In this article we would like to explore some of the options available when looking for an accommodation. We would also suggest the best possible solutions to suit your needs.

Renting your own place

As an international student starting a degree course, taking up English as a new language or planning to take up a course at TAFE, you would be spending a considerable amount of time in Australia.

There is a variety of options available, such as houses/apartments/ units etc.

 Living by yourself

 You can rent a studio which is a self-contained small apartment. It combines the living room, bedroom and kitchenette into a single unit, barring a bathroom.  It is usually for single occupancy, but even couples or two flat mates can live in a studio apartment quite comfortably.

 If you are intending to live in studio with another person, you should consider if your partner or flat mate is fussy or particular about certain things. You will essentially be living in a huge room together and difference or minor petty issues could strain your relationship.

Studios cost from A$250-400 per week depending on area and building.

One bedroom apartment

If your partner/ flat mate is fussy or you need more space, a one bed-room apartment may be a suitable alternative.

This accommodation setting is more expensive at around A$300$-450 per week (p/w) But could be more comfortable for a couple or two friends.

One bedroom apartments usually contain a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom.  Living room is separate from bedroom by door so while your friend is sleeping you can watch TV or study in another room behind closed door.

The best alternative for couples or group of friends   

Perhaps you already have a regular click consisting of a few couples or some close friends.

In this case the best option would be a two or three bedroom apartment which could cost anywhere between A$650-1000 p/w. It could add up to a substantial amount, but if the cost is shared among 4-5 people, this accommodation option could be the cheapest alternative yet.  These type of accommodation usually consist of two or three bathrooms, big living room and a large kitchen in addition to however many bedrooms you require. 

In this kind of accommodation you could possibly have more fun and not feel lonely. But there may also be more friction as more people live together. It could be wise to come up with a chores list to keep the place clean as cleaning a large apartment/ house is not an easy.

If you are sociable person and love the city, the best option could be a city apartment

Advantages are:

-if you study in the city, staying in the city is definitely more convenient

-If you like party you will be glad to be a few minutes from home especially after a Friday or Saturday night out

-There are a lot of students also living in the city and you will have opportunity to meet new people

Disadvantages are:

-If the city doesn’t sleep, you would expect crowd and noise ongoing for 24/7.  Sleep could be affected if you are a light sleeper as loud sirens from Police cars, fire brigade and ambulances are common even deep into the night

-Busy and rush hours can be a real headache

- You will also have the tendency to spend more money because of the abundance of good restaurants and chill out places etc.

If you like your peace and quiet, staying in the suburbs would the best option:

Advantages are:

- Quiet and close to parks

- Lesser restaurants and chill out places could mean a less likelihood of spending more money

-You can enjoy your own swimming pool (some houses in Australia has swimming pools)

-More convenient to have a BBQ in the comfort of your own backyard

 Disadvantages are:

-It could possibly take you a long time to get to city by public transport

-You might also have to pay more for public transport

- It could get slightly dull without the hustle and bustle of city life

Starting the rent process

Renting your own place can be awesome but before you do, you would have to apply and this can sometimes be difficult. The key is to be patient and not give up.

During the renting process you have to follow certain rules.

Bond

Bond is money which is forfeitable in the event that you spill red wine on the carpet, or break the washing machine etc. If you upkeep the place well, you will be refunded 100% of the bond money when you leave the place.

Bond is usually four weeks if you renting an unfurnished place or six weeks if you are renting a furnished place. 

You would also be required to pay the bond in addition to your first month’s rental. So for example if the rent of apartment is A$400 p/w, you have to pay 4 weeks or 6 weeks X 400$ as bond and 4 X 400$ as rent in advance.

If you rent a place from an agency, you will be made to sign a contract for at least 6 months. If both the tenant and landlord are happy, extending a contract is usually not a problem.

You will be asked to provide the relevant documents:

-Pay slips from your work

-Bank statement

-Australian driver license

-Passport

-Student card ID

-References from people who know you (Could be your boss from work or teacher, or a friend but remember -> …… skip to another page about using Australian referees)

-Bills and receipts from the place you were previously renting (If applicable)

This is a list of standard documents required although some agencies may omit certain documents.

Remember that as an International student, you could have a lesser chance than say an Australian person working full time, but do not give up. Be patient and apply for another place if you are not successful.

( If you have had any interesting experiences or you would like to share your prior knowledge, please write to the istudent team and we will contact you immediately)