All About Finding Cheap Accommodation in Australia for International Students

Australia is one of the most expensive countries to study abroad. Therefore, international students wanting to study in the country must consider the cost of living. There are different student housing services available in Australia. Therefore, the expenses incurred can also vary. Those on a budget must consider these things. This blog covers everything you need to know about cheap accommodation in Australia for international students. You can read this blog, and plan your trip accordingly.

Types of Student Housing Services in Australia 

There are different types of cheap accommodation in Australia for International Students. We have provided them below. Depending on your preferences, and budget choose a student accommodation among them.

• Purpose-built student accommodation: The PBSAs are provided by private developers to university students and are located near the university campus. PBSA’s are of different types. For example, cluster apartments, studio apartments, and modern halls of residence.
• Rental apartments: These apartments are available for anyone willing to pay the advertised rent. Rental apartments can be used for shared or private living.
• University-managed accommodation- This kind of accommodation is located near the campus and is managed by the university you are enrolled in.
• Residential college: Residential colleges are located within the campus, and are also managed by the university.
• Homestay: Homestays are when you stay with an Australian family as a guest. You pay for it, and they provide your room, clearing service, meals, etc.

General Cost of Student Accommodation in Australia 

The cost of student accommodation in Australia depends on the accommodation type Therefore, we have provided the accommodation costs based on housing type in the table below. Note: cheap accommodation in Australia for International students include a shared apartment or homestays.

Accommodation Type	Cost
Guesthouses and Hostels	AUD 360 – 650
On campus	AUD 450 – 1100
Shared Rental	AUD 250 – 500
Rental	AUD 700 – 1200
Homestay	AUD 800 – 1600

Living On Campus in Australia 

Universities in Australia provide halls of residence to apartments. The benefit of staying in an on-campus accommodation is that you can easily access the facilities. The university is within walking distance. The bill is all-inclusive and typically covers electricity, water,and other expenses.  The meals may or may not be included. It depends on the type of room you choose. Some of the available facilities are:

• Utilities (water, electricity, and unlimited internet)
• Amenities (gym, music rooms, communal kitchen, cinema, study rooms, and more)
• Your furnished room
• 24/7 wellbeing and staff support
• A year-round calendar of programs and events.
• Catered meals (only available in (residential colleges)

The on-campus hotels are given out for temporary stay on a first come first served basis. Therefore, you need to book an accommodation on time.  

Off-Campus Accommodation in Australia 

The cheap accommodation in Australia for International Students is off-campus accommodation. You will have access to the facilities you pay for, and you can manage your expenses. You can find shared apartments to homestays for off-campus living. Some of the facilities provided by off-campus accommodation are:

• Fully furnished room (with or without television)
• 24/7 security service, and maintenance service 
• Laundry facilities, and parking facilities
• High-speed internet connection
• Cleaning services
• Meals (only for homestays)

These housing services are located within a few minutes of driving distance from the campus. Therefore, off-campus living can also be an excellent choice for you. 

Cheap Accommodation in Australia for International Students Based on City

The cost of student accommodation in Australia also depends on the city. Therefore, we have provided the same below:

City	Per Week Average Rent
Sydney	399-610
Melbourne	265-459
Brisbane	319-439
Perth	230-350
Adelaide	249-399
Gold Coast	240-399
Canberra	399-449

Factors Affecting the Cost of Student Accommodation in Australia

While searching for cheap accommodation in Australia for international students, know that several factors affect housing costs. They are provided below:

• The location has an impact on the accommodation cost. For example, student accommodation in Melbourne is more expensive than student housing in Goal Coast.
• The expense you will incur also depends on the kind of room you are selecting. Living in shared accommodation is any day cheaper than getting a private room.
• Staying in off-campus accommodation is cheaper as you can pay for the expenses based on your usage. Therefore, on-campus accommodation in any state in Australia is more expensive. Universities are aware of the facilities they provide. Therefore, charges are applicable.
• The location of your student accommodation will also affect your expenses. If you choose a building that is far away from your university traveling expenses are bound to incur.

Learn about the cost of living in Melbourne for international students

Steps to Find Cheap Accommodation in Australia for International Students

Finding student accommodation isn’t easy. Be clear about the kind of rooms you want. You can then use these tips to find the best student accommodation.

• Research about cheap Accommodation in Australia for International Students. You can check the official website of the university for on-campus accommodation. For off-campus accommodation, you can visit websites like Airbnb, Realestate.com, and Flatmate Finders.
• Contact a real estate agent for accommodation assistance 
• Contact the accommodation provider or your agent and find out all the facilities offered. For example, internet, furniture, television, outdoor parking space, etc.
• Enquire about what the bill includes. Some accommodations have an inclusive bill. For others, you will have to pay separately
• Select an accommodation that meets your needs and budget. Both on-campus and off-campus facilities are good. Therefore, focus on your budget, and services offered.
• Check the transportation facilities available and take into account the expenses for going to your university, restaurants, etc.
• Lastly, don’t forget to read about the housing agreement, and know your legal rights as a tenant.

To learn more about choosing the right student accommodation, watch this video

Legal Protection for Accommodation in Australia

You need to know your rights and obligations as an international student. Therefore, we have provided the same below:

• Obligation: You have to pay your accommodation fee on time. You are also responsible for clearing and maintaining the property (unless mentioned otherwise).
• Rights:  You have the right to feel safe in the accommodation of your stay. Proper security is provided as a result.

Which City is the Cheapest for International Students in Australia?

Gold Coast is an inexpensive destination for studying in Australia. Griffith University and Bond University are the most popular universities in the region.  The on-campus accommodation at Griffith University is $180 – $400 per week. The off-campus accommodation in the area is around  $180 – $450 per week. For example, a homestay would cost $200 – $450 per week.

Which is the cheapest college in Australia for international students?

Some of the cheapest universities to study in Australia are provided below. These universities have lower tuition fees. These universities also provide hostel accommodation.

University	Average Annual Tuition
University of Sunshine Coast	AUD 24,200 to AUD 29,600
Charles Sturt University	AUD 20,400 to AUD 60,800
Federation University	AUD 21,900 to AUD 32,700
Torrens University	AUD 24,250 to AUD 32,800
University of Southern Queensland	AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000

Learn about the 6 Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships in Australia for International Students 

FAQs

We hope now you know all about cheap Accommodation in Australia for international students. To know more about student life in Australia, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.