The Iglu Guide | Blog
Student accommodation vs Homestay: Which is better for international students?
Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions to make when moving to study in Australia. Your student accommodation plays a huge role in shaping your experience, from your daily routine, and how you study, right through to your academic success and your social life. It plays a big hand in how well you might settle into student life overseas, but understanding exactly what that might mean can be different for everyone. Whether you’re planning on living in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, let’s take a closer look at what sort of accommodation might suit you the best.
What are the options?
Two popular options for international students include purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and homestay. Both offer completely different experiences, and the right answer will really depend on your personal preferences, budget and lifestyle. A homestay is a type of student accommodation where you live with a local Australian host or family while studying. PBSA buildings like Iglu are built to suit the modern student. Well-located for transport and university buildings, they offer private and shared accommodation options along with a supportive environment that is popular with overseas students.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, while some students value cultural immersion, others prefer independence and community. Understanding the differences is a good way to decide for yourself.
Location
Homestays are often located in more residential and suburban areas, which may mean a longer commute to campus and less time to spend with other students. However, this is also a good opportunity to experience local Australian life.
PBSA buildings are generally located close to universities, transport, cafés and supermarkets and are often in popular student precincts. This makes it easier to attend classes, integrate into uni life, meet friends and make the most of living in a new city.
Independence
Homestays offer a more structured living environment, which is ideal for students who might appreciate this type of arrangement when settling into a new country. Living with a host family often means following household routines and respecting shared expectations, which can provide reassurance but may also limit personal freedom.
In contrast, PBSAs are designed to encourage independence. Students manage their own schedules, meals and daily routines, while enjoying the support of an on-site team if needed. This type of supported independence can help international students develop confidence and life skills as they progress through their studies. With a range of room types available, PBSAs also offer flexible living arrangements depending on your needs.
Social structure
Social connectivity makes a big difference when studying in a new country. In a homestay, social support often comes primarily from your host family, where you have the chance to build a close relationship and experience truly local culture. However, it may limit opportunities to meet other students.
PBSA is designed to encourage personal interaction with shared kitchens, study spaces and communal areas. This makes it easier to build relationships. Organised social events also encourage students to connect through shared experiences, helping many international students find lasting friendships. This type of built-in community provides invaluable support as students progress through their learning.
Privacy
Privacy is an important consideration when choosing student accommodation. In a homestay, you’ll usually have your own bedroom but will share living areas, bathrooms or kitchens with your host family. This creates a welcoming environment, but may offer less personal space than you would like.
In PBSA, privacy levels vary depending on the room type you choose. Studio apartments provide a completely self-contained living space, while shared apartments offer a private bedroom with an en-suite alongside shared kitchens and lounges. This allows students to enjoy their own space while still having opportunities to socialise with others.
Safety and security
Feeling safe is essential when studying overseas. Homestays provide a secure home environment where students benefit from the support and local knowledge of their host family. This can be especially reassuring for first-time international students.
PBSA is also designed with student safety in mind. All Iglu buildings offer secure building access, CCTV and 24/7 onsite support from staff members and Resident Leaders. Additionally, the central locations are designed to make life easy and facilitate a safer lifestyle.
Language practice
Living in a homestay gives you the opportunity to practise English every day. Speaking with your host family during mealtimes and daily activities can help improve confidence, pronunciation, and general conversational skills in a natural setting.
While PBSA doesn’t offer the same family environment, it still provides plenty of opportunities to develop your English-speaking skills. Interacting with other students, attending social events and studying in shared spaces allows you to communicate with people from a wide range of backgrounds while building friendships, and improving language skills along the way.
Inclusions
Homestays often include everyday essentials within one weekly payment, such as utilities, internet and a furnished bedroom. Some meals may also be included but you will generally be expected to eat whatever is provided, at whatever time is decided.
PBSA also offers students excellent value with one easy all-inclusive bill. This typically covers utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, furniture and access to all communal facilities such as study spaces, gyms, games rooms and social lounges. Students can prepare their own food, but they also retain the flexibility to eat whatever and whenever they choose. Cooking in communal kitchens is also a great way to deepen relationships and build friendships.
Before you choose….
- Do your own research
- Think about your commute
- Consider your lifestyle
- Talk to other students
- Explore the options
- Avoid leaving it too late
Frequently asked questions
PBSA (purpose-built student accommodation) refers to buildings designed specifically for students, offering private or shared apartments close to universities and transport. Homestay involves living with a local Australian host or family in a residential setting. The main differences come down to location, independence, privacy and social structure.
Costs vary depending on the city, provider and room type chosen. Homestays typically charge a weekly fee that includes utilities and some meals, while PBSA offers an all inclusive bill covering utilities, Wi-Fi, fully furnished apartments, resident events and communal facilities. Comparing what’s included in each option is the best way to understand true value.
Most homestay arrangements include a private bedroom, though bathrooms, kitchens and living areas are typically shared with the host family.
Yes. Buildings such as Iglu are designed with student safety in mind, offering secure building access, CCTV and onsite support from staff and Resident Leaders.
PBSA generally offers more opportunities to connect with other students through shared kitchens, communal study spaces and organised social events. Homestay tends to centre social interaction around the host family, which suits students who prefer a quieter, family style environment.
PBSA typically includes furniture, utilities, high speed Wi-Fi and access to communal facilities such as gyms, study spaces and social lounges, all covered by one weekly payment.
Consider your commute to campus, your need for independence versus structure, your budget, and how much shared social interaction you want. Speaking with current students who have tried each option can also help inform your decision.
