The International Student’s Guide to Australian Housing

By @jorgebscomm for @empowervmedia

Finding the right place to live is one of the biggest challenges (and most exciting parts) of studying in Australia. From on‑campus halls and homestays to private rentals and purpose‑built student apartments, each option comes with its own costs, locations, and lifestyle considerations. In this guide, we explore the main housing choices, outline realistic budget ranges for major cities, explain your rights under Australian tenancy law, and share proven strategies and online resources to help you secure safe, affordable accommodation. Whether you’re budgeting for Sydney’s higher rents or considering a smaller city for savings, this article equips you with the knowledge and confidence to find a home that suits your needs and enhances your study experience.

A small chalkboard with a wooden frame rests on a light-colored wooden surface. Written in white chalk are the words "ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS" stacked in three lines. To the left of the chalkboard, there is a closed maroon-colored book with a gold decorative border and a silver pen lying on top. Below the book, a pair of black and silver-rimmed glasses is positioned. A piece of white chalk lies near the bottom of the chalkboard.

Finding the right place to live is one of the biggest most exciting parts of studying in Australia. (📷:picpedia)

Understanding Your Housing Options

Australia offers a spectrum of living arrangements for international students. On‑campus residences are often run by universities or colleges and provide furnished rooms with utilities and communal spaces included. These can be more expensive per week but eliminate the stress of setting up bills and meeting new people quickly. For those seeking independence or a more local experience, private rentals (either solo apartments or shared houses) are plentiful, though you’ll need to arrange utilities, internet, and often furniture. Homestays connect students with Australian families, offering immersion in local culture and meals included, which can be comforting when you first arrive. Finally, purpose‑built student accommodation (PBSA) is a rapidly growing segment: modern apartment complexes near campuses equipped with study rooms, gyms, and social events, though they carry a premium price tag.

'Accommodation options in Australia for international students' ▶️1m17s

Each housing type serves different needs: on‑campus halls are great for first‑year students wanting instant community; homestays suit learners craving cultural exchange; private rentals appeal to those valuing autonomy; and PBSAs offer a middle ground of community plus independence.

City‑by‑City Costs

Rental markets in Australia’s major cities have tightened sharply since 2020, with vacancy rates dipping below historic averages. In Sydney (Australia’s most expensive market) median weekly rents for a studio in a student complex reached approximately AUD 530 in 2023, up from AUD 406 in 2018. Melbourne and Brisbane follow similar trends, with studios averaging between AUD 450–500 per week. Shared private rentals (two‑to‑three‑bedroom apartments or houses divided among 3–4 students) can cost around AUD 200–300 per week per person in these cities, depending on location and amenities.

A graphic titled "STUDENT HOUSING COSTS" displays the estimated costs for studio apartments and shared rentals per person in three Australian cities: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. For studio apartments, Sydney is listed at AUD 530, while Melbourne and Brisbane are both listed at AUD 450-500. For shared rentals per person, all three cities are listed at AUD 200-300. Icons of an apartment building and three people are used to visually represent studio apartments and shared rentals, respectively.

(📷:empowervmedia)

By contrast, smaller cities such as Adelaide, Hobart, and regional centres like Wollongong offer significant savings. In many cases, weekly rents can be 20–30% lower than in capital cities. This makes regional campuses an attractive choice if you’re on a tighter budget or keen to experience local Australia beyond the urban hubs.

A young person with long brown hair and glasses is sitting cross-legged on a single bed in a student dorm room. They are wearing a dark long-sleeved shirt with stripes and dark pants, and they appear to be reading a book. The bed has a green blanket and patterned pillows. The room has white brick walls with a few posters and photos, a window with gray curtains revealing a view of palm trees and buildings, a desk with a chair, shelves with books and binders, and a small ukulele leaning against the wall near the bed. The floor is covered with dark gray carpet tiles.

Weekly rents can be 20–30% lower in smaller cities than in capital cities. (📷:salife)

To estimate your total housing costs, factor in utilities (electricity, gas, water), internet, and contents insurance (usually adding AUD 30–50 per week). On-campus residences often bundle these fees into a flat weekly rate, simplifying budgeting.

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Australia’s tenancy laws are designed to protect renters and ensure fair treatment. As an international student, you have the same legal rights as any Australian tenant. You must receive a written lease (or “residential tenancy agreement”) outlining rent amount, bond (security deposit) details, and notice periods. Before you move in, you and the landlord or agent must complete a condition report describing the property’s state (this safeguards your bond return when you move out).

A close-up shows a "TENANCY AGREEMENT" document with a pair of silver keys lying on top of it. A small, stylized model of a house with a blue roof and white walls sits to the right of the keys. A black pen rests near the house model, pointing towards the document. The text on the agreement is partially visible and includes legal jargon related to leasing property. The background is a blurred continuation of the document.

You must receive a "residential tenancy agreement" outlining rent amount, bond details, and notice periods. (📷:dreamstime)

Landlords cannot raise rent more than once in a 12‑month period (for most states) and must provide at least 60 days’ notice for rent increases. They are responsible for maintaining the property in a reasonable state of repair, while you are expected to keep the premises clean and report any issues promptly. If disputes arise, each state has a dedicated tenancy tribunal (e.g., NSW Fair Trading, Tenants Victoria) that you can approach for mediation. Understanding these basics before signing any agreement will protect you from unfair leases, surprise charges, or insecure living situations.

Finding and Securing Accommodation

Start your search at least two months before your course begins. University accommodation offices often provide listings of on‑ and off‑campus options, trusted homestay networks, and partner accommodations. Beyond campus portals, the top websites for private rentals and PBSAs include realestate.com.au, domain.com.au, flatmates.com.au, and purpose‑built platforms like UniLodge and Scape.

A slightly blurred interior shot of a hallway with a carpeted floor. On the left, frosted glass panels display the large, black text "Student Services" in a modern font. Several people are visible in motion within the hallway, appearing as blurred figures due to the motion blur effect. The hallway is lit by overhead fluorescent lights, and doorways leading to other areas are visible in the background.

University accommodation offices often provide listings of trusted accommodation options. (📷:ivleader)

When you spot a potential place, arrange a virtual or in‑person inspection. Prepare questions about included utilities, public transport access, and any extra fees (e.g., cleaning or amenity levies). If you can’t view in person, request a recent photo or video walkthrough. Always verify the landlord’s identity and confirm they have authority to rent the property (fake listings can exist). Once you decide, you’ll usually pay a bond equivalent to four weeks’ rent, lodged with the state’s rental bond authority, and the first two weeks of rent in advance. Keep all receipts and the signed lease document for your records.

Budgeting Beyond Rent

While rent is the largest housing cost, don’t overlook upfront and ongoing expenses. Bond and advance rent can amount to one to two months’ rent before you even move in. Utility connection fees, establishment of internet accounts, and contents insurance (recommended for protecting your belongings) add to initial outlays.

A young person with long blonde hair, wearing a horizontally striped shirt and jeans, is sitting on a couch and appears to be working on finances. They are holding a piece of paper and a pencil, and their other hand is on a calculator. A silver laptop is open on a white surface in front of them, along with other papers. A lamp with a white shade and a wicker chair are visible in the background, suggesting a home setting.

Don’t overlook upfront and ongoing expenses. (📷:unisurrey)

Monthly grocery bills, transport costs, and everyday expenses like household cleaning or shared streaming subscriptions all influence your overall budget. According to official data, students in Australia spend an average of AUD 250–300 per week on living expenses, excluding tuition and rent. Sourcing cheaper groceries (markets vs. supermarkets) and taking advantage of student discounts on transport and entertainment can help manage your finances.

Leveraging University and Community Support

Your university’s international student support office is an invaluable resource. They often run orientation sessions on tenancy rights, emergency housing options, and workshops on how to set up utilities and internet. Many institutions also offer short‑term “start‑up” rooms for new arrivals at modest rates, giving you breathing space while you hunt for long‑term accommodation.

Two young women, appearing to be of East Asian descent, are standing at a counter and talking to a blonde woman sitting behind it. The woman behind the counter is looking at a laptop. The two women standing are smiling and seem to be engaged in a conversation. One of them has short dark hair and is wearing a floral top and carrying a shoulder bag. The other has long dark hair, is wearing glasses and a dark jacket, and is holding papers. In the background, other young people are waiting near the counter. The setting appears to be a student services or administrative area, possibly at a university or college.

Your university’s international student support office is an invaluable resource. (📷:deakinuni)

Online student communities (Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, and university forums) are also gold mines for shared housing opportunities, roommate requests, and firsthand landlord reviews. Just remember to verify details and always view or vet prospective roommates in a group setting for safety.

Safety and Well‑Being in Your New Home

Beyond the lease and rent, ensure that your chosen home fosters your well‑being. Check for secure locks on doors and windows, working smoke alarms, and adequate lighting in common areas. If you’re sharing a house, discuss shared responsibilities for cleaning, grocery buying, and bill payments before signing the lease, to avoid conflicts later.

(📷:keytek)

Mental health resources are also essential. Isolation can occur if you move far from campus; many universities offer counselling services and peer‑mentoring programs. Make a point to attend social events, join clubs, or explore local volunteer opportunities to build connections and feel at home.

Two young women are sitting cross-legged on a bed in a dorm room, facing each other and smiling as if in conversation. The woman on the left has long, wavy brown hair and is wearing a maroon cardigan over a plaid shirt and dark leggings. She is holding a purple pen and a notebook. The woman on the right has shoulder-length brown hair and is wearing a gray textured top and blue jeans. A laptop with stickers is open in front of her. The bed has a striped blanket. The dorm room has white walls, a window with blinds and brown curtains, wooden shelves with various items, string lights, a microwave, and a small refrigerator with magnets.

Each accommodation option comes with its own costs, locations, and lifestyle considerations. (📷:vanderbit)

Securing the right accommodation in Australia can seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of your options, realistic budget planning, and awareness of your legal rights, you can transform housing into a positive start to your study adventure. Whether you choose the convenience of on-campus living, the cultural immersion of a homestay, the independence of a private rental, or the community atmosphere of purpose‑built student housing, careful research and early planning are your keys to success. Remember to use trusted websites, connect with your university’s support services, and keep copies of all lease documents and receipts. By taking these steps, you’ll set up not just a roof over your head, but a stable, supportive environment in which to thrive academically and personally.

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