choosing where to live.
2. Work out your budget
Accommodation will likely be one of your biggest expenses, so plan ahead before committing. Costs in Perth vary depending on whether you choose a room in a sharehouse, a private rental or purpose-built student accommodation.
Check what’s included in your rent, such as internet, utilities, laundry and access to facilities. You’ll also need to budget for groceries, transport and other everyday expenses. The Study Australia Cost of Living Calculator is a useful tool to help you estimate your expenses before moving.
Students staying in Yugo accommodation can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, study spaces, communal areas and access to facilities such as games rooms, cinema lounges and on-site gyms. Utilities are included in the rent, while laundry facilities are available for an additional fee. They have options for those who prefer their own space and also for those looking for a more typical student-living experience.
When working out your budget, remember that your lifestyle matters too. If you enjoy eating out, going to events or exploring your new city, you’ll want to leave some room in your budget for fun. One way to make accommodation more affordable is to share your living space with other students, giving you more flexibility with your spending.
3. Choose a room that suits your needs
Are you someone who needs your own space, or are you looking forward to sharing your student experience with a group? Deciding what kind of living space suits your needs early on means that you won’t find yourself stuck in a living situation that doesn’t suit you down the track.
For example, at Yugo Perth University students can choose between shared apartments, private studios and also co-living apartments, depending on their preferences, budget and availability.
For example, with a single ensuite, you'll get your own bedroom, bathroom and a large shared communal kitchen and dining area. In a two-bedroom co-living apartment, you'll get your own bedroom, a bathroom shared with one other student, and a large shared communal kitchen and dining area.
Think about your habits as well as your budget. If you like cooking with friends and having people around, sharing might suit you. If you need a quiet space to recharge after a busy day, a studio could be a better fit.
A private studio gives you your own bedroom, bathroom and living space, which can be ideal if you value independence, quiet study time and privacy. Shared apartments, on the other hand, let you split some living costs while making it easier to meet people and build friendships.
4. Look beyond the bedroom
Your accommodation should be somewhere you can relax, study and feel supported, not just sleep (although that’s important too!).
Think about which facilities you’ll actually use. An on-site gym might be a bonus for some students, while others might prefer communal study areas or a rooftop terrace to unwind in the evening.
Support is equally important when you’re living away from home. Check what security measures are in place, whether help is available when you need it and whether there are opportunities to connect with other students.
Both Yugo Perth University and Yugo Perth City offer secure entry student-only accommodation with 24/7 on-site support, providing extra reassurance as you settle into life in Australia.
It's also worth familiarising yourself with your rights as a renter. WA Consumer Protection provides helpful information about renting, including tenancy agreements, bonds and what to do if something goes wrong.
Ready to find your new home?
Once you’ve found a place that ticks all your boxes, it’s time to start your application. Requirements can vary between accommodation providers and real estate agents, so check the details before you submit.
In general, you’ll want to have:
- Photo identification: Your passport or another accepted form of ID.
- Study details: Information about your place of study, course and enrolment status.
- Booking preferences: Your preferred room type, move-in date and length of stay (more applicable to those applying for student-specific accommodation such as Yugo).
- Payment: For most private rentals in WA, you may need to pay up to two weeks’ rent in advance and a security bond of up to four weeks’ rent. Your bond is generally returned at the end of your tenancy, provided there are no outstanding costs. Check the WA Consumer Protection website for more information. Student accommodation providers may have different payment arrangements, so always check before booking.
If you’re applying from overseas, check whether you can complete the process online and whether additional documents are needed. Some private rentals require an in-person inspection before signing a lease, so contact the agent early to discuss your options.
For student accommodation, check the payment schedule and cancellation policy, particularly if your arrival date changes. Yugo’s frequently asked questions page is a useful place to start.
Most importantly, start your search early so you have time to compare your options and find somewhere that feels like home.
Ready to explore your options? Take a look at Yugo Perth University to compare room types, explore facilities and find out how to book your new home in Perth.
