RTO CODE: 45775 | CRICOS CODE: 03964A

Live & Study in Australia

Your guide to settling into your new home.
Explore safe, affordable student accommodation options and essential arrival tips for our Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide campuses.

We look forward to supporting you on our vibrant campuses in Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne.

Need Help Finding Accomodation?

Finding comfortable, safe, and affordable accommodation is one of the most important steps when planning your studies in Australia. At Advance Institute Australia (AIA), we understand that settling into a new city—whether Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide—can be both exciting and challenging.

Once your student visa has been granted and you have confirmed your travel dates, you may contact AIA for support with accommodation options.

While AIA does not directly manage housing facilities, we provide detailed guidance to help you make informed decisions based on your preferences, budget, and lifestyle.

Interior of a modern, well-lit student apartment or hotel room with a desk and city view for students living in Australia.

Temporary Accommodation

Temporary accommodation is ideal for students who need a place to stay while they explore long-term options. It is commonly used by newly arriving international students.

Typical temporary accommodation costs (approximate):

Sydney, Melbourne & Adelaide

Single room:
AUD $60 – $120 per night
Shared rooms (4–6 people):
AUD $40 – $100 per person per night

Student-friendly temporary accommodation can be found in:

Temporary accommodation should be booked at least 3–7 days before your arrival, especially during peak periods such as February and July intakes.

  • Student villages and short-stay apartments
  • Budget hotels and serviced apartments
  • Youth hostels (YHA), backpacker lodges, and guesthouses

Long-Term Accommodation

Once settled, most students prefer to find long-term housing located close to their AIA campus. Long-term accommodation options include shared apartments, homestays, rental houses, and student-only residences.

Typical weekly rent (approximate):

Student Apartments / Student Hostels

Single room: AUD $200 – $350 per week
Shared room: AUD $120 – $250 per person per week

Private Rentals (House / Apartment Share)

Private room: AUD $220 – $350 per week
Shared room: AUD $150 – $250 per week

Costs vary depending on location, furnishing, distance from public transport, and included utilities.

A bond deposit of 2–4 weeks’ rent is normally required for long-term leases. This bond is refundable at the end of your rental agreement, provided the property is returned in good condition and all rent is paid.

Homestay

Homestay accommodation allows students to live with a local Australian family, providing a welcoming and culturally immersive experience. This is a popular option for younger students or those wishing to settle into the community quickly.

Typical homestay inclusions:

  • Private or shared furnished bedroom
  • Daily breakfast and dinner (some homestays also include lunch)
  • Bills and utilities included
  • Supportive family environment
  • Reasonable travel distance to AIA campus via public transport

Homestay fees usually range from AUD $300 – $380 per week, depending on meal inclusions and room type.

Airport pickup services may also be arranged for a small additional fee through homestay providers.

Hostels & Guesthouses

Hostels and guesthouses are affordable options for short or medium-term stays. These are operated by reputable organisations such as:

  • YHA (Youth Hostels Association)
  • YMCA / YWCA
  • Private hostel companies

Facilities typically include:

  • Single, double, or shared rooms
  • Shared kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry
  • Social common areas
  • Secure premises
  • Access to public transport

This option suits budget-conscious students who prefer independent living with flexible terms.

Self-Arranged Accommodation

Many students prefer to arrange their own accommodation after arriving in Australia. This option allows freedom to choose a location, style of living, and budget.

Students can search for rental properties and room shares through:

  • Major rental websites
  • Local real estate agents
  • Community noticeboards
  • Social media groups
  • Local newspapers

Helpful websites include:

  • Gumtree (rooms & share houses)
  • Realestate.com.au (rentals & share accommodation)
  • Flatshare.com.au (students & young professionals)
  • Flatmates.com.au (shared living)

When inspecting properties, students should:

  • Check if rent includes electricity, water, gas, and internet
  • Review the rental agreement carefully
  • Confirm the bond amount and payment schedule
  • Inspect room conditions and shared facilities
  • Ensure proximity to public transport and amenities

Tips & Important Advice for Students

  • Shared accommodation is the most common choice for students due to affordability and flexibility.
  • Rental agreements typically require a minimum lease of 6–12 months, though shorter stays may be available in student residences.
  • Always check additional utility costs before signing any lease.
  • Keep records of all payments, agreements, and inspection reports.
  • Never sign a contract or make payments without inspecting the property (or having a trusted person inspect on your behalf).
  • For independent rentals, you may need to organise your own flatmates.
  • Real estate agents in any city can help you locate suitable rentals.

Ongoing Support

AIA is committed to ensuring all students feel safe, comfortable, and supported while studying in Australia. Our Student Services Team can help you:

  • Understand your housing options
  • Connect with reputable accommodation providers
  • Learn about tenancy rights and responsibilities
  • Find temporary housing upon arrival
  • Settle into long-term accommodation

For further accommodation assistance, students are encouraged to contact AIA Student Services before or after arriving in Australia.

Keep updated with our
latest information

Sign up to our Newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Get in Contact with Us

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)