Student Accommodation
There are many different types of student accommodation in Australia. Be sure to choose the correct accommodation option to suit your needs and budget. Obviously accommodation in some cities such as Sydney and Melbourne is more expensive than other areas such as the Gold Coast. Below are some of the most common options, as well as an estimate of the associated cost.
Find somewhere to live
Once you have established yourself you might start looking for something a bit more permanent. You could meet people at the Hostel or at your TAFE/ College who need a housemate.
Hostels upon arrival
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Melbourne
- Perth
- Sydney
Homestay
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Melbourne
- Perth
- Sydney
Shared Accommodation
Shared accommodation is by far the most common living arrangement for students in Australia. Many students choose this option, as it provides them with greater freedom than homestay, however they are not locked into any specified length of a contract unlike renting. Under shared accommodation students will be able to rent a room either by themselves or with another person. All occupants will then share the rest of the house. The students will split the bills such as electricity and internet, however it is not uncommon for these bills to be included in the overall rent.
Gumtree.com.au
Flatmates.com.au
Hostels upon arrival
When you first arrive in Australia you will realize there is no shortage of Hostel accommodation. We recommend booking into a Hostel prior to arrival and waiting until you are in Australia to find short term accommodation.
Brisbane
Brisbane, capital of Queensland, is a large city on the Brisbane River. Clustered in its South Bank cultural precinct are the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, with noted interactive exhibitions. Another South Bank cultural institution is Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, among Australia’s major contemporary art museums.
Breeze Lodge
635 Main St, Kangaroo Point, 4169 Brisbane
From $30/ night
Breeze Lodge offers convenient access to transport, with a bus stop directly outside the hostel and a free ferry to Brisbane’s CBD just a 5min walk away. The Hostel offers FREE Wi-Fi, FREE continental breakfast, a self-contained kitchen, vending machines, entertainment areas and an amazing rooftop terrace with amazing views and plenty of space to relax.
Brisbane City YHA
392 Upper Roma St, 4000 Brisbane
From $27/ night
Brisbane City YHA is an award-winning backpackers hostel overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD. Close to major attractions including Suncorp Stadium and South Bank, this backpackers’ hostel offers quality accommodation for budget conscious travellers.
Nomads Brisbane Hostel
308 Edward St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
From $23/ night
Details: Nomads Brisbane Hostel is found in the very centre of Brisbane city opposite Central Station. The rooftop terrace is the place in the Brisbane CBD to catch some sunshine, relax, have a BBQ or just watch the world go.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a metropolitan region south of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast. It’s famed for its long sandy beaches, surfing spots and elaborate system of inland canals and waterways. It’s also home to theme parks such as Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild. Inland, hiking trails crisscross Lamington National Park’s mountain ridges and valleys, home to rare birds and rainforest.
Bunk Surfers Paradise
6 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast 4217
From $26/ night
Only a heartbeat away from the beach. Brand new Hostel with daily activities and nightly events while accommodating you in comfort and class at Queensland’s most iconic beach location.
Backpackers in Paradise
2837 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise 4217
From $29/ night
Fronted by palm trees, this down-to-earth hostel is steps from the Florida Gardens tram stop and 8 km from Sea World. The rooms offer free Wi-Fi and ceiling fans. Amenities include a bar, sauna, tennis courts, an outdoor pool, plus a recreation room with board games and a TV. Free parking is also available.
Budds in Surfers
Budds In Surfers, 6 Pine Ave, Surfers Paradise
From $26/ night
Budds in Surfers is only 100 meters from the beautiful Budds Beach and 200 meters away from the iconic Surfers Paradise beach. The hostel is also a 5-minute walk from the city center and 5 minutes from the transit center.
Melbourne
Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. At the city’s centre is the modern Federation Square development, with plazas, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne – a performing arts complex – and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and indigenous art.
Melbourne Central YHA
562 Flinders St, Melbourne 3000
From $30/ night
Melbourne Central YHA is a trendy backpackers hostel located in the heart of vibrant Melbourne. This Melbourne hostel is ideally situated only minutes walk from Melbourne’s main attractions including Southern Cross Station, Crown Casino, Federation Square and the city’s many hidden laneways filled with famous street art, cafes and unique bars.
United Backpackers
250 Flinders St, 3000 Melbourne
From $33/ night
Offering a 24/7 front desk, United Backpackers is located in Melbourne CBD, directly opposite Flinders Street Station. Guests enjoy free WiFi in public areas. There is a communal TV lounge, a shared kitchen and an onsite bar. All rooms feature lockers, a bedside lamp and secure card access. Some rooms offer private bathroom facilities.
Space Hotel
380 Russell St, Melbourne 3000
From $37/night
Located in the heart of Melbourne CBD. Space Hotel is a merge between up market backpacker accommodation and boutique hotel. With modern designer rooms featuring ipod docking stations, high quality mattresses and flat screen TVs, not to mention spaces to play games, watch movies, work out and lounge around.
Perth
Perth, capital of Western Australia, sits where the Swan River meets the southwest coast. Sandy beaches line its suburbs, and the huge, riverside Kings Park and Botanic Garden on Mount Eliza offer sweeping views of the city. The Perth Cultural Centre houses the state ballet and opera companies, and occupies its own central precinct, including a theatre, library and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Perth City Backpackers Hostel
300 Wellington St, Perth 6000
From $26/ night
Located in the heart of Perth CBD, guests at Perth City YHA enjoy an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Book an activity through the tour desk or have a drink or snack at the café/bar. The property offers air-conditioned private and dormitory-style rooms.
The Shiralee Backpackers
107 Brisbane St, Northbridge 6000
From $30/ night
The Shiralee Backpackers is just a short stumble from the nightlife strip, it provides a clean and safe accommodation for all guests. They have a relaxed atmosphere typical of Northbridge; the heart of Perth’s cultural and entertainment district.
Pirates Backpackers Fremantle
11 Essex St, Fremantle
From $22/ night
Pirates Backpackers is secure & cozy, situated right in the heart of vibrant Fremantle, with the famous Fremantle markets at one end of the street and the Esplanade, Fishing Boat Harbour and the Beach at the other. Pirates is heavily focused on Beach & outdoor activities, including Surfing, Sunset Yoga , Snorkelling trips, Boating, & loads more!
Sydney
Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.
Sydney Harbour YHA
110 Cumberland St, The Rocks, Sydney 2000
From $41/ night
The award-winning YHA hostel combines state-of-the-art facilities with a heritage experience. Free Wi-Fi hotspot, premium Wi-Fi Plus, fully-equipped kitchen and rooftop dining and BBQ area ensure a comfortable stay. Multi-share and double/twin accommodation, all with ensuite and many with magnificent Sydney Harbour and Sydney Opera House views.
Wake Up Sydney Central
509 Pitt Street, Sydney 2000
From $41/ night
Located opposite Central Railway Station, it is set in the heart of Sydney’s backpacking hub, surrounded by nightlife precincts and travel shops. Guests enjoy the convenience of 24-hour reception and a tour desk. Some of the fun free activities include trivia and pizza nights. Onsite Side Bar offers a great party atmosphere, with live DJs & bands.
Bondi Beach Backpackers
110 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach 2026
From $26/ night
The best ocean views at Sydney’s most iconic beach – Bondi Backpackers is the
perfect place to live the Australian beach lifestyle. Experience the culture of Bondi and its surrounds at their waterfront location, mere seconds from the sand. Private and shared accommodation available. Free yoga classes, surfboard hire and more!
Homestay
Homestay allows students to experience real Australian life, as they would be boarding with an Australian family. Many students decide to use Homestay when they first arrive in Australia as it provides them with an opportunity to discover the surrounding areas. It is also a very popular option for younger students.
Homestay
All Homestay families are thoroughly screened by institutions before they are allowed to accommodate students. Many institutions and homestay providers also match their students with the families based on their preferences. So students can specify with whom they would most like to stay.
Throughout the stay, students will be provided with a room and some meals. The family and other students will share the rest of the house, such as the bathroom, living room and kitchen.
Generally speaking the minimum stay for homestay students is at least 4 weeks.
If you are interested in organizing a homestay arrangement, contact your school counselor as soon as possible and they will be able to assist. It is advised that you do this as early as possible, as Homestay arrangements take considerable time to organize. Alternatively, you may be able to organise it through a homestay organiser.
On Campus Student Accommodation
Many universities offer on campus living.
This is a great way as it allows students to live minutes from where their classes are held. In on campus living, students are placed in a fully furnished shared house/apartment with other students and the cost of internet and electricity is usually included in the price.
Students should contact their university councilor to see if your institution offers on campus accommodation.
Brisbane
Homestay options in Brisbane
Student One
363 Adelaide St, Brisbane 4000
Studentone.com
Brisbane’s premium inner-city student accommodation provider, Student One is in the city on Adelaide St and Wharf St with plans to open a third residence on Elizabeth St in 2019. Students will enjoy this inner-city location with access to shops, cafes, food and events. Single or share apartments available.
Urbanest
60 Tribune St, South Brisbane
Urbanest.com.au
If you’re going to live and study in Brisbane, Urbanest at South Bank – the city’s riverside precinct near the CBD – is a brilliant way to do it. The accommodation spaces are colourful and quirky, and there are shared student apartments or single apartments, plus fantastic facilities including an onsite gym, games room, pay-per-wash laundry, iMac zone and outdoor courtyard with barbecues.
PrecinQ
1/316 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Precinq.com.au
PrecinQ offers contemporary accommodation for students in the heart of Brisbane City. Enjoy the privacy of your own studio room and take advantage of the on-site cafe to study over coffee, breakfast, brunch or lunch. PrecinQ is a short stroll to fine dining at Eagle Street Pier and the City Reach Boardwalk.
Gold Coast
Homestay options on Gold Coast
Metro on Central
7 Brown St, Labrador QLD 4215
Metrooncentral.com
Metro on Central is located 2.5km from Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus and Gold Coast hospital, within walking and riding distance or you can catch the bus from Metro. In total, the complex can hold 192 students at any one time.
Nexus Place
131 Currumburra Rd, Ashmore Gold Coast 4214
Nexusplace.com
Nexus Place is a purpose built student accommodation complex near Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus and Ashmore TAFE. Situated in the heart of Ashmore. Nexus Places offers resort style facilities at highly affordable prices. They are also in close proximity to the Southport English language schools.
University Village
96 Edmund Rice Drive, Southport 4215
Griffithuv.com.au
Griffith University Village is all about creating a student experience that’s unique, exciting and unforgettable. Right from the time you check in, there will be great opportunities to meet new people.
Melbourne
Homestay options in Melbourne
Iglu
229 Franklin St, Melbourne VIC 3004
Iglu.com.au
Iglu Melbourne City has pride of place at the centre of the Melbourne action. Whether you want to roll out of bed into campus, drop into the nearby shops or head out for the night- all this is available right on your doorstep. Student living has never been so cool.
Urbanest
316 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Urbanest.com.au/
Urbanest Melbourne Central is located in the heart of Melbourne. Access all areas of Melbourne with Colleges, transport (one block from Melbourne Central Railway Station), public gardens and shopping hubs on your doorstep.
Yarra House
Yarra House, Melbourne Polytechnic Yarra Bend Road, Fairfield VIC 3078
Yarrahouse.com.au
Located right in the heart of Melbourne Polytechnic, Yarra House is your new home away from home. Just minutes from classrooms, lecture theatres, the gym and other campus facilities, there’s no better place to enjoy university life to the fullest!
Perth
Homestay options on Perth
Murdoch University Village
Murdoch University Village, South St, Murdoch WA 6150
Murdochuv.com.au
If you like to be in the centre of it all, you can’t go past life at Murdoch University Village. They’re located right on campus which means no crowded buses to and from College. With stylish, fully furnished apartments and an unbeatable residential life program, this is where you want to be!
ECU Village
ECU Village PO Box 64 Mount Lawley, WA 6050
Ecuvillage.com.au
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or a seasoned student, they’ll have you living it up and exploring the world in no time. From award winning residential life programs to free accommodation across our global network, we’ve got opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
Geraldton
173- 175 Fitzgerald St, Geraldton WA 6530
Durack.edu.au
Geraldton is a vibrant regional city located four hours’ drive north of Perth, and is situated on the historic Batavia coast. They have three campuses situated in Geraldton, including the main hub of Central Regional TAFE at Fitzgerald Street, the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute and Technology Park.
Sydney
Homestay options in Sydney
Iglu Central
1 Regent St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Iglu.com.au
Iglu Central is your new boutique student accommodation where you will hold the entire city in the palm of your hand. Located in Chippendale, an area renowned for hip cafes, bars and restaurants as well as the fantastic Central Park precinct. You will have easy walking access to all the major campuses as well as being able to enjoy exploring the city and beyond with Central Station just around the corner.
Urbanest
483 Wattle St, Ultimo NSW
Urbanest.com.au/
Urbanest provides an excellent range of modern, purpose-built student accommodation in Sydney. Whether you’re looking for a studio, private room or a shared room, urbanest has a selection of options. All conveniently located within easy reach of Sydney’s biggest and best further education establishments.
Scape
267- 269 Abercrombie St, Darlington NSW 2008
Scape.com
Scape is an inspirational place for students to live and work. They’ll make sure you have everything you need to feel safe, calm and at home. You’ll be joining a student community that looks out for one another, throughout your stay and when you leave. And you’ll get that little bit of guidance that will make a big difference, for studies and beyond.