The Iglu Guide | Blog
5 Traps To Avoid When Looking For Student Accommodation in Australia
Finding student accommodation in Australia sounds like it should be a really simple task. You just need to jump online and get booking, right? But for new students heading off to university, there are definitely some classic pitfalls to watch out for – especially if you’re trying to organise it from overseas. Here’s 5 traps you should definitely avoid before finalising your student accommodation in Australia.
1. Limiting your accommodation options
It certainly pays to do your research because there are a few different types of student accommodation available here in Australia. All of these options have different benefits, and it will really depend on the individual student as to what will suit you best. Think about how independently you like to live, whether you want shared or private student housing and how close you want to live to university. All of these factors will play a role when you are finding your student accommodation:
Purpose built student accommodation (PBSA)
Designed with the student experience in mind, this popular choice provides students with supported independence and offers both private and shared accommodation options. Well located with convenience and accessibility top of mind, PBSAs like Iglu are a great choice with a diverse range of domestic and international students. There’s a readymade community on tap, shared social and study spaces, 24/7 security and just one all-inclusive bill to consider. They also usually offer fitness facilities.
On-campus accommodation
Many universities offer accommodation on or close by to the campus grounds. These types of student accommodation buildings offer catering, convenient access to campus facilities such as the library, and even on-site tutor support. Places are often hard to come by, so it pays to get on the job early. Students keen to primarily mix with their own university would benefit from this type of student accommodation.
Off-campus student accommodation – private rentals
Finding off-campus student accommodation is definitely an easier task as there is a much wider choice available. The rental cost will depend on your proximity to the city and the student housing is unlikely to be very modern, with shared kitchens and bathrooms the norm. However, it is an opportunity to save on the budget, choose your housemates and live independently. Be prepared to travel further and think about how that might impact your student lifestyle and ability to fully enjoy the student experience. You will also have to sign a tenancy agreement and be responsible for setting up utility provisions and splitting the bills. It can be difficult if a student leaves and you have the responsibility of replacing them – or face an increase in rent.
2. Booking at the last minute
Finding student accommodation in Australia can be challenging. To give yourself the best chance, it’s always a good idea to jump on this task ASAP. As soon as you have decided on your course and university, that’s the time to start looking. The best accommodation options will always go really quickly, so you may find you are scrambling around for accommodation pretty quickly if you leave it too late. If you are able to visit, leave enough time to check out different properties to see which you prefer. If you are an international student looking for student accommodation in Australia, you may be able to do a video tour. If you are planning on a private rental, you would really benefit from seeing the property in advance of committing, to prevent any nasty surprises. You will also need time to secure the property and sort out tenancy agreements. If you are renting a room in a shared house, it’s best to try and meet the other housemates before you commit to anything – because not everyone makes the best house-share companion!
3. Location confusion
Before you sign anything away, make sure you’ve explored the local area well enough so that you know exactly what you’re committing to. Try to consider how easy it is to get to university, whether you would feel safe travelling alone at night, how convenient it is for daily living and where you can travel to when you want to mix it up. Some areas have a distinct vibe that you can pick up on by having a walk around. If you’re trying to find student accommodation from overseas and are unable to visit, do as much research as you can online. Read reviews, see what’s in the local newspapers and try and talk to past students to get the inside track. Identify your primary needs and see if they match up. Getting to university on time will be a driving factor, so that aspect definitely needs to work well.
4. Missing the fine print
Students are often so keen to sign up for accommodation when they eventually find something suitable, that they often don’t read all the fine print in the tenancy agreement – something which can become problematic later on. Once you have signed, you are legally committed to the terms of that agreement so it’s really important that you read everything very carefully beforehand. If you feel worried about something in your contract, see if you can access some help or support from your university. Unfortunately, there are some landlords that will try to take advantage of students trying to find accommodation in Australia, so it’s always safer to have any documentation checked – especially if it is in your name.
5. Underestimating your budget
Working out your exact budget is the best way to understanding what student accommodation options are available to you. Write down all your student expenses, from rent, travel and tuition fees right through to household living costs, and then balance this out against your income. If there is an obvious shortfall, you can consider changing your student accommodation or try and find a job to help meet the bills. This is only a good decision if you are able to balance the pressure of working with studying. If you don’t do the sums upfront, your student experience in Australia will be very stressful and you may find yourself in the awkward position of living in student accommodation you simply can’t afford.
