Where to live

Most universities, TAFE institutes and other education providers have housing offices to help you. They will provide information on the range of housing options and costs, your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and extra services. They can even help negotiate with real estate agents. If you’re an international student, some housing offices may provide airport pick-up and help you find temporary accommodation while you settle in.

Australian residents who are full-time students may be eligible for government rent assistance through Centrelink and Relocation scholarships . These can ease the financial burden of relocating, especially if you’re from a rural area.

First things first: ask yourself where and how you want to live and, more importantly, who you want to live with.

Here are some of the most popular types of student accommodation to get you thinking:

• Halls of residence/university colleges
• College apartments
• Homestay
• Share houses
• Hostels
• Living at home.

Halls of residence/university colleges

Halls or colleges are usually affiliated with or owned by a university and are located close to the campus.

• Usually students rent a single bedroom/study, and share facilities like bathrooms and cooking equipment.
• All utilities (electricity, heating, maintenance) are included in the fees.
• Some older colleges provide services such as meals or self-catering, tutors and academic support.
• Internet access is usually provided in each room and in communal labs.

Pro: A major attraction (or perhaps distraction!) is the constant opportunity for socialising
Con: This type of accommodation can be very expensive.

College apartments

Some apartment facilities are affiliated with universities, while others are privately owned.

• Apartment living offers more independence than the traditional college experience.
• These are usually self-contained apartments with kitchen, bathroom and small living area.
• Utilities (electricity, heating, maintenance) are generally not included in the fees.

Pro: Your neighbours will also be students so while there is more privacy than in Halls of Residence or colleges, college apartments retain the student community atmosphere.
Con: You will pay extra for meals, tutoring and Internet access.

Homestay

This involves renting a room in a private home and sharing with the existing owners, usually a family. You will probably share some facilities and meals may be included.

Pro: Economical and provides fewer distractions.
Con: You might find this living arrangement lacking in social opportunities.

Share houses

You may want to move into a house or flat with friends, or even strangers. Be aware that sometimes great friends make really bad flatmates. Make sure you agree on some basic rules before you move in, otherwise you may find that while you’re trying to study, they’re just looking for the next party. Finding the right place and people are essential to enjoying the experience.

• Moving into a room in an existing household is easier and less costly than renting a vacant property.
• University housing services can offer advice on everything from paying your bond to disputes with landlords.
• Find share houses online, through word-of-mouth, university housing services, newspapers and on university noticeboards.

Pro: Shared costs and independence.
Con: Household disputes.

Hostels

Hostel style accommodation is a popular option for country, interstate and international students. Hostels provide a style of accommodation similar to university-owned Halls of Residence, but are not usually affiliated with a single institution.

• Hostel living usually includes a furnished bedroom with access to shared bathroom, laundry, lounge and recreation facilities.
• Sometimes meals are provided, and kitchen facilities should always be available.
• There is usually the option of twin-share or dorm-style rooms.
• Short-term rental is often permitted.

Pro: Making new friends.
Con: Sharing facilities with up to 50 other people.

Living at home

Depending on your relationship with your parents, living at home may be a great and much cheaper alternative to living out of home, at least if you live close enough to your chosen university.

Pro: You can work less and study more.
Con: Lack of independence.

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