Living in Sydney is a dream come true for many international students, but also migrants and ex-pats. Sydney is a vibrant city full of life, superb beaches, and iconic tourist destinations like the famous Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach etc. However, being such a popular tourist destination and hot spot means that accommodation in Sydney is higher than in other Australian cities or regional areas. It’s inevitable after all, high demand leads to higher prices.
This isn’t optimal for international students who don’t have so much money to spend. But it also doesn’t mean that there aren’t great and affordable options for you either. Depending on your budget, you can choose from a plethora of housing options such as on-campus accommodation, student villages, homestay and more. Hence, if you’re an international student looking to study and live in Sydney, here are some of the best accommodations for you:
ON-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION
On-campus accommodation is the perfect and most popular option for many international students. Living on campus allows you to socialise and bond with other students. It is also convenient because classes are closer to campus so you won’t have to worry about waking up early to catch the bus/train.
However, living on-campus can come with its downsides such as less privacy, curfews (in some universities) and strict adherence to school rules and regulations. On-campus accommodation can also be more expensive so it will be best to do your research before choosing to live on campus.
For all students looking to study in SIC, please note that we do not have on-campus accommodation. Nevertheless, we do refer homestays for a brief period while international students seek out private accommodations.
HOMESTAY
Homestays have become increasingly popular in recent years. A homestay is essentially a form of lodging where students can share a residence with a local of the area. As an international student, you will be hosted by a family with a spare room that lives in Sydney and you’ll be treated like a guest. Homestay gives you a chance to experience the life of an average Australian family and in most cases, the price includes hospitality by the host such as cleaning, cooking and laundry.
Many international students are advised to take advantage of homestays because they will learn invaluable knowledge of the culture, general practices and traditions with their local host family. It’s also a great way to practise your English and speaking skills if you’re a non-native English speaker. Homestays are available for both short and long-term stays.
PRIVATE RENTALS
This is one option many international students opt for and it’s easy to see why. You can live alone, usually without curfews or strict rules, and have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Australian culture and traditions. By renting your own apartment, you can invite your friends for sleepovers, game nights, hangouts etc. It’s all up to you. As a private renter, you can choose where you want to live, and with whom, and be completely responsible for your well-being and maintenance. You’ll be in charge of paying for utilities on time unless you want your water or electricity cut off, grocery shopping and cooking your own meal, handling household chores and ensuring the apartment doesn’t fall apart while you’re living in it.
However, although many international students want this option, it’s usually more expensive than most. This is because the apartments are seldom furnished (you’d pay higher if you want furnished apartments) and rental agreements need a payment of rent in advance and the security payment known as a bond. Bond is one-month rent paid up-front before you’re allowed to move in. Additionally, you have to pay for water, gas, light, WiFi and other utility bills separately from the rent itself. Furthermore, dealing with agents, property managers and landlords can be a hassle and a nightmare so many students avoid this option altogether.
OTHER RENTAL TYPES
If none of the above seems like your speed then you can try simply living with a friend you already know in Sydney. Reach out to reliable contacts, such as family or relatives living in Sydney and ask if they might have an extra room for you to stay in. This is a cheap and reliable option for you as having close friends/family around will help you acclimatize to your new home easier.
Or you can look for a good short-term option like a hostel until you find a permanent place to live. Backpacker hostels are accommodations that offer a relaxed atmosphere for international students. Classic hostels, on the other hand, provide high service standards with fully furnished bedrooms, shared kitchens, laundry rooms, and recreational and lounging areas.
To learn more about the rental types available to you as an international student, please check the SIC Community Page, Gumtree, various Facebook Community Groups and Facebook Marketplace.
STILL CAN'T FIND A PLACE TO STAY?
Whether it is on-campus to off-campus, Sydney is full of student accommodation options for you to pick from. As an international student, it might be hard finding the right spot but with proper guidance and research, you can get a place that fits your needs and budget.
Remember to research each accommodation option carefully. Next, look for the advantages and disadvantages of each accommodation; is it good academically, socially or both? However, if you still can’t find the right place for you that fits your budget, SIC provides accommodation through our preferred homestay and accommodation service provider in Sydney. You can request your accommodation by sending an email to admission@sic.edu.au.