Budget-friendly Accommodation Hacks For International Students in Australia

Studying in Australia is an incredible opportunity, but the cost of living can be a bit of a shock, especially when it comes to accommodation. With monthly living expenses ranging between AUD 1,400 to AUD 3,500, finding affordable housing is a top priority for international students.

Heading to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or any other Australian city? This guide will help you navigate the housing market with easy accommodation hacks.

What are your accommodation options?

1. On-campus accommodation

University-managed residences are convenient and come fully furnished, with utilities and internet typically included. The weekly costs for on-campus accommodation vary by institution, but expect to pay premium prices for this convenience. While these options offer a strong sense of community and easy access to campus facilities, they can strain your budget and often have limited availability.

2. Managed student accommodation

Purpose-built student apartments like UniLodge and Scape offer modern facilities with amenities like gyms and study rooms. However, these come with a hefty price tag, often the most expensive option after on-campus housing.

3. Shared houses and private rentals

This is where the real savings happen. On average, students can expect to pay between AUD 200 and AUD 400 per week for shared accommodation, while one-bedroom apartments range from AUD 300 to AUD 500 per week in Sydney. Sharing with roommates can cut your housing costs dramatically.

4. Homestays

Living with an Australian family offers cultural immersion and typically includes meals. While this provides excellent language practice and a supportive environment, you'll sacrifice some independence and privacy.

8 top money-saving accommodation hacks

1. Start your search early

Check listings on student accommodation websites and local rental portals at least 2-3 months before you arrive. This gives you access to the best options before they're snapped up. However, avoid committing to long-term leases before you've seen the property in person or had a chance to explore different neighborhoods.

You can book temporary accommodation (like a hostel or Airbnb) for your first few weeks in Australia. This allows you to visit properties, meet potential roommates face-to-face, and get a feel for different areas without the pressure of making a quick decision from abroad.

2. Utilize shared housing

Shared housing is your secret weapon for affordable living in Australia. You can find rooms starting at AUD 280 per week through shared accommodation, which allows you to stay in desirable areas at an affordable price.

Where to find share houses:

• Flatmates and Flatmate Finders: These are Australia's most popular platforms for finding shared accommodation.
• Facebook Groups: Pages like "Sydney Share Houses" or "Melbourne Flatmates" are great resources where people post room vacancies and seek roommates.
• University notice boards and student groups: Often the best source for student-friendly shares.
• Gumtree: While useful, be extra cautious about scams on this platform.

3. Choose your location strategically

Location is everything when it comes to cost. Living slightly further from the city center can save you significant money. Neighborhoods like Newtown, Glebe, and Camperdown offer cheaper options than inner-city zones like Surry Hills and Darlinghurst.

Factors you should consider include:

• Proximity to public transport: A place near a train or bus line can be further from campus, but still convenient.
• Suburbs over city center: You'll pay a premium for inner-city living.
• Student-populated areas: These neighborhoods often have more affordable options and better understand student needs.

4. Negotiate your lease terms

Don't be afraid to negotiate. The Australian rental markets can be competitive, but landlords appreciate reliable tenants. You can strengthen your position by offering to sign a longer lease in exchange for reduced rent. You can also ask if you can do minor maintenance or gardening in exchange for a rent discount. If you're renting during the off-peak season (avoid January-February when most students arrive), use this to negotiate better terms. If possible, request to pay rent monthly instead of fortnightly if it helps with your cash flow.

5. Understand the true cost of "bills included"

Some accommodations advertise "bills included," which sounds great, but do the math. Sometimes paying separately for utilities gives you more control and can work out cheaper if you're conscious about usage. Rental bonds in Australia typically equal four weeks' rent and are paid upfront, held by a government authority. Factor this into your initial costs along with your first month's rent.

6. Leverage your student status

Many landlords prefer renting to students because they're generally responsible and have predictable stay durations. Use this to your advantage. Mention your university and course in your application, and provide a cover letter explaining why you're a great tenant. If your parents can provide a financial guarantee, mention this. Get references from previous landlords or your university.

7. Split costs creatively in share houses

When living with roommates, get creative about sharing expenses. Buy groceries in bulk together and split the costs. Share streaming services and internet plans. Coordinate meal preparation to save on cooking costs. You can also create a shared household fund for common items like cleaning supplies and toilet paper.

8. Consider alternative accommodation during breaks

If you're going home during semester breaks, consider subletting your room. This is common in Australian student culture and can save you thousands of dollars over the year. Just make sure your lease allows subletting and get everything in writing.

Red flags to avoid

Watch out for:

• Listings that require payment before viewing the property.
• Deals that seem too good to be true (they usually are).
• Landlords who refuse to provide proper documentation.
• Unregulated websites. UNSW College recommends avoiding non-regulated platforms like some Facebook groups, Gumtree, or WeChat for securing accommodation without proper verification. (If you must, be careful and ensure it’s legit before making any payment.)
• Requests for cash payments with no receipt.

Always insist on:

• A proper lease agreement with your name on it.
• Paying your bond directly to the real estate agent or government authority. Never give bond money to housemates.
• Visiting the property in person before committing.
• Written communication for all agreements.

The bottom line

Finding affordable accommodation in Australia requires research and smart decision-making, but it's absolutely achievable. Embrace shared housing, choose your location strategically, start your search at the right time, and you can save thousands of dollars over your study period.

Remember, your accommodation doesn't just impact your budget; it affects your entire student experience. Take the time to find something that works financially while also supporting your academic success and wellbeing. The key is to stay flexible, do your research, and don't rush into decisions out of desperation. 

With these hacks in your bag and Pesa helping you manage international money transfers efficiently, you're well-equipped to make the most of your Australian adventure without breaking the bank.

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