The Iglu Guide | Blog
Should you change your student accommodation through your studies?
Heading to university marks a big shift for most students, and where you choose to live will have a significant impact on the overall experience. But here’s the thing: the type of student accommodation you looked for in your first year might not suit quite so well as you progress through your studies. You might find you need more space, greater independence, more time to study, or better access to facilities. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, from O-week through to finals, here’s what you need to think about at each stage of your student experience.
First year students
Community and connection
The first year of university is all about transitioning into student life – settling in, making new friends, and creating that all-important community network are right at the top of the list. Developing a solid and supportive social framework not only helps that transition, it can also have a positive impact on your academic output: the happier you feel, the better you will thrive. This can be particularly difficult for international students also navigating cultural and language differences in a new academic setting.
Adjusting to independent living
First year students often prioritise accommodation that offers a safe and secure environment, built-in social opportunities, and good proximity to campus and amenities. Many new students also choose purpose-built student accommodation when they first start out, rather than private rentals, or on-campus accommodation. Well-located with an instant social circle, this structured and supportive environment is the perfect way to adjust to independent living. The proximity to uni campus, amenities and transport options is especially helpful for international students.
Explore some first-year friendly PBSA locations
Iglu Broadway
Iglu Melbourne City
Iglu Brisbane City
The middle years
More independence, more choice
Now that you have a whole academic year under your belt, your thoughts might be turning towards gaining greater independence. You’re probably quite comfortable living away from home, you’ve found your crowd and you’re on top of your study routine. It could be the right time to think about experiencing the space and freedoms that come with shared housing. This stage is really more about managing shared responsibilities such as a housing lease and utility bills, balancing the budget and establishing mature routines that support study and social life. It can work very well as long as expectations are clear from the get-go.
New experiences with shared housing
Shared housing can be a great experience, and what you may lose in terms of proximity and convenience, you can certainly gain in exploration and experiences. It’s an opportunity to discover different parts of the city and meet a new set of people. There are definitely some challenges to consider such as location, social isolation, and privacy concerns, but as long as you go in knowing what to expect, there won’t be any surprises. The trick is to get your search started early so you have the pick of the bunch.
The final and postgrad years
Focus, space and flexibility
By the time you get to your final or postgrad year, your priorities may have shifted once more to focus on minimising distraction and maximising convenience. Noise levels, commute times and amenities start to matter more. With a heavier workload and more academic pressure, students are keen to reduce stress and protect wellbeing with a well-located and comfortable environment.
Combining academic success with stress-free living
Many final year students choose to return to purpose-built student accommodation as they focus on getting the results that count. Combining accessibility and convenience, PBSAs keep students well-located for university life, but without the worry and admin burden that comes with shared living accommodation. Facilitating a lifestyle that supports both academic success and independent living, PBSA is a popular choice for this university stage.
Is it time to move?
Accommodation choice is different for every student. Try and think beyond the immediate, and plan for what your needs might look like in the future. It’s about matching your accommodation to your academic and personal goals. If you’re ticking more than 2-3 boxes on this checklist, it could be time to make a change.
- I need more privacy or quieter nights
- My commute is eating into study time
- My lifestyle has changed (more work, postgrad study, stressed)
- My priorities have changed
- I need more independence
- I have too much life admin
- I need more on-site support
Frequently asked questions
It can, though it’s different for every student. Some find that one type of accommodation suits them throughout their entire degree, while others find their needs shift as their studies progress. It’s worth thinking beyond the immediate and considering what your lifestyle and priorities might look like in the future — the best approach is to think ahead and choose accommodation that suits your preferences most.
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is a popular choice for first years. It offers a safe, secure environment with built-in social opportunities and easy access to campus, transport, and amenities. The structured, supportive setting makes it easier to adjust to independent living — particularly for international students navigating a new city, culture, and academic environment at the same time.
After your first year, once you’re comfortable with independent living and have found your social circle, shared housing can be a great next step. It offers more independence, a chance to explore different parts of the city, and the experience of managing real-world responsibilities like a lease and shared bills. Starting your search early and setting clear expectations with housemates from the outset will make the experience much smoother.
By the final or postgrad years, priorities often shift back to minimising distraction and maximising convenience. PBSA is well-located for campus, removes the admin burden of private rentals, and supports a lifestyle focused on academic success and wellbeing. When study demands are at their highest, a low-stress living environment can make a real difference to both performance and peace of mind.
Absolutely. PBSA is a great fit for international students at any stage. It offers a ready-made community, proximity to campus and amenities, and a structured environment that eases the transition into a new academic and cultural setting. Having that support network on your doorstep can make a significant difference when you’re also adjusting to language differences and an unfamiliar city.
