How to Find Accommodation In Australia For International Students?

How do I find accommodation in Australia as an international student?

This question has appeared frequently among many students who dream of studying in Australia.

In this blog, PTE Magic provides detailed information, including accommodation types, costs, a guide to finding them, tips, and websites to locate your ideal stay in this country.

Stay tuned and keep scrolling for more!

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Key Takeaways

Five common types of accommodation in Australia are on-campus housing, student accommodation, private rentals, shared accommodation, and homestays.
Accommodation costs in Australia depend on where and which type of facility you choose to stay.
If you’ve planned your budget properly but still don’t know where to start, consider the four steps below.
For many freshmen, their naive and unprepared mindset can easily lead them to risky situations, especially in a new country. See our five must-know tips to avoid scammers.

Related:

5 Types Of Accommodation In Australia

How do international students find accommodation in Australia? First, they need to know their preferred accommodation types. Below are the five common Australian accommodation types.

On-campus housing

International students wanting to achieve their study dreams in Australia often prefer on-campus accommodation. Most major universities have this type of residence, which is convenient because you just need a short walk to your lectures.

On-campus housing also creates a welcoming atmosphere with its many options including shared dorms, single rooms, and private studio apartments. International students can choose their preferred option based on their needs and budgets.

Additionally, you will have better opportunities to join in social events. This will enhance your student life and strengthen connections between your schoolmates. Plus, the community here is safer and easier for overseas students to fit in.

Student accommodation

Student accommodation in Australia is another popular choice for many international students. Although the university doesn’t run this facility, it’s still focused solely on students’ needs by mimicking many on-campus housing features. You will find study rooms, shared spaces, and even food halls here, too.

The only difference is that this type of accommodation doesn’t attach to any universities. They are often located near campuses but also within crowded neighborhoods to ensure convenience.

Moreover, students living in student accommodation can still participate in clubs, and events, and make friendships easily.

Private rentals

Choosing private rentals is another option for many international students in Australia. You will have more freedom as you can choose your neighborhood, design your space, and have more privacy by living independently.

However, this type of accommodation usually has higher costs compared to others. Furthermore, you will have to sign a rental contract, which means you will be tied to one location for a period. Therefore, choose wisely where you want to spend your university life during this time.

Shared accommodation

This is another favourite choice among both local and international students. Seeing three or more students sharing a house or apartment is a common thing here. Your financial burden will reduce greatly with this type of residence.

The most appealing part about shared accommodation is connections. Shared spaces bring great chances to create new friendships. It’s also a place for socialising, studying, and facing university challenges together.

What’s more, this facility is one of the more affordable options. However, cheaper means there’s more risk. Pay attention to the contract to ensure you’ve understood the rights and responsibilities to reduce any unexpected situations in the future.

Homestays

You can also choose to stay with a local family. Homestays can support international students by reducing their homesick feelings when moving to a new country. Moreover, staying in homestays helps students enhance their English proficiency since they can have more opportunities to practise English in daily life.

Additionally, meals are often included in this type of accommodation, which is convenient for busy students. You also gain better opportunities to learn about local attractions, holiday traditions, and Australia’s unique culture from your host.

International students can find homestays through education agents in Australia or other organisations. PTE Magic discusses this matter more thoroughly below.

Accommodation Costs For International Students

How much does accommodation cost in Australia for international students? It depends on where and which type of facility you choose to stay. The rent normally ranges from $250 to over $800 per week, so you can have many options to consider. See this table for a reference:

Accommodation Type	Cost (AUD per week)
On-campus Housing	$110 – $280
Student Accommodation	$105 – $690
Private Rentals	$185 – $440
Shared Accommodation	$95 – $215
Homestays	$235 – $325

However, some options include meals, internet access, or utilities, while not every cheaper option covers these for your budget. You should decide on a suitable accommodation based on overall value and convenience, not just pricing.

Remember to calculate your budget carefully before making a decision. Note that electricity, gas, phone, and internet bills will also add up.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Accommodation In Australia

How to rent an apartment in Australia as an international student? If you’ve planned your budget properly but still don’t know where to start, consider these steps:

Step 1: Balance Your Needs And Budget

In contrast to many beliefs, it’s simple to decide where to live in Australia as an international student. Just consider these factors: location, public transport, distance to campus and shopping areas, your lifestyle, study habits, and cost – you’ll be able to narrow down your options quickly.

While Australia has many accommodation types for international students, it’s important to think about your needs and budget carefully.

Step 2: Understand Your Rights And Responsibilities

As with any country, Australia has specific renting rules. International students must familiarise themselves with their rights and responsibilities.

Remember, each state has its own law, so it’s recommended that you search for information beforehand via the Australian Government’s property website.

Step 3: Look Up Accommodation Options

Students can find accommodations in Australia through online websites, local newspapers, and real estate agents.

Before going to Australia, visit your university’s accommodation page. Many universities give detailed information on accommodations with insightful tips and recommendations. Some institutions even mention private rental databases; therefore, check the options carefully beforehand.

Step 4: Know The Rental Process

The Australian rental process might be new to fresh students. Here’s what you need to know:

Applications: The host or the school’s department needs to approve your application before your tenancy period. You must prepare the following documents: receipts and reference letters from previous landlords, passport, visa, driver’s license, student card, health card, and proof of financial status such as bank statements.
Rental contract: After they’ve approved your application, students will receive a rental contract including terms and obligations. Read it carefully and ask any questions if unclear. After that, sign the contract and keep one copy for yourself.
Deposit: The rental deposit in Australia is usually a month’s rent. International students will get a refund at the end of their tenancy if they keep the facility in good condition.

Must-Know Tips for Finding Accommodation Online

For many freshmen, their naive and unprepared mindset can easily lead them to risky situations, especially in a new country. PTE Magic compiles these must-know tips that help you avoid headaches in the future, so check them out!

Don’t pay the deposit before seeing the accommodation in real life. Ask the host to let you check the property in person. If they refuse, it might be a red flag so move on.
Check the location properly. Is the accommodation near the station or grocery stores? If it doesn’t sound convenient and fit your needs, find others.
Before agreeing to the rental contract, make sure to ask for clarity. Pay attention to the landlord’s information regarding the terms and conditions of your tenancy.
Check verified websites for authentic information. Official channels are more reliable and will help you avoid scams. Additionally, keep track of the emails, messages, or any documents from the landlord to protect yourself.
Don’t rush when you’ve found your ideal place. Be patient and carefully process the rental applications. A cold mind is always better than a hasty heart.

Popular Australia Accommodation Websites

How to find accommodation in Australia online? Don’t worry, these Australian accommodation websites will save you time by listing thousands of options. See the links to the website to find accommodation in Australia below:

Accommodation Type	Websites
Private Rentals & Shared Accommodation	Gumtree Realestate Domain Flatmates
Student Apartments	Student.com University Living Amber Student
On-Campus Housing	Check your institution’s website for detailed information
Homestays	Homestay.com Homestay Network

Wrap Up

We hope you’ve learned how to find accommodation in Australia for international students after reading this blog. As you can see, Australia has many accommodation types, and each has specific traits and benefits – but all focus on the students’ needs. Finding a suitable option for your stay abroad will contribute greatly to your student life and studies.