The Iglu Guide | Blog
How to inspect your student accommodation from overseas
After some hard core student accommodation deep diving, you’ve finally found the place that’s right for you. There’s only one problem: you’re thousands of miles away, and have no idea if what you’re seeing, is actually what you’re getting. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Choosing and booking your ultimate student accommodation from afar is much more common than you think, and there’s some really simple tips and tricks out there that can help you overcome the challenges.
1. Challenge: You can’t physically inspect the room
The trick: Build your own virtual inspection
It’s time to set the internet to work. Don’t rely on the main property photos alone, they are always going show the accommodation off from the very best angles. Combine virtual tours, videos, floorplans and room specifications from as many different sources as you can gather, and zoom in on those practical details:
- How much storage is there?
- Is there a desk provided?
- How light is the room?
- Are the kitchen and bathroom facilities suitable?
- Is the furniture up to scratch?
Always ask for images that reflect your room spec, and request additional dimensions if anything is unclear. Check whether images are of the exact room type, or are truly representative. Ask for dimensions or additional images if something isn’t clear straight away. Use this information to compare different room types and understand whether you prefer private or shared accommodation. International students often prefer purpose-built student accommodation as it provides safe, supported independence along with a built-in student community.
2. Challenge: You don’t know the neighbourhood
The trick: Take yourself on a virtual walk
The internet really is your best friend right now. Use Google Street View to take yourself exploring, and have a good wander around the local streets nearby your accommodation. You’ll be able to map out your route to university, check out the local supermarket, cafés and gyms, and find out where your nearest public transport is. Be accurate with your timings, as this will help you understand true travel times, rather than just distance. Find out what the area is like at night in terms of safety and security, and whether it’s appropriate for how you live. This type of accommodation research will give you a great snapshot of local student life.
3. Challenge: You can’t tell what the accommodation is like beyond photos
The trick: Investigate the experience
It’s all very well browsing through a glitzy website, but how can you tell what’s really going on? Whilst professional photography will certainly show you the fixtures and fittings, there are plenty of other sources where you can find out what the true student experience is like. This is a really important exercise for international students arriving without an established network.
- Search online for the provider’s social channels and see what’s happening in terms of student satisfaction, events and everyday activities
- Check student reviews and look for recurring themes, rather than individual comments such as safety, convenience, facilities etc
- Explore what communal facilities and study spaces are actually available
- Consider how easy it will be to meet people when you first arrive
4. Challenge: Making true cost comparisons from overseas
The trick: Create a life-for-like comparison
Comparing weekly rental costs won’t give you the full picture when it comes to budgeting for your accommodation. Instead, create a simple comparison for every property you’re considering and make sure you include rent, utilities, Wi-Fi, furniture, laundry and transport costs alongside your weekly rent. Don’t forget to factor in things that you can’t necessarily put a price on, like convenience or community, especially if you’re a new arrival to Australia. Remember to also check payment schedules, contract lengths and cancellation conditions. This is a good way to work out cost efficiencies which can influence your decision-making, such as whether to target all-inclusive accommodation options, or try out independent rentals.
5. Challenge: Trusting what you’re booking
The trick: Do the three-point verification test
The property: Can you verify the address, facilities and accommodation online?
The provider: Is there an established website, clear contact information, reviews and a genuine online presence?
The booking: Are the contract, costs, payment process and cancellation terms clearly explained?
Before handing over any money, you need to ensure you have done these three important checks. Watch out for any red flags such as information sent directly and only by an individual, or any pressure to transfer money quickly. Contact the provider directly if you have any doubts, and check with security and on-site support if you need help after you have arrived.
Remember, distance doesn’t have to mean guesswork
Using these tricks, it’s still entirely possible for students to carry out a thorough inspection without physically being on the ground. Never be afraid to ask questions, and never make assumptions. PBSA buildings like Iglu are developed specifically to provide student-focused facilities, and are designed to support many of the uncertainties that international students face when booking overseas.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, booking student accommodation from overseas is common practice for international students. Combining virtual tours, floorplans, reviews and provider verification checks can give you a clear and reliable picture before you commit.
Check the provider’s social channels, student reviews and communal facilities to understand the everyday experience of living there. Recurring themes in reviews, such as comments on safety or convenience, tend to be more reliable than one-off comments.
Run a three-point check on the property, the provider and the booking process itself. Verify the address and facilities, confirm the provider has an established website with clear contact details and reviews, and make sure the contract, costs and cancellation terms are explained clearly before you pay.
Be cautious of listings where information comes only from an individual rather than an official provider, or where you feel pressured to transfer money quickly. Always contact the provider directly if something feels unclear, and check with onsite support once you have arrived.
Purpose-built student accommodation is generally designed with international students in mind, offering established support systems and verified information. This can make the remote booking process more straightforward compared with independent rentals.
