You’ve been accepted into a study program and secured your student visa, congratulations! As an international student, there are several things you need to prepare at this stage of your journey – an important one being figuring out where you will live.
At UNSW College, we’ve been guiding students in their transition to university for over 50 years. In this guide, we will simplify your accommodation search – offering tips on navigating Sydney’s diverse and competitive housing market and helping you find that new home, away from home.
When to find accommodation
We recommend that you begin researching accommodation options while waiting for your student visa to be processed.
If you’re wanting to live on-campus, we strongly suggest that you apply for on-campus accommodation as soon as your student visa is approved.
For those wanting to live off-campus, securing short-term accommodation for the first month or so is wise, so you have a base while you search for your longer-term dwelling once you’ve arrived in Sydney.
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Accommodation options
There are several student-friendly accommodation options to choose from in Sydney.
On-campus accommodation
Most universities offer on-campus or off-campus managed accommodation for students. There are usually options for catered or self-catered dorms and shared or private rooms.
Contact your university student services team for details but be aware that on-campus accommodation is usually very popular and books out quickly.
At UNSW, there are a range of managed accommodation on campus or nearby, including fully, partly, or self-catered options.
Under 18 accommodation
For international students who are under 18 and not living with an approved guardian, it’s crucial to find accommodation that meets specific welfare requirements as part of their student visa agreement.
UNSW College has helped thousands of under 18 students settle into different styles of approved accommodation options under our Under 18 Care Program. Our experienced Accommodation team are here to support your journey.
For information on accommodation nearby that is available for under 18, visit the Under 18 accommodation options page. UNSW College offers fully supervised on-campus accommodation with secure and supportive environments tailored for younger students.
Share housing and private rentals
If you’re interested in a private rental property on your own or looking for a room to rent within a share house, you can research options online.
At UNSW College, we recommend that students search the UNSW Study Stays database, which lists accommodation within a reasonable distance from the university. These listings are posted by current students, landlords, and real estate agents.
There are also accommodations nearby to many universities in Sydney that are catered specifically to students. Visit Scape and Iglu accommodation websites for details.
You can also search for properties and flat shares through the following sites:
We recommend that you avoid non-regulated websites such as Facebook, Gumtree or WeChat for securing accommodation.
Furnished versus unfurnished
Some accommodation options will be furnished, including on-campus student rooms and some share houses. This can be a great solution if you don’t want to pay for new items to fit out your space and saves you the hassle of packing up and moving furniture if you choose to relocate again during your time in Sydney.
If you do choose to select accommodation that needs furnishing, you can pick up some great bargains and even free items from Facebook Marketplace. Search for freebies and freecycle groups in Sydney and remember to never share bank details with anyone or pay for holding deposits for any items. Go with a friend and pay in cash.
Accessibility
If not on-campus, make sure that your accommodation is within a reasonable distance to your university. You can look at Google maps and see what the transport options are like to and from any address – whether that be walking, riding a bike, or taking public transport. It’s also a good idea to check the distance from transport stops.
Cost expectations
Accommodation costs in Sydney can vary greatly depending on the location and accommodation type. You can pay anything from $250 - $800+ per week for your rent.
Look closely at what each option offers you to decide what will be the best value for your budget. Some places may include catered meals, internet, and utilities, while others could be closer to university, so you aren’t paying as much in transport costs.
Don’t forget to factor the following into your accommodation budget:
Bond
Electricity/gas
Phone and internet bills.
A cost-of-living calculator can help to estimate your costs.
Legalities and tenant rights
Some of the most important rights to be aware of as a tenant of a rental property can be found on the Australian Government Study Australia website.
Be sure to read through and understand the laws that are in place to protect you as a tenant.
If you have concerns or questions about your tenancy rights, contact your student services team, NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW.
Rental scams
Rental scams are created to trick people into paying money for accommodation that either isn’t available or might not even exist. International students are known to be targets of these scams.
It pays to be cautious, and your best protection is knowledge.
Contact the Accommodation Team or student services at your university if you’re unsure about an accommodation listing or offer before parting with any money.
Avoid paying for a rental property by online transfer or cash – both these methods can be hard to trace.
Only pay rental bonds and rent through a trusted third party such as NSW Fair Trading Rental Bonds Online – this will ensure your bond money is lodged officially and you can receive a refund more securely.
If you’re joining a share house, don’t pay your bond directly to any of the tenants – use the proper bond forms instead. You also want to make sure that your name is listed on the lease agreement with the real estate agent or landlord. If you’re renting from the landlord directly, they should ask you to fill out an official bond form and lodge it within ten days of you moving in and give you a receipt to show this has been done.
Never pay for an off-campus property upfront if you haven’t seen it in person. Even after you have seen it in person, only pay for your bond and rent through trusted real estate agency platforms which can be traced.
The UNSW College scams page is worth reading and being familiar with as it is updated with the latest known scams, particularly those targeting international students.
Reach out for help if you need it
Choosing the right accommodation will help to ensure that your time studying in Sydney is both enjoyable and successful. Remember to do your research, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.
At UNSW College, our student services team and concierge service are here to help support international students as they navigate the transition into university.
If you need assistance, book an appointment with one of our Accommodation Officers. They offer a wealth of information and support to help you make the best choices for your needs.
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