Before we discuss accommodation in Australia for Indian students, let’s look at the various factors that may influence your decision.
Accommodation in Australia for international/Indian students: 5 things to keep in mind
Choosing accommodation in Australia for Indian students can be easier if you keep these 5 things in mind.
Budget
Living in Australia in itself can be expensive. So, choose your accommodation wisely. If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend bunking with friends, so you can split your expenses.
Proximity
Try to choose accommodations that are close to your university. You wouldn’t want to travel a long way and spend an additional amount on the commute!
Need help finding the right university? SelectRight has got your back.
Adequate room furnishings
If you pick accommodations that are almost fully furnished, you don’t need to pay extra for them later.
Necessary amenities and facilities
Accommodation in Australia for Indian students might seem pricey, but if you choose places with in-built amenities, you’ll be saving more than you realize.
So, before you move in, check if your chosen accommodation has a proper water supply, internet connectivity, utility subscriptions, and electricity availability.
Lease agreement
Don’t be conned by fraudulent accommodation listings! Read the lease agreement carefully and only sign it upon looking at the apartment in person.
6 types of accommodations in Australia
Looking for accommodation in Australia for International/Indian students? Here’s your guide.
Homestays
Homestays scream ‘pocket-friendly’ most of the time. Beyond being affordable, homestays are also a nice way to understand the country and its culture. When you pick a homestay, you get to live with an Australian family. All your basic amenities will be taken care of, and you’ll get to try the local cuisine as well.
Homestays would be the perfect accommodation choice, especially if you’re a first-year student and need more mentorship and guidance.
With fully furnished rooms, meals, and adequate facilities, you’ll have yourself great accommodation.
Per week, you might be expected to pay between AUD 250- AUD 400.
Student Apartments
Since student apartments are shared by many students, the rent for each person will not be very high. Most of these apartment complexes host at least 100-140 students. This type of accommodation would make you feel safe, and it’s a nice way to make new friends.
On average, per week, students may be expected to pay between AUD 200 – AUD 500.
Just like homestays, managed student apartments also come with fully furnished rooms, and also include modern facilities and 24-hour security. On-site staff will also be available to cater to your needs.
Residential Colleges
If you’re hoping to stay near or on campus, residential colleges are the best accommodation choice. Not only will you be saving on transport expenses, but you also get to fully experience authentic university life!
If you decide to choose this type of accommodation, you may be expected to pay between AUD 200 to AUD 750 weekly.
Hostel Accommodation
This accommodation type is best for those pursuing short-term courses. They are very affordable and are popular among students.
In Australia, you’ll usually find two types of hostels; classic hostels and backpackers’ hostels. You can opt for backpackers’ hostels if you want a more laid-back space to live in. Classic hostels, on the other hand, are a little bit more sophisticated. These are usually renowned as well.
Hostels are affordable also because they’re already fully furnished. You’ll also get access to many shared utilities.
In a hostel, your weekly rent may be between AUD 90 to AUD 150.
Halls of Residence
There seem to be so many options for accommodation in Australia for International/Indian students. Halls of residence are just one of many.
Similar to residential colleges, this accommodation type is also usually located near campus or on it. According to your budget, you could either opt for a single bedroom with shared utilities or opt for apartment-style rooms that have a private kitchen and washroom.
This accommodation type also usually offers free internet. And your fee will cover your utilities.
Your weekly rent could be anywhere between AUD 320 to AUD 1000.
Apartments
Although private rentals may be more expensive, they could be an ideal accommodation choice for those who aren’t fond of sharing their space with other students. Before you finalize an apartment, do read the rental agreement carefully.
As opposed to other accommodation types, apartments will have you pay your utility bills separately, and will also require you to cook for yourself. However, some private rentals may offer you a choice of sharing your apartment with friends as well.
Your weekly rent at an apartment could be between AUD 100 to AUD 500.
Student Accommodation Melbourne
Home to world-class universities, Melbourne is usually every student’s first choice for accommodation. Melbourne houses a wide range of research centers too, which attract several international students.
So, what are the best places to live in Melbourne?
Carlton
Carlton is one of the best places to live in Melbourne. Here, you’ll find several cafes, designer-brand shops, and shopping malls. Fun fact: Carlton is also known as “Little Italy”!
Some student accommodation options in Carlton include Journal Uni Place, Student Village Melbourne, and Scape Queensberry.
La Trobe Street
Situated right in the center of Melbourne, La Trobe street is a popular area. This street is close to many educational institutes like RMIT University, University of Melbourne, and Monash College-City Campus.
A few options in this area for student accommodation Melbourne include Scape La Trobe, Scape Swanston, and Scape Melbourne Central.
Cost of Living in Melbourne
Per year, the Government has declared that living expenses in Melbourne could amount to $21,041.
And a recent survey stated that international students, on average, spend between $20,000 and $27,000 per year.
If you’re worried about your expenses in Melbourne, reach out to us at FundRight.
Transportation in Melbourne
Because Melbourne offers various means of transport, it’s easy to get around. Traveling by the tram is recommended due to its extensive routes all over the city.
If you want to do some sightseeing, you can opt for the free City Circle Tram. It operates in the central business district.
There’s even something called the “Myki” pass which you can get online. You can use this pass for buses, trams, and trains too.
When it comes to buses, you can find two zones. Schedules vary based on routes. For 2 hours of rides, bus fares in Melbourne usually range from AU$2.70 to AU$3.90.
If you truly want to explore the city, you should definitely get a bike or cycle. Melbourne offers dedicated bike routes too.
Popular Attractions in Melbourne
Apart from housing some of the best universities and the best accommodations in Australia for Indian students, Melbourne has its famous museum, the Royal exhibition, and the Phar Lap exhibit. And don’t forget about the Melbourne Skydeck!
Student Accommodation Sydney
Sydney is one of the best cities in the world to live in! It houses fantastic beaches, great harbor vistas, and has pleasant weather too. Did you know that in 2018, Sydney was ranked #5 on the list of more liveable cities in the world?
What are the best places to live in Sydney?
Darlington
If you’re a student at the University of Sydney, then Darlington is the best place for you to live in. This is because this neighborhood is situated right next to this university’s main campus!
In a student-friendly place like Darlington, you’ll find many restaurants, cafes, and farmer’s markets.
Some student accommodation options here include Scape at University of Sydney and Scape Abercrombie.
Haymarket
A suburb of Sydney, Haymarket is home to a variety of sushi bars, Korean BBQ joints and Cantonese eateries. Both, the University of Sydney and the University of Technology are right around here, so Haymarket is the ideal choice if you’re a student at either of these places.
If you’re looking for accommodation here, you’ll have options like Scape Darling Square and Scape Darling House.
Cost of Living in Sydney
Looking for accommodation in Australia for international/Indian students? Sydney is a good choice. Your yearly expenses here on a general basis could be $21,041 as per reports by the Australian Government.
Per year, you may spend anywhere between $20,000 and $27,000.
Don’t be hesitant about moving to Sydney because it seems expensive. With FundRight, you’ll secure a student loan that can save you money for things apart from academics too.
Transportation in Sydney
Getting around in Sydney is easy and affordable. You can choose from ferries, buses, trains, and light rail.
But first, in order to make use of the accessible transport system here, you’ll need to buy an Opal card with weekly and daily caps. With this, you can use all of Sydney’s public transport.
When you’re in Sydney, you’ll find the bus service to be very comprehensive. Buses cover almost the entire city! Also, if you enjoy cycling, or want to take it up as a new hobby there, you’ll be happy to know that Sydney offers several bicycle-friendly routes.
Popular Attractions in Sydney
Before you googled “student accommodation Sydney”, we’re sure you’ve first checked out all the things to do there, and all the popular tourist attractions.
In case you haven’t already, then you should know that the Sydney Opera House (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Royal Botanic Garden are two very popular attractions here.
Student Accommodation Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital of South Australia. This serene and civilized city houses over 30,000 international students. When you choose Adelaide, you choose a place devoid of the usual hassles of city life.
Some of the best places to live in Adelaide are:
Adelaide CBD
The Adelaide Central Business District houses all the major business centers, sophisticated housing, and eateries. The best student accommodation in this area would be Adelaide City.
North Adelaide
This suburban area offers calm residential living spaces for you to live in. If you’re looking for a mix of calm and lively, we recommend East West for student accommodation.
Cost of Living in Adelaide
You’ll be glad to know that Adelaide is 14% more affordable to live in as compared to other cities in Australia. In fact, Adelaide has the lowest average rent in the whole of Australia.
Per year, you may spend between AUD$14,000 to $19,000 here.
Transportation in Adelaide
In Adelaide, most students prefer to take the Metro. Their metro network covers most cities with trains, buses, and the tram service. All you need is a MetroCard so that you can use it an unlimited number of times. But you should remember to recharge it.
Popular Attractions in Adelaide
Both, the North Terrace and the Adelaide Botanic Garden are popular tourist attractions here.
Choosing accommodation in Australia for Indian students might seem challenging, but if you learn how to identify illegal providers, manage your budget, and have some kind of plan about your length of stay, you should be good.
