OVERVIEW:
Foreign students who decide to pursue their studies in Australia have a wide variety of housing alternatives to select from. Nevertheless, because Australian universities offer little to no university housing, students need to be informed that lodging there is significantly different from what many overseas students may be used to. On-campus accommodation is rare in Australian colleges; instead, most students live off-campus through homestay programmes, hostels, or rental homes.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING ACCOMMODATION:
- BUDGET: Your search results might be trimmed down if you have a specific price range in mind. So that you don't mistake numbers, keep in mind that rental costs are frequently advertised in Australia as the amount per week, not per month. If you have a limited budget, you can think about sharing an apartment or a twin room with another person. To have more privacy and space, however, you can choose larger choices like a Studio Deluxe if you have the money to invest in your student accommodation.
- LOCATION: The last thing you would want is to have to drive many hours each way to class. Living closer to your institution will give unparalleled convenience and save your valuable time in the long run, even when dwelling farther out in the suburbs may be more economical. The apartment's closeness to stores, restaurants, and hangout spots on the weekends should also be taken into consideration.
- ROOM FURNISHINGS: You can wind up spending more than you intended to if you have to purchase furnishings and equipment for your house in Australia. After all, you'll only be utilising these products for a short period of time. Finding a student apartment that is completely equipped with everything you need is your best option. A comfortable bed, a study table and chair, lots of storage, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a bathroom are all included. Even while it would be wonderful to visit the location in person before making a decision, you might need to book lodging even before coming to Australia. If so, check to see if there are any films or virtual room tours so you can have a better sense of what you'll be getting.
- LEASE AGREEMENT: Because your lease agreement is a binding legal document, it is crucial to read it thoroughly and comprehend all of its provisions before signing. These are some essential details to confirm:
- length of the lease (fixed or flexible lease terms)
- Amount, modes, and due dates for rent payments
- Bond and other costs (utilities, internet etc.)
- Repair and maintenance obligations of both the tenant and the landlord
- AMENITIES AND INTERNET FACILITIES: Your student life in Australia might be more pleasant than ever if your housing option goes above and above in terms of facilities. Utility costs (electricity, water, and gas), as well as internet subscription fees, can add up over time. These could be challenging for you to handle as a student with a limited budget, not to mention the nuisance of regular bill payments. To save money, look for student housing that includes free utilities and fast Wi-Fi in the rent.
ACCOMODATION IN AUSTRALIA:
While there is some on-campus housing available, most students who come to Australia for higher education live off-campus in homestays, hostels, or rented flats.
- As part of a homestay programme, a foreign student stays with an Australian family.
- There are often single or shared rooms available, and prices range depending on the kind of room but are typically between 110 and 270 AUD each week.
- Hostels or guest houses may be the preferred lodging option for certain overseas students. These lodgings typically cost between 80 and 135 AUD per week, which makes them more affordable than university or homestay options.
- Rental prices typically range from 100 AUD to 400 AUD per week, while shared rental prices range from 70 AUD to 250 AUD per week.
Below you can explore your option and decide accordingly;
HOMESTAY:
Homestay programmes allow overseas students to live with an Australian family in their home, giving them a chance to completely assimilate into Australian culture. These programmes are well-liked by secondary students and those doing intensive English courses. Costs vary depending on the kind of lodging but are often between A$110 and A$270 per week. Single or shared rooms are typically available. Self-catered homestay is also an option, even though meals are typically included in the price. The housing department of the student's university will have a list of vetted and recognised homestay hosts. Visit the homestay area of our website for additional details on the various homestay organisations and their offerings.
The majority of pupils could not be native English speakers. Even if they have passed the necessary exams to study in Australia, staying in a homestay gives students the chance to practise speaking English in a relaxed setting with the welcoming family. In a foreign place, this is quite beneficial for studies and communication.
RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES:
Despite the fact that the majority of students in Australia live off campus, certain institutions in that country do offer accommodation to their students in the form of residential colleges, halls of residence, or flats. Before arriving in Australia, overseas students should get in touch with their university to inquire about costs and lodging options since they differ per campus. Students should apply early as well because there are only a few of these in-demand accommodations. On-campus housing typically costs between A$80 and A$250 per week. Student housing, food, housekeeping, and a variety of services for social and academic requirements are all provided by residential institutions. Because of the wide range of services offered, they are generally more expensive than halls of residence, which also offer accommodations, but with fewer added services than residential colleges. For students who want a more autonomous lifestyle, self-catering facilities are also available. Halls of residence rooms provide certain meals and housekeeping services
STUDENT APARTMENTS:
Several institutions let students rent flats that are either on or near to the campus. Students who choose this option can live independently while receiving the security of university-provided housing. In Australia, there are many different housing options accessible to students, so they need to carefully consider which one best suits their needs. There are many off-campus housing alternatives to select from because, on average, 90–100% of Australian students live off-campus. This also indicates that there is a considerable demand for accommodation, especially close to the college. It is advised for international students to come to Australia two to three weeks prior to the start of orientation so they can settle in before lessons commence.
HALL OF RESIDENCE:
University residence halls offer housing designed exclusively for students and are frequently situated on or near the university campus. The accommodations are typically offered throughout the academic year, while some could be offered to certain students throughout the whole year. Hall accommodations can have many different forms. Some provide ensuite rooms with shared cooking and social facilities, while some offer single rooms with shared baths, kitchens, and common areas. Also, some halls offer meals, bed linens, and housekeeping services. Some provide studio apartments. Your university's housing office may provide details on what accommodations are available, how much they cost, and how to apply.
HOSTEL ACCOMODATION:
Hostels or guest houses may be the preferred lodging option for certain overseas students. In this kind of housing, the kitchen and bathroom are shared, and the students prepare their own meals. These lodgings typically cost between A$80 and A$135 per week, which makes them more affordable than university or homestay options. They also give foreign students a great chance to socialise with one another.
APARTMENTS:
Some colleges and universities let students rent apartments that are either on or near the campus. The security of living in housing supplied by the university and the independence of completely self-sufficient living are both offered for students under this arrangement. In Australia, students have access to a variety of housing alternatives; thus, they should carefully consider their needs before selecting a housing option. There are several off-campus housing alternatives available since, on average, 90–100% of Australian university students live off-campus. The desire for housing is strong, particularly for living close to a college, therefore this also implies that demand is high. In order to settle in before orientation, international students are urged to travel to Australia two to three weeks prior to the commencement of the programme.
COST OF STUDYING AND LIVING IN AUSTRALIA:
Australian living costs are 45–50% less expensive than American ones, as are the typical tuition costs. International students often spend between AUD 30,000 and AUD 34,000 per year on living expenses in Australia. Australia is increasingly popular as a study abroad destination because of the cost, the quality of life, the variety of entertainment opportunities, and the greater student income provided by a lenient international student work visa.
You might wind up paying somewhere between AUD 1,000 to AUD 1,750 for a single room apartment if you want to remain in independent housing or alternatively, if your institution does not provide a hostel facility (albeit unlikely). Also, the cost of entertainment may vary greatly. The monthly costs can also closely correspond to your weekly spending if you choose to spend your weekends visiting the spectacular outback.
