The Iglu Guide | Blog
What students regret overlooking in a room tour
You’ve checked out the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and furnishings, and it all looks great on your 20-minute room tour. But what would this student accommodation feel like on an ordinary Wednesday? How quickly can you get to your 9am lecture? Where will you grab groceries on the way home? Who will you be sharing your kitchen with? And what happens when the Wi-Fi stops working? Some of the accommodation factors you value most only become apparent after you’ve signed on the dotted line. But there’s much more to finding the best student accommodation in Australia than you’ll find on any room tour. Here’s what you need to think about before you commit.
How long does it take to get to uni?
The property might be advertised as ‘close to university’, but that doesn’t necessarily mean quick or convenient. Use Google maps to check your door-to door journey at specific times of day, and make sure your destination is exactly where you’ll need to be. Universities often have multiple buildings that cover a significant area. Look for public transport routes and don’t forget to consider the less convenient journeys, such as when you’ll need to stay late, or want to go out with friends.
Tip: This research is a great way to compare the benefits of living on or off campus.
What’s it actually like to live in the neighbourhood?
You’re not just choosing a building to live in, you’re choosing a neighbourhood. After your viewing, take some time to walk around the surrounding streets, find your nearest amenities and check out the local vibes. Look for the things that add to your lifestyle such as cafés, gyms, green spaces and proximity to transport. Try and anticipate potential noise levels, and understand whether you can travel safely alone at night. It’s always useful to make a second visit at a different time of day. A Saturday night has a much different feel to a Tuesday lunchtime.
Tip: Living in a central location can make life much easier in those first few months of arriving at uni.
Who are you coming home to?
A room tour is great for showing you the physical space, but it won’t give you any clues as to who you’ll be sharing that space with. If you’re considering shared accommodation, there are some definite pros and cons and it’s worth thinking about your own personal living habits before committing to one or the other. Sharing can provide instant community and an opportunity to meet new friends, which is an appealing prospect for students new to the country. But it’s important to think about what exactly you’re happy to share, a communal kitchen and living room is very different to sharing a bathroom. If you value your own space but enjoy the social benefits of student accommodation, purpose-built student accommodation options like Iglu offer private rooms in shared apartments as well as studio accommodation.
Tip: Remember, managing different personality types and lifestyle choices are all part of the shared living experience.
What happens when you need something?
Everything works on the room tour, but what happens if something goes wrong after you’ve moved in? Make sure you understand who is responsible for maintenance needs. Is there an onsite team available to help, or an external property manager? It’s also important to understand what security measures are in place, and what support is available to you after working hours. Make a list of everyday practicalities that are easily forgotten during a room tour:
- How is WI-FI provided and is it included?
- What communal facilities are provided, such as laundry?
- Where does your mail go?
- Are the facilities easily accessible?
- Is there somewhere secure for your bike?
- How is secure entry managed?
Tip: Having someone available to help onsite can be particularly valuable, especially for international students.
Does it fit the weekly budget?
The weekly rental figure is an important number to know, but it doesn’t always tell the whole story. The question is more around which accommodation option gives you the best value for the way that you want to live. Create a weekly total as this will help you make a fair comparison between different accommodation options, and don’t forget to consider:
- Exactly what’s included in your rent such as Wi-Fi, utilities etc
- Look out for any usage limitations
- Whether the space is furnished or unfurnished
- How your location might impact your budget
- Check for hidden fees or payment schedules
Tip: Don’t underestimate the value of convenience. Having a well-organised accommodation option removes admin and additional costs.
Frequently asked questions
Look past the physical space to your daily commute, the surrounding neighbourhood, who you’ll be sharing with, and what support is available if something goes wrong. A room tour shows you the space on a good day, but it won’t tell you what an ordinary Wednesday will actually feel like.
Check your exact door to door journey time on Google Maps at different times of day, not just the advertised distance. Universities often span multiple buildings across a large area, so it’s worth confirming the walk or transport route matches where your classes actually are.
It depends on your personal living habits and how much space you’re comfortable sharing. Shared apartments offer built in community and a good way to meet people, while studios suit students who want more privacy, and many accommodation providers offer both options under one roof.
It varies by provider, so check whether Wi-Fi, utilities and furnishings are included before comparing weekly rates. Working out a true weekly total, including any hidden fees or usage limits, gives a fairer comparison than the headline rental figure alone.
This depends on whether the property has an onsite team or relies on an external property manager, so it’s worth confirming before you move in. Having support available after hours can make a real difference, particularly for international students settling into a new city.
