Accommodation in Sydney and NSW

In Australia, there are many different types of accommodation available. You will need to undertake thorough research to find what suits you best. 

The type of accommodation you choose will depend on:

• your age
• your budget
• the location of your campus, and
• access to public transport and amenities.

If you are under 18

In Australia, the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) has specific regulations regarding accommodation and welfare arrangements for students who are under 18 years old. 

If you are under 18 and coming to study at TAFE NSW, visit our under 18 years old accommodation page. 

If you are over 18

Being over 18 years old, you will have more flexibility and options to consider. We will outline some of your options on this page.

Things to think about

• Would you would prefer to live alone or with others?
• What is the distance you would need to travel to your TAFE NSW campus?
• Is the accommodation close to public transport or will you need a car?
• What facilities are close? For example, shopping centres and hospitals.
• Which facilities, such as hospitals, are close by.

To calculate an estimate of living and accommodation costs, visit Study in Australia and Insider Guides.

A homestay involves living with an Australian family in their home and offers a great way to experience the Australian way of life and an opportunity to practice your English language skills.

Your homestay family will provide meals, a bedroom with a study desk and laundry facilities. You are usually asked to help with some household chores.

Our partnerships with homestay providers means we can assist you to find your homestay accommodation. We can also arrange for an airport pickup. 

For more information, you can download our homestay providers' list, or visit their websites:

• Australian Homestay Network
  
• Auzzie Families Homestay Care
  
• Global Experience
  
• Oz Homestay
  
• Study Vision

Fees for your homestay accommodation and airport pickup service need to be paid directly to the homestay provider. 

Details of the fees charged by the homestay provider and their refund policies are listed on their websites. All prices can change without prior notice.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), also known simply as student accommodation, is usually located on or near your study location. Student accommodation providers offer apartments and shared apartments where you have your own bedroom.

Many providers offer additional facilities such as common areas, social events, and after-hours security. Living in purpose-built student accommodation can give you a sense of community and provide opportunities to make friends.

You may also have access to shared facilities such as gyms, pools, BBQs and study areas. Your rent most often includes all utilities.

If you are interested in living in this type of student accommodation, consider a property accredited by the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS).  These properties have been assessed by the Student Accommodation Association (SAA) to meet minimum standards for quality and safety. 

Some student accommodation options in NSW are:

• Iglu

• Aspen

• Scape

• Unilodge

When you first arrive in Australia, you may need to organise short-term accommodation in a hotel, motel or holiday rental while you settle in and familiarise yourself with your local area. 

In these types of rental accommodation you can choose to rent a room or an apartment. In most cases, you will have access to your own bathroom. Please note that private bathrooms may cost more than shared bathrooms. 

Hostels are a more affordable option. In hostels, you can rent a bed (often a bunk bed in a shared room) with a shared bathroom. You also have access to shared living and kitchen areas. Some hostels have male, female and mixed dormitories. Others have private rooms available with shared facilities.

Here are some useful websites for short-term accommodation:

• Hostelworld or Youth Hostels Australia for hostels
• Wotif, Lastminute and Booking.com for hotels and motels, and
• Airbnb or Stayz for holiday rentals.

To calculate an estimate of living and accommodation costs, visit Study in Australia and Insider Guides.

Choosing to rent a house, an apartment or a room within a share house can be cost-effective and give you a social experience within your home.

The cost of your shared accommodation depends on the area you want to live in, and how many people you live with. In a share house you will share the bathroom, kitchen and living areas with others.

Check out these real estate websites that have homes or rooms to rent in NSW:

• Domain

• Flatmate Finder

• Flatmates.com.au

• Gumtree

• Real Estate.com.au

• Rent.com.au

Signing a lease

Signing a lease is an important step when renting a property on your own.

A lease is a binding legal contract between you (the tenant) and the landlord (the property owner). This legal document outlines the responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord. Leases can be signed on your own or with others, and can be arranged privately or through a real estate agent. 

You'll also be required to pay a security deposit or bond. This is most often equivalent to four weeks' rent that is expected to be paid in advance.

 Should there be any repairs needed due to damage caused while you were renting the property, your bond will be held to cover these expenses. Depending on the condition of the property at the end of your lease, you may receive a full or part refund of your bond. 

If you are renting a room in a house, it is recommended you have a Share Housing Agreement. This example of a Share Housing Agreement from the Tenants' Union of New South Wales explains why having a Share House Agreement is a good idea.

Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)

The RTA is a government body that helps tenants with general rental advice about rental properties. 

The RTA has an interpreting service and fact sheets translated into many different languages. If you have problems with your landlord or real estate agent, you can lodge a complaint with the RTA. Through a formal process, the RTA will help you to resolve the problem and arrive at a solution. 

Find out more about what life in NSW is like and find information about transport, safety and working in Australia. 

At TAFE NSW we ensure every international student has the support of an International Customer Experience Coordinator. They can assist you in accessing the right support services.

You can also check out our international student frequently asked questions.