Accommodation in the Australia for Indian Students
1. Home stay includes:
- Airport pickup
- A furnished room in the home of your host
- Properly arranged meals
- All utilities
- Welcome and orientation
- Home stay agent support
- Cultural exchange with your host family
2. Residential Colleges:
For international students, living on or near campus in a residential college is a popular choice. This is also one of the easiest and convenient options to stay in Australia. The cost of residential college apartments vary. However, you can expect to pay somewhere between AUD $200 and AUD $750 including utilities weekly.
- All meals
- Weekly room clean
- Fully-furnished bedroom
- Easy access to library facilities
- Tutors and Wi-fi
3. Managed student accommodation offers:
Managed Student Apartments: These are purpose built accommodations where the entire block is dedicated to the housing of 100 – 400 students. There are single or twin rooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen. Sometimes rooms are even shared amongst 4 or 5 students. The cost depends from apartment to apartment. You can expect to pay somewhere between AUD $200 and AUD $500 per week. This includes utilities such as power, gas, water and internet.
Managed student accommodation offers:
- All utilities including internet
- Furnished bedroom with a wardrobe, chair, study desk, bed and mattresses.
- 24-hour security and on-site staff support
- Studies, social events and activities
- Communal laundry facilities
- Kitchen and bathroom with major appliances
- Air conditioning and heating
- Study areas
- Recreation areas like cinema rooms, gyms, table tennis, gaming, television, BBQs, etc.
4. Private Rental:
This is the best accommodation option for International students who want to immerse themselves in the Australian culture. You can live with your friends or alone, according to your preference. These are inexpensive options compared to other forms of accommodations. The cost of a rental apartment varies. You can expect to pay around AUD $100 and AUD $500 per week. However, you will have to pay for food and utilities yourself. Moreover, there is usually no furniture available, so you will have to bring your own furniture. Rental agreements need a payment of rent in advance and the security payment known as a bond. The bond is a payment of one month’s rent paid up-front. You have to pay bills for gas, water and electricity separately.
5. Halls of Residence:
These accommodation options are affiliated with or owned by institutions. They are either located on campus or close to it. International students can rent a single bedroom and share facilities such as a kitchen, bathrooms etc. However, there are also certain institutions that provide apartment-style rooms with private kitchens and bathrooms. The utilities like gas, water, and electricity are included in the fees. Students will also have free internet access in their rooms. The rates of Halls of Residence start from AUD $320 and lead up to AUD $ 1,000/month.
Features:
- Self-catering facilities
- Shared bathrooms, kitchens and recreational areas
6. Hostel Accommodation:
This is a popular option for students who are moving overseas to study. It is a good short-term option for students until the find some permanent place to live. There are 2 types of hostel accommodations to choose from:
Backpacker Hostels: Backpacker hostels are home-away-from-home. This accommodation option offers a relaxed and vibrant party atmosphere for students. There are several categories of backpacker hostels — some offer higher services like free breakfast, freebies and free airport pick-up, whereas some others only offer basic services.
Cost: Depending on the type of hostel you choose, it will be around AUD $90 to AUD $150 per week.
7. Temporary Accommodations:
Before you arrive in Australia, you must make arrangements for temporary accommodation so that once you reach Australia, you can look for a suitable property in person. You can organize temporary or short-term accommodation for at least 3 to 4 weeks while looking for permanent housing options and becoming familiar with the new city. Do not arrange for private or permanent accommodation without seeing the property. It is vital that you inspect the property from inside before renting it.
Cost: The cost of temporary accommodation in Australia is between AUD 90 – 150 per week.
Note: If your institution offers temporary accommodation, check out its website or contact support staff to get more details.
8. Move-in With Family or Someone You Already Know:
If you already have reliable contacts, such as family or relatives living in Australia who have a place for you, then it is always a great idea to stay with them. This is a perfect way to build social connections outside the university campus and enjoy an independent life. However, you may miss the opportunity to experience the fun and social element of living in student accommodation.
Note: In order to be approved to host you, family members or friends will have to undergo a few checks, which may also include a police inspection.
Weigh up Advantages & Disadvantages: After considering each option, look for the advantages and disadvantages of each accommodation. For example, you may get a share house with friends, but it may not be good for you in an academic sense. Also, on-campus accommodations can be quite expensive and may not give you a sense of freedom.
Links for Accommodation:
Homestay Network: www.homestaynetwork.org
Homestay: www.homestay.com/australia
Flatmates.: www.flatmates.com/au
Gumtree (same as Craigslist): www.gumtree.au
Airbnb (choose rent or share): www.airbnb.com/au
Domain (choose rent or share): www.domain.com.au
Semester in Australia: www.semesteraustralia.com
Campus Living Villages: www.campuslivingvilliages.com/au
