Types of off-campus accommodation
Home-Board
Home-Board means sharing the home of an Australian person or family. The host offers you a fully-furnished bedroom in their house and the shared use of their home's facilities. Utilities such as gas and electricity are also included.
Some students choose Home-Board because it allows them to make contact with people in the community, and they usually become part of a family. This form of accommodation is particularly popular with international students.
Some Home-Board hosts offer full-board, which means that they provide all meals. This option is ideal for students who do not enjoy cooking. Costs vary from A$100 - A$160 per week. Other hosts offer part-board, which means that they provide only some meals. Costs vary from A$85 - A$140 per week.
Private rental
The cost of private rental accommodation varies from suburb to suburb, with rent tending to be more expensive the closer you are to the University. You can expect to pay between A$120 - A$180 per week for a one or two bedroom unit/flat. If you are looking for a two or three bedroom house, the cost is usually between A$180 - 270 per week.
Some students prefer to rent a place which does not require maintenance of a garden. Some pay A$5 - A$10 per week extra for garden maintenance. It is worth checking to see that there is an inexpensive form of heating for cold winter months; gas heating is generally cheapest.
If you rent a vacant house, you will need to pay for:
- connection fees for utilities (phone, gas and/or electricity)
- furniture
- bond (usually one month's rent; see below)
- two weeks rent in advance.
You will have to submit an application form with a real estate agent if you are interested in renting a house/flat. The process may take a few days, keeping in mind there are other people applying for the same place. If you have rented/boarded before, it is helpful to bring a reference from your previous landlord. If you have not rented before, a character reference may be helpful. It is advisable to discuss your rental choices with the Accommodation Officer or ISO before you approach a real estate agent.
Please note:
There are differences between the NSW and Victorian Tenancy Acts. Do not assume that the information you are given in one state will apply across the State border.
Bond
A bond is the amount paid by the tenant and registered by the owner as security against any costs or damages to the property or unpaid rent. It is usually equal to one month's rent. A bond can only be requested if a condition report is provided. Your bond is refunded at the end of your lease provided the conditions of your bond are met - there is no money is owing, you have given the required period of notice and you have caused no damage to the property.
You will receive a property condition report from the agent. You should complete this property condition report in as much detail as possible before you move into the accommodation. The report is used as evidence if there are any disputes over the bond when you move out. It protects you from responsibility for any damage to the property before you moved in.
Share accommodation
Share accommodation is where students rent a house or unit with other people, or move into an already established household. Students who choose this option are often looking for a more independent life - doing their own cooking, etc. - with the advantage of sharing the costs with others. You should refer to the TSAR (Tertiary Students Accommodation Register) for options, and keep an eye out for advertisements for 'Share Accommodation' On-campus notice-boards at the beginning of semester.
When selecting shared accommodation ask about many things, such as sharing of food and cooking, smoking, parties and noise, pets, small children, family and friends/partners, before you decide whether the house is right for you. The cost for share accommodation is between A$70 - A$100 per week, plus utilities (gas, water, phone and electricity). Bond is usually payable.
Hostel
Hostels are usually privately run and generally include a small furnished room with access to shared bathroom, kitchen and equipment, laundry, lounge and recreational facilities. Gas and electricity costs are usually included. Short and long term accommodation is available. The cost is usually between A$90 - A$110 per week
