Accommodation
We can help you find a safe place to live that feels like home.
We can support your accommodation search, whether you want to walk to your classes or the beach.
And if you are under 18, we will direct you to a selection of U18 approved options which ensure a safe, supported transition to independence.
Steps to arrange your Sydney accommodation - if you are over 18 years old
We recommend that students book their accommodation as soon as they receive their Student Visa. Popular options may book out early, so ensure you have accommodation secured before you arrive.
- Get your Confirmation of Enrolment document (COE) from UNSW College Admissions
- Apply for your student visa
- Whilst waiting to receive your student visa, research accommodation options that are:
a. Student accommodation close to campus
b. On-campus
d. Share housing or private rental near the university - After you have received your Student Visa, contact the accommodation providers of your choice to book your accommodation
- Make sure you pay when required so you do not lose your booking.
- Book your flight
- Confirm your arrival date with your accommodation provider
- Travel to Sydney
Steps to book and secure your under 18 Sydney accommodation
If you are under 18 years old and planning to live with a parent or parent-nominated guardian in Sydney (Non-CAAW)
- Complete your Under 18 CAAW Form and send this to our Admissions team
- Get your Confirmation of Enrolment document (COE) from UNSW College Admissions
- Apply for your Student Visa and guardianship arrangement at the same time with the Department of Home Affairs
- Travel to Sydney
Steps to arrange your Sydney accommodation - if you are under 18 years old (CAAW)
Under 18 students who are not living with their parent or the Department of Home Affairs approved guardian are required to obtain Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) from UNSW College before they can apply for a student visa.
Students applying for CAAW from UNSW College must live in approved Under 18 accommodation.
- Book and pay for your U18 accommodation. For list of UNSW College approved U18 Accommodation providers
- Complete your Under 18 CAAW Form and send this to our Admissions team who can then help you to accept your offer
- Apply for your student visa
- Book your flight
- Email under18@unswcollege.edu.au to confirm your arrival date and book airport pick up
- Travel to Sydney
Need help?
If you need help, you can contact our Accommodation team with questions such as:
- Deciding on the right accommodation for you
- Understanding the application process
- If your accommodation is not available for your selected dates
Find your new home
Here are some of our recommended options.
Under 18 approved accommodation
Under 18 students who are not living with an approved guardian are required to live in approved U18 accommodation, 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. Accommodation ranges from on-campus college experiences to other approved housing options.
Our experienced Accommodation team is ready to support your journey.
Click below for more information on how to book accommodation for under 18 students.
On-campus Colleges for Under 18 Students
New College (Independently run, located at UNSW campus)
If you want to live on campus, New College is for you. Another perfect choice for people living away from home for the first time, it is fully catered and allows you to immerse yourself in student life. With so many facilities on offer, plus great transport options to get around Sydney, it’s a great option while you settle in to studying overseas.
The standard contract period is 44 weeks, starting from the first week of February and finishing on 5 Dec. If you wish to apply to New College and are enrolling in a program commencing in January, you will need a Homestay first.
Location: 330 Anzac Parade, Kensington NSW 2033
Prices from: $510 - $572 AUD /week
Student accommodation close to campus
Iglu
Purpose-built for cool student living, Iglu offers support when you need it and independence when you want it. The combination of cool designer living spaces, first-class facilities and 24/7 onsite support, facilitates a safe and nurturing environment for U18 students while they live away from their families during such a formative life stage. Live your best student life at Iglu.
Iglu Redfern – all-inclusive (wi-fi, weekday breakfast, events)
Private share apartment bedrooms and studio apartment available.
Location: 66 Regent Street, Redfern NSW 2016
Prices from: $729 - $909 AUD /week
Scape
Join an active community of students just like you. Live in your own secure studio or apartment near campus or the city centre and meet people from other universities. With modern on-site facilities and staff who are there to help you day or night, this option is suitable if you’re under 18 or just want to make new friends from around the world.
Scape Darling House – fully catered
Twin rooms and private studios available. Fully catered.
Location: 39 Darling Drive, Sydney NSW 2000
Prices from: $749 - $899 AUD /week
Scape Darling Square
Twin rooms and private studios available. Self catered.
Location: 41 Darling Drive, Sydney NSW 2000
Prices from: $479 - $849 AUD /week
Homestay
Learn about the local culture while living with an Australian family. You will have your own fully furnished room, access to all the facilities, and breakfast and dinner taken care of. Gas and electricity expenses are generally included in the rent.
If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, here’s our approved list of Homestay providers:
Over 18 accommodation
If you’re over 18, you have more options when it comes to where to live. You can choose to live on campus, at a college or in an apartment, or join a share house and rent privately with friends. Make the studying abroad experience exactly what you want it to be, with accommodation that works for you.
College life
There is a range of UNSW-managed or independent college accommodation options. Located on campus or nearby, you can choose from fully, partly or self-catered accommodation. There are also gender-specific options including male-only, female-only and mixed. Most colleges cater for dietary requirements such as halal, kosher and vegetarian.
UNSW managed Colleges: Colombo House, Fig Tree Hall, International House, The Kensington Colleges and UNSW Hall
Affiliated Colleges on-campus: New College, Shalom College, Warrane College and Creston College
UNSW apartments
For a more independent lifestyle, living with other UNSW students, you can find apartments on and off campus. Whether you want to live with flatmates or you’re after a more stylish space, you will find your place at UNSW Apartments. Costs vary depending on the number of rooms and the location.
Around the City (Darling Harbour and inner city – within 30 minutes to campus)
Scape
Join an active community of students just like you. Live in your own secure studio or apartment near the city centre and meet people from other universities. With modern on-site facilities and staff who are there to help you day or night, this option is suitable if you want to make new friends from around the world.
Locations: across Sydney
Iglu
Iglu Student Accommodation offers six Sydney locations for you to choose from, with three in the beating heart of the city. Immerse yourself in these vibrant urban communities, with modern facilities and easy access to public transport.
Locations: Broadway, Central, Central Park, Chatswood, Redfern, Summer Hill
Homestay
Learn about the local culture while living with an Australian family. You will have your own fully furnished room, access to all the facilities, and breakfast and dinner taken care of. Gas and electricity expenses are generally included in the rent.
If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, here’s our approved list of Homestay providers:
Go your own way
Renting privately can often be more affordable and flexible, depending on where and what you rent. Costs can range from $250–$700 AUD per student, per week in a shared house or apartment. Study Stays lists share housing and private rental vacancies near UNSW, so it’s a place students often start.
Some other websites to try include:
Some tips for renting privately:
Avoid non-regulated sites such as WeChat, Facebook or Gumtree.
Sign a contract. A contract will include such things as dates of stay, weekly rent fee, cancellation policy and mention any extra fees.
Ensure your Bond is lodged with the Department of Fair Trading. This is standard private rental procedure in Australia.
Keep accurate records including all payment receipts, landlord’s full name and email address (you need more than their WeChat name), rental company or real estate agent’s office address and phone number.
Don’t hand over money for a property you haven’t inspected (inside and out).
Make sure you understand the tenancy agreement (contract) before you sign it. If you need help, contact our Accommodation team at accommodation@unswcollege.edu.au
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