Student accommodation options

Choosing the right option for you

There are a number of factors to consider when you’re thinking about a place to live while you’re studying. From living on campus or at home to flatmates and finances, deciding where to live can make a big difference to the experience you have as a student. 

Before you decide

Before you make your decision there are a few questions you should ask yourself to work out what’s most important to you.

• How much can you afford to spend on rent, if any?
• Do you want to cook for yourself or have your meals prepared for you?
• Do you want to be able to walk to classes, or are you happy to drive or take public transport, possibly long distances?
• Are you a fussy person or easy going? Would sharing with strangers be a great adventure or a nightmare?
• How badly do you want to move out of your parent's place? Are you more interested in being independent than having your mum do your laundry?

Living at home

When it comes to saving costs, it’s hard to beat living at home. You already have your room, access to the fridge and if you're lucky, your washing is taken care of as well. Some parents may ask you for nominal rent, but you're still likely to be much better off financially than living on campus or renting a shared house. Of course, unless you happen to live near your classes, you’ll need to pay to get there - whether you're driving or taking public transport. You just have to decide whether the money you’ll save is worth sacrificing some of your independence.

Living on campus

Campus living offers lots of attractive benefits. You are almost always a short walk from your classes, you have a choice of living on your own or sharing with others, and food is generally included in the price. It allows you maximum study time, since you won't have to prepare meals, clean up the kitchen or scrub the toilets. You'll also be living with other students, which is a way to meet new people and it can be a great help if you forgot to take class notes. The downside, of course, is that the costs for this option can add up. So do your research and find out what options are available. There may also be waiting lists for some accommodation, so you may not get into the room, hall or house of your choice.

Sharing a house: the good and the bad

Sharing a house can be a bit of a lottery depending on the housemates you end up with, but it can also be a great way to save money and enjoy your time as a student to the full.

The advantages:

• You can all share the expenses
• It's a parent-free zone, so you'll have the freedom to do what you want, when you want
• It's an affordable way to live in the area you want

The disadvantages:

• You might end up sharing with someone who won’t help out around the house or, worse still, doesn’t always have the money to pay the rent and bills, so choose your flatmates carefully
• It can be cramped and noisy when you're trying to study
• Sharing bills and groceries can become a problem when a flatmate is making lots of phone  calls or eating more than their fair share

Links for student accommodation

If you decide that moving out of home is the right option for you, here are some links to help you find share accommodation:

• Domain.com.au
• Realestate.com.au
• www.flatematefinders.com.au