This is the most popular option for new commencing students to a University. On-campus accommodation are usually managed by the University and are just walking-distance to the campus. As this is a very popular option for students, it is highly recommended to submit an application as early as possible and yes, you can apply for an accommodation at the same time you apply for admission to the university.

However, it is important to note that not all institutions offer on-campus accommodation.

Key features

• Residential Colleges usually organise various social activities such as barbeques, excursions or movie nights which residents are expected to participate in. It is a sure way to make new friends, especially if you are going overseas all by yourself.
• It is very safe. Many colleges are armed with security facilities or on-site security personnel to offer assistance.
• Most meals will be provided, thus saving you the hassle of doing your own cooking. Special diets (eg. Halal meals or vegetarian) may be available.
• The fee you pay will usually consist of a fixed number of meals and there is no refund for unconsumed meals. Always remember to request for take-away if you are going to spend lunch in school.
• Some colleges only offer shared rooms, especially for new undergraduate students. Thus, you may end up with a roommate whose snoring can be your lullaby.
• Private rooms may be available. However, you will need to share the common living room, kitchen or even bathroom. Depending on the college, some do come with private bathrooms.
• While cleanliness of common areas is usually managed by the college , students are expected to keep their own rooms clean.
• The tenancy lease period is usually fixed. Students who arrive much earlier will need to make their own arrangements prior to the lease start date.
• Students usually apply to stay for up to a year and will need to re-apply to stay the following year.
• Comparatively, the fee can be slightly more expensive than other types of student accommodation.

Privately-managed student accommodation are open to all students regardless of the institution they will be studying at. However, this type of accommodation is managed by a profit organisation and are usually not affiliated to the institutions. As they need to cater to a wider range of students, you will find most of these private student accommodation in highly-accessible centralised areas.

Key features

• Depending on the accommodation provider, some have fixed lease dates, whereas some offer flexible lease dates. Short stay may also be available.
• The accommodation providers do organise students’ activities for students to participate in.
• Most of the providers have security features such as access card entrance, however, most do not have a security personnel on duty 24/7.
• Cleaning services can be purchased
• Most do not provide any meals, however there will be a common kitchen where you can do your own cooking.
• There are several different room types, from 6-bedded shared rooms to private en-suites. Needless to say, you pay for what you get.
• There are also many facilities such as gym, study areas, TV room, gaming room etc.

Some popular private student accommodation (click on the logos to find out more):-

This is a sure way to immerse yourself into the Australian culture by staying with a local host. Australians are very friendly people and in order to become a host family, they must pass stringent checks by the relevant authorities.

Key features

• Every host family is different and has its own set of rules to ensure the well-being of the student. It is important that you respect those rules and family culture. This is, afterall, for the benefit of everyone living in the same house.
• Special requests such as staying with a halal family or want to be within walking distance to the school can be put in when requesting for a homestay. However, not all requests can be acceded to.
• It is difficult to match a homestay very close to where you are studying, thus a reasonable request would be to stay near the train station or a common bus stop.
• Usually there are no fixed lease to a homestay, students can request to move out by giving adequate notice of about 1 month.
• A fixed number of meals are usually included and students can do simple cooking.

This is another popular option for senior students who have become more familiar with living there, have made close friends and would like more independence. These students typically rent the entire house/apartment with friends. You get your own private room and the entire house is shared only your friends and yourself.

Key features

• This option is comparatively cheaper if you are sharing the house with a few of your friends.
• Students are responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the premise. Utility, internet etc. are not included in the rent and students will need to apply for and manage these by themselves.
• Be sure to inspect the house before you sign the lease agreement. For new students opting for this option, they are encouraged to arrive 1-2 weeks earlier to start house-hunting property agents there. You can however start doing your homework by looking at online property sites, such as realestate.com.au.
• There is usually a minimum lease of 6 months to 1 year and 1 month’s bond deposit, which will be returned upon the end of the lease, is also required.