Australia offers a variety of student accommodation arrangements to suit all budgets. Many universities provide temporary housing on arrival while you determine which option you prefer. Australian’s generally pay for accommodation on a weekly basis thus the prices below are listed as such.
Home stay, US$75-$185 per week
This involves living with a local family. Some institutions maintain a register of families prepared to board international students. Meals are normally included in the cost, but self-catering (meals not included) arrangements are sometimes available.
Full room and board, US$35-$110 per week
In a "full board" arrangement you would find a room yourself and negotiate personally with the landlord about the standard of accommodation and the meals you require.
Hostels and guesthouses, US$55-$95 per week
Hostels are run by organizations such as the YMCA. They tend to have shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Shared accommodation, US$35-$110 per week
Many students choose to share accommodation to save money. Shared accommodation is usually advertised on student notice boards and in local newspapers. In this type of arrangement you have your own room and share communal areas, responsibility for household chores and other expenses with your student housemates.
Rental accommodation, US$50-$240+ per week
Rents vary dramatically across Australia with Sydney and Melbourne having some of the most exclusive and expensive rental properties. When renting a house or apartment, landlords require that rent be paid in advance along with at least one months rent as a deposit. You can rent accommodation by yourself or with family and friends.
University Apartments, US$85-$140 per week
Postgraduate students and married students usually have access to this type of self-contained, fully-furnished accommodation at universities.
University residential colleges, US$55-$170 per week
Residential colleges are generally owned and managed by organizations that are independent from the universities. Colleges provide accommodation and meals along with cleaning services. They also organize sporting, social activities and tutoring, and often have their own libraries.
University halls of residence, US$55-$100 per week
Halls of residence are located on or near university campuses and are cheaper than residential colleges. Students may find them to be an attractive alternative. Although meals and some cleaning services are provided, they can also be self-catering (meals not included). Only full-time students are accepted and not all of the same services offered by residential colleges are provided.
Self-managed on-campus housing, US$30-$55 per week
These are mostly associated with universities outside the bigger cities. They generally contain between six and twenty single rooms plus a communal kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and lounge facilities. The premises are cleaned and maintained by the university. Costs are usually lower than at residential colleges. This option also allows students a greater degree of independence.