Student Accommodation Australia

Finding Accommodation in Australia

There is much competition for affordable rental accommodation in Australia, and considerable patience may be required to find a suitable place.  Do not be discouraged: as with anything, a little perseverance will soon pay off.  

As early as possible, contact your institution’s International Student liaison office.  They should be able to offer information on a range of alternatives including Homestay (living with an Australian family) and campus accommodation.

They can also provide links to websites listing shared and private rental accommodation. It is useful to research these websites in advance in order to prepare for the prices and type of accommodation you can expect. Note, however, that in most cases you will be required to inspect a property in person, before any application is approved.

When applying for rental accommodation in Australia, prospective landlords will expect you to supply proof of your ability to meet monthly rental payments (usually a bank account statement). They will also ask for details of a few referees in Australia who can testify to your character, reliability etc. Written references from past landlords at home might also work in your favour.

When your application is approved, you will be required to pay the bond and first month’s rent in the form of cleared funds (cash, bank cheque or money order).  The bond is a security deposit, usually equal to a month’s rent, which is held in trust for the duration of your tenancy. Its purpose is to indemnify the landlord against any damage you might cause to the property. Providing you do not give rise to any such costs, the bond will be fully refunded to you when you vacate.  

You will be given the opportunity to report any pre-existing flaws at the start of your tenancy, on a form called a Condition Report.  This report will be used to compare the state of the property when you moved in to its condition when you move out.  

Most accommodation in Australia is unfurnished and does not include any household goods. Affordable items may be purchased through second-hand stores, or via private sale advertised on institutional notice boards, online auction sites and newspapers.  It may also prove cost-effective to bring certain items with you from home.