Most students spend a lot of money on tuition fees, textbooks, handouts, and other schooling materials that they have little or nothing left for accommodation. To avoid this situation, plan for accommodation that fits your budget.
Getting cheap accommodation will greatly benefit any student, especially at difficult times like this. Also, affordable student accommodation can ease financial stress for any student or parent.
For international or domestic students in Sydney, getting cheap accommodation is possible. But it can only be possible if you know how to do it.
This article will benefit you if you are currently admitted to a university in Sydney or hope to apply to one. We will show you the cheapest student accommodation in Sydney and how to get it fast and on time.
The table of content below will help you easily navigate the site.
Table of contents
- Why You Need to Get Cheap Student Accommodation in Sydney
- What Are the Types of Student Accommodation in Sydney?
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Student Accommodation in Sydney
- How Much Does Student Accommodation in Sydney Cost
- Are there Cheap Student Accommodation in Sydney?
- Where You Can Find Cheap Student Accommodation in Sydney in 2024
- How to Get the Cheapest Student Accommodation in Sydney Fast
- Student Accommodation in Sydney FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- We Also Recommend
Why You Need to Get Cheap Student Accommodation in Sydney
Sydney has more than 20 tertiary higher institutions. Excellence in education is its trademark. Also, Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and the largest city in Australia. It is a beautiful place to study with lots of adventures attached to it.
Each year, thousands of international students are admitted into these institutions not counting the indigenes. This large population places a high demand for accommodation.
What Are the Types of Student Accommodation in Sydney?
There are two basic types of student accommodation in Sydney:
- On-campus Accommodation and
- Off-campus Accommodation
The on-campus accommodation is limited and costly. This is due to the closeness of the accommodation to the institution in consideration. While the off-campus accommodation is located off the campus. This is the type that houses most students.
On-Campus Student Accommodation
Living on the campus is more convenient since you will be a stone’s throw from the lecture halls, but it isn’t easy to secure one. Because the on-campus accommodations are limited and it’s given on a first come first, serve basis.
If you can get yourself accommodation in the university accommodation hall, then good for you.
But if you didn’t, then do not worry; there are plenty more and better options waiting for you.
We have them outlined below.
Off-Campus Student Accommodation
There are off-campus accommodations that are located close to the campus, and they are quite cheap. This offers students the same benefit of the short distance to school that those staying in on-campus benefit but with a greater amount of accommodation fee.
Although there are two major types of student accommodation in Sydney, they are of different kinds. This is based on available facilities and the number of persons occupying the student accommodations.
Other kind of student accommodation you can find in Sydney include:
Private Student Accommodation
As the number of students coming into Sydney increases, there is also an increase in student accommodation demand. This has also increased the demand for private student accommodation.
In Sydney, you can find great private accommodation with amazing luxuries. They are mostly known as Purpose Built Student Accommodations or PBSA.
This kind of student accommodation offers the best facilities such as card access to keep the premises secure, Cinema Room, BBQ area, fully equipped Gymnasium, TV Room, Games Room Etc.
The benefits of private student accommodation or PBSA are numerous. First, you will not have to bother about security or paying bills. And there will be provision for the maintenance team if anything breaks down in the building.
Most importantly, you will enjoy great transport links, closeness to the shopping malls and close proxiity to universities.
For a more affordable option, consider the shared accommodation, where the price will change according to the type of the room.
And if renting a single room for just yourself will be expensive, then you should be willing to share the apartment to save you cost.
Cozy Stay is one of the best share accommodation company in Sydney that can help you find cheap accommodation. The price ranges from AU$180 for a triple room to AU$320 for a single room.
Although this can be a little discomforting, yet sharing a room can be a great way to make friends.
Staying in Homestays
Another option a student can consider is staying in homestays. This type of accommodation is beneficial to most international students.
Staying in homestays will assist you to get familiar with the new culture of Sydney quickly. Also, homestay comes with many packages, such as 2 meals during the week: breakfast and dinner, and 3 meals on the weekends. But this can vary among homestays companies.
Homestays accommodations are generally located about 45 minutes away from school. Because families most likely live in the suburbs, not the city centre. This will not be a big issue since the transportation rate in Sydney is very cheap.
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Also, prepare your mind because you will most likely live with an Australian family with dual citizenship. This occurs often because most Australians come from other countries and become Aussies after living in the country for a few years. As Sydney is the most international city of Australia, you will get used to spending a month with an Australian family with a strong international background.
So when choosing accommodation, it’s important you understand that you will be living with another family that is different from your own.
Although in my own opinion, homestays are the safest accommodation options, it will be a bit costly than the sharing accommodation. For example, the weekly fee to stay with a family registered with the Australian Homestay Network (AHN) ranges from $250 to $300, depending on the package chosen (number of meals).
Factors to Consider When Choosing Student Accommodation in Sydney
You need to consider many factors before choosing any type of student accommodation in Sydney this 2024.
They include:
Proximity to School
The original idea of going for cheap accommodation is to reduce costs. Spending so much on transportation defeats the original intention of the student.
So getting accommodation that is close to your school is very important.
Also, in urgent lectures, the student gets to school on time. And in situations when a student forgets something at home, they can easily get to the house and be back on time.
Finally, the shorter the distance, the lesser money you spend on transportation.
Security
The safety of the student accommodation is paramount. This applies more to international students who are new in the city.
No student wants to lose their life or be endangered. So you need to consider the area that you are choosing and the security in the building.
In addition, the student should have security personnel contacts. If you want to ensure your safety in Sydney, you should look out for all this when choosing your accommodation.
Cost of Accommodation
As a freshman, you will most likely not have a lot of spare cash, then a cheaper accommodation will be the best.
Try working out a budget for the money you’ll need at the end of the month and calculate how much you can afford for your accommodation.
Accommodation Facility
Many students are concerned about having a luxurious student accommodation. While some need a roo to lay their head.
Either way, you need to know what you want your room to look like before you start searching for one. This will help you narrow your options easily.
However, if you want your room to look like the one at home, then the best option to explore is the luxury student apartments at Sydney.
Internet Availability
You will need internet access in university, so check this when selecting a student accommodation in Sydney. Some accommodations offer a lot for those who stay there, so do your research and find the best one for you.
You should also take time to see things like light, water, comfort, and the community.
Following our tips below, you will find Sydney’s best affordable student accommodation.
How Much Does Student Accommodation in Sydney Cost
Sydney has provided different types of accommodation as mentioned above. The type you choose will determine how much you will spend in your accommodation.
Cost of On-Campus Accommodation
The average cost of living on campus at a university in the Sydney ranges from $665 to $1,000 per week. On-campus accommodation is the most expensive option but offers many benefits and amenities.
Living on campus not only means you wake up on your doorstep every day but also saves money on other expenses like food and transportation.
This convenient option means your meals are cooked for you daily, including utilities, and you are likely to travel less than you would if you lived off-campus.
However, you will still have to budget for restaurant meals, healthcare costs, phone bill, and entertainment.
Weekly cost: $665 – $1000
Annual cost: $34,580 – $52,000
Private Student Accommodation Cost
The cost will vary depending on the company and your choice of room. However, it is important to remember that this only includes rent and utilities.
The costs of food, entertainment, catering, telephone and health must also be taken into account.
Student accommodation such as Scape, Iglu, UniLodge, Urbanest, StudentStayAustralia, and Link2 Student Living are great options if you want to stay somewhere in the city centre and near other like-minded students.
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Weekly cost: $195 – $500
Annual cost: $10,140 – $26,000
Moving to a share house (on average) will turn out to be the cheapest option when moving to Australia.
Planning a budget for a share house can be complicated, for example;
- Where is it located?
- How many tenants are you moving in to?
- How old is the house?
Your individual preference over the above factors will affect the price. On average, you can expect to pay between $250- $750 per week in Sydney, considering this does not include your utilities.
Flatmates and Flatmate Finders are popular sites for finding shared accommodation in Sydney and will help you land on the cheaper ($250) end of the rental price.
Weekly cost: $250 – $750
Annual cost: $13,000 – $39,000
Are there Cheap Student Accommodation in Sydney?
The cheapest student accommodation are mostly the shared accommodation.
Cheap student accommodation of one person may be possible but the best is sharing with other students which makes it cheaper.
Students that live together and have a good understanding have benefits of sharing things which makes life easier and helping one another. This may create a friendship that can last for a lifetime.
Sharing a rented apartment costs 380-850 AUD/month unlike individual renting of an apartment that costs 750-1700 USD/month. This makes the sharing of rented apartments cheaper.
Documents to Submit
International students show proof of -/+$21,041, for yearly living expenses.
The total expenditure depends on the student lifestyle. The student can borrow money to present as proof which will be returned later.
This evidence is a prerequisite for all international students.
Where You Can Find Cheap Student Accommodation in Sydney in 2023
Whether you’re moving from overseas, interstate or around the corner from the family home, choosing where to live may be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when starting university.
Here are the best places to find the cheapest accommodation in Sydney this 2024.
- Chippendale – One of Sydney’s newest urban hotspots, Chippendale is a place of creativity, world-class architecture, cool cafes and dessert bars.
- Glebe – A funky village by the bay, Glebe has an abundant range of vegan café fare, three-storey bookstores and stunning harbour views down on Blackwattle Bay.
- Newtown – Newtown has a cheerful contrast of organic coffee shops, vintage thrift stores, grungy political street art, and Nag Champa incense’s inescapable scent.
How to Get the Cheapest Student Accommodation in Sydney Fast
Most students might not have the opportunity to get university accommodation, because they might have applied late to school. While some students prefer to find their own accommodation near the campus, instead of staying inside the university hall.
Whatever the case, you still need to get the cheapest accommodation to save costs. And if you don’t apply fast, you might miss the opportunity of getting comfortable accommodation yet affordable.
Getting student accommodation can be daunting, following this guide will help improve your knowledge of how to get the fastest and cheapest student accommodation.
Apply on Time
On-campus and off-campus student accommodation and even in the surrounding suburbs are extremely popular and they book it on time. Especially at the beginning of the semester.
So you need to start looking at least two or three months before moving in. Because you need time to check a few places before taking any decision.
Look at What You Can Afford
While choosing an accommodation, you must remember that rent will only be one of your expenses. Remember that you must pay for gas, electricity, internet and furniture.
You’ll also need to pay the fee in bulk which covers the rent for four weeks. So if your student accommodation is outside the university, you need to figure out how much it will cost to transport there over the year.
Consider Other Options
Apart from the usually shared and private accommodation, why not investigate some cheap accommodation options near campus like the homestay.
Also, the Purpose Built Student Accommodations or PBSA are great options if you are looking to explore Sydney independently, but want to stay close to the university. Start by checking out
- Sydney University Village
- Urbanest
- Iglu
- Stucco Student Cooperative
- Scape
- UniLodge Broadway
- Castle Student Accommodation
Student boarding houses are also very common around the inner west of Sydney, offering a similar experience when you live on campus. And most of them are run by churches or humanitarian groups.
Here you get to enjoy great offers from them. Start by checking
- Arundel House
- Epworth House
- Flo Harris Lodge
- St Barnabas Terraces
- Xavier House
Ask Questions
Don’t just take up accommodation without asking questions. You can write a list of questions and ask the landlord or property manager.
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Start by asking “Does the rental include utilities or internet access? Are you allowed to have guests? What facilities are shared? (eg, laundry). What about pets, parking, bicycle lockup?
This questions will come in handy when making checking the type of accommodation to choose.
Know your Legal Rights as a Tenant
While applying for any student accommodation, you should be fully aware of your legal right. This is applicable to all international students.
Start by checking out these resources:
- Share Housing Survival Guide
- Fair Trading NSW
- Tenants NSW
- Residential Tenancies Act
- SRC’s legal advice for undergraduate students
- SUPRA’s legal advice for postgraduate students
Look Before Paying
Make sure you thoroughly inspect the facility before paying a deposit or signing a contract. This is most particular in private accommodation.
We advise not to pay money through transfer to someone you don’t know.
Student Accommodation in Sydney FAQs
There are two main basic types of student accommodation in Sydney:
1. On-campus Accommodation and
2. Off-campus Accommodation
The off-campus comprises of Private Student Accommodation, Shared Accommodation, and Staying in Homestays.
There are lots of factors you need to consider before choosing any type of student accommodation in Sydney this 2024.
They include:
1. Proximity to School
2. Cost of Accommodation
3. Security
4. Accommodation Facility
5. Internet Availability
The average cost of living on campus at a university in the Sydney ranges from $665 to $1,000 per week. While the cost for private student accommodation will vary depending on the business and your choice of room. And it ranges from $195 – $500 for weekly cost and $10,140 – $26,000 for an annual cost.
And for the shared accommodation, you can expect to pay on the average between $250- $750 per week in Sydney. This does not include your utilities.
The cheapest student accommodation mostly is those that are shared especially off-campus accommodation.
Cheap student accommodation of one person may be possible but the best is sharing with other students which makes it cheaper.
Here are the best place you can find the cheapest accommodation in Sydney this 2024.
1. Chippendale – One of Sydney’s newest urban hotspots, Chippendale is a place of creativity, world-class architecture, cool cafes and dessert bars.
2. Glebe – A funky village by the bay, Glebe has an abundant range of vegan café fare, three-storey bookstores and stunning harbour views down on Blackwattle Bay.
3. Newtown – Newtown is a cheerful contrast of organic coffee shops, vintage thrift stores, grungy political street art and the inescapable scent of Nag Champa incense.
Getting student accommodation can be daunting, following this guide will help improve your knowledge of how to get the best and cheapest student accommodation fast.
1. Apply on Time: You need to start looking for at least two or three months before moving in. Because you need time to check a few places before taking any decision.
2. Look at What You Can Afford: While choosing accommodation, you need to remember that rent will only be one of your expenses. Don’t forget that you need to pay for gas, electricity, internet, and furniture. Hence, look at what you can afford.
3. Consider Other Options: Apart from the usually shared accommodation and private ones, why not investigate some of the cheap accommodation options near campus like the homestay.
4. Ask Questions: Don’t just take up accommodation without asking questions. You can write a list of questions and ask the landlord or property manager.
5. Know your Legal Rights as a Tenant: While applying for any student accommodation, you should be fully aware of your legal right. This is applicable to all international students.
6. Look Before Paying: Make sure you thoroughly inspect the facility before paying a deposit or signing a contract. This is most particular in private accommodation.
Conclusion
Looking for cheap student accommodation in Sydney is fairly easy if you know where to look and what to look for.
Since we have given you a few student accommodations based on the type for you to begin your search with, we hope you will not find the task of finalizing a student accommodation that is affordable.
References
- residencestyle.com – 5 Things To Consider When Choosing Student Accommodation
- sydney.edu.au – Tips to help you find your own housing
- cohortgo.com – How much it costs to live in Sydney as an international student.
- sydneymovingguide.com – An International Student’s Guide to Finding Accommodations in Sydney
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