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If you've chosen your course and institution, the next step is to start thinking about your accommodation options. For some students, the decision to remain at home is simple. If you can get from bed to a lecture theatre in less than an hour, there's little motivation to fend for yourself and leave the comfort of your childhood home. But for many others, such as students who need to relocate to study, there is greater need to move.
Keep in mind that most institutions will have accommodation services to help you. They will provide information on the range of accommodation options and their associated costs, give you access to student housing databases and help you prepare to make the move.
Note that Australian residents who are full-time students may be eligible for financial assistance such as Rent Assistance and Relocation Scholarships through the Department of Human Services. These can ease the financial burden of relocating, especially if you're from a regional or rural area.
In this section we cover:
To get you thinking, here we discuss some of the most popular accommodation options for students:
These are usually affiliated with or owned by an institution and are located on campus or close to it. Students usually rent a single bedroom and share facilities like bathrooms and kitchen facilities, although some institutions may provide apartment-style rooms with private bathrooms and kitchenettes.
All utilities (electricity, gas and water) are included in the fees, and internet access is usually provided in each room, although this may not be included in the cost of the room. Colleges tend to offer a range of student services such as daily meals in a formal dining room and academic tuition, while residences may offer students more independence, often giving students the ability to make their own meals in shared kitchens.
Note that prices vary greatly depending on both the institution and location (metropolitan compared to regional, for example). Contact your chosen institution's accommodation service for a price guide.
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College apartments provide students with a more independent style of living than university colleges or halls of residence. Apartments are generally self-contained and include a kitchen, bathroom and small living area. Utilities may or may not be covered in the rental costs and you may have to pay extra for internet and phone services. You may find that some apartments are affiliated with institutions, while others are privately owned.
Costs vary greatly. Contact your chosen accommodation provider for a price guide.
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This involves renting a room in a private home and sharing with the existing owners (usually a family). You will usually have your own bedroom and share most facilities. Meals may be provided.
The cost of homestay varies greatly. Contact your institution for information about pricing and what you can expect.
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This may involve moving out on your own or into a shared house or flat with friends (or even strangers). You can find share houses through word of mouth, real estate websites, newspapers or on student noticeboards on campus.
The cost of rental accommodation varies greatly depending on your location, as well as the type of accommodation you choose (a house or apartment, for example). Visit real estate websites and the Study destinations section for an indication of costs in the areas you are considering.
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Hostel accommodation is a popular option for students who are moving from a regional area, interstate or overseas to study. They often provide a good short-term option until something more permanent can be arranged.
Hostels generally provide a furnished bedroom with access to a shared bathroom and kitchen, laundry, lounge area and recreation facilities (such as pool tables and arcade game machines). You may find that meals are provided, although this is not always the case. There is sometimes the option to stay in dorm-style or twin-share rooms, and short-term rental options are generally available.
The price of hostel accommodation depends both on location and the types of services provided. You can also expect to pay more for private or twin-share rooms than the dorm style of accommodation. Contact hostels in the areas you are considering, but also have a chat to the accommodation service at your institution as they will be able to point you in the right direction.
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Favoured by many students, living at home is the cheapest accommodation option. Although your parents may ask that you make a contribution for board once you are out of school, it is likely that this is still a more attractive option than forking out for on-campus accommodation or a private rental.
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Before you decide on your accommodation, ask yourself the following questions:
Is location important?
One of the most important considerations (and most practical) is location. Do you want to live in the city or in the suburbs? Do you want to be able to walk to campus or are you happy to drive or take public transport?
Does your accommodation option suit your lifestyle?
This is a simple enough question, but it's important to consider how your accommodation option will fit into your lifestyle. For example, you might reconsider a share house or college if you love nothing more than peace, quiet and time to yourself. You may also have a think about specific requests you have, such as being able to walk to the train station.
Can you afford it?
While your capacity to pay for accommodation will depend on your individual financial situation, you should consider whether the option you are choosing is within your budget (and if it's feasible over a long period). Be wary of choosing something at the very top end of the scale, as this can make life very difficult if a large expense suddenly comes up, such as major car repair, or if you need to take time off from paid work to make time for exam study.
Is it something you want to commit to?
When choosing your accommodation, consider whether it's something that you want to commit to (whether you are signing a lease, an agreement with your institution or otherwise). This includes considering (and reconsidering) the people you choose to live with if you've decided on share accommodation, as well as having a thorough think about the features of each property you look at, especially if you've had to make some sacrifices in the name of budgeting.