Accomodation
Students studying in Australia have several options for accommodation. Be sure to choose the correct accommodation option to suit your needs and budget. Obviously accommodation in some cities such as Sydney and Melbourne is more expensive than other areas such as the Gold Coast. Below are some of the most common options.
Homestay
Homestay allows students to experience real Australian life, as they would be boarding with an Australian family. Many students decide to use Homestay when they first arrive in Australia as it provides them with an opportunity to discover the surrounding areas. It is also a very popular option for younger students.
All Homestay families are thoroughly screened by institutions before they are allowed to accommodate students. Many institutions and homestay providers also match their students with the families based on their preferences. So students can specify with whom they would most like to stay.
Throughout the stay, students will be provided with a room and some meals. The family and other students will share the rest of the house, such as the bathroom, living room and kitchen.
Generally speaking the minimum stay for homestay students is at least 4 weeks.
If you are interested in organizing a homestay arrangement, contact your school counselor as soon as possible and they will be able to assist. It is advised that you do this as early as possible, as Homestay arrangements take considerable time to organize.
Shared Accommodation
Shared accommodation is by far the most common living arrangement for students in Australia. Many students choose this option, as it provides them with greater freedom than homestay, however they are not locked into any specified length of a contract unlike renting.
Under shared accommodation students will be able to rent a room either by themselves or with another person. All occupants will then share the rest of the house. The students will split the bills such as electricity and internet, however it is not uncommon for these bills to be included in the overall rent.
Renting
Renting may be a good option for any student planning to stay in Australia for more than 6 months. The one major problem with renting is that it requires students to sign a lease for at least 6 months, so they are locked into the terms of the agreement, but all rental leases require students to put down a security deposit or bond upon the commencement of the lease.
On Campus
Many universities offer on campus living. This is a great way as it allows students to live minutes from where their classes are held. In on campus living, students are placed in a fully furnished shared house/apartment with other students and the cost of internet and electricity is usually included in the price.
Students should contact their university councilor to see if your institution offers on campus accommodation.
Find somewhere to live
Finding somewhere to live can be one of the most challenging parts of beginning your working holiday. First and foremost check out online websites such as Gumtree (www.gumtree.com.au).
Another great place to look for rooms are in the local newspapers and on bulletin boards around town.
Many institutions also offer students with advice and assistance in finding accommodation.