Whether you live in the suburbs or the
city, there are pros and cons to both options. There are a few things to
consider when making your decision, including travel times to your
institution, cost of accommodation, proximity to your friends and your
local community.
Suburbs
Generally, living in the suburbs is more
affordable and houses tend to be more spacious. But living further out
may mean you miss out on lifestyle benefits such as greater
entertainment options and a higher density of students. *The figure is
based on a statistical sample of market rental data from a selection of
suburbs as of May 2022.
City
Living close to the city will reduce your
travel time, increase the frequency of transport links and potentially
lower your travel costs. However, accommodation expenses (such as rent)
are typically more expensive in the city.
*The figure is based on a statistical
sample of CBD market rental data as of May 2022.
Finding somewhere to live is a crucial component of a successful study experience in
Australia. Whatever you choose, it’s important to fully understand all of your options and stay
aware of your rights and responsibilities.
Read more at insiderguides.com.au/accommodation-options-in-australia
Homestay
If you choose a homestay, you’ll be sure
to receive a warm welcome to Australia! Homestay
is an excellent choice for many
international students as it offers a valuable cultural exchange with
your local host family.
The upfront price of homestays can seem
higher, as all utilities costs and meals are
covered. The family you live with will
provide you with a bedroom, pay all the utility bills, and make some or
all of your daily meals.
*The figure is based on the fee
structure of the Australian Homestay Network as of May 2022.
Sharehouse
Living in a sharehouse will introduce
you to many new people and potential friends. The other advantage of
living in a sharehouse is that you can split the cost of utilities with
your
housemates. While you will still be
responsible for providing your own food, some housemates may be willing
to cook meals together.
*The figure is based on a statistical
sample of local market rental data as of May 2022,
factoring in utility costs.
Managed Student Accommodation
If you’d like to live with other
students and have the benefit of an all-inclusive set-up, you should
consider managed student accommodation. Student apartments are built
around most major university and college localities and are ready for
you to move right in. All cleaning and utilities are taken care of, but
you will have to provide your own food.
*The figure is based upon the rates of
UniLodge as of May 2022.
1 bedroom apartment/unit
If you’re an independent person, then
private rental accommodation is the perfect option for you. It is also
an excellent way to fully immerse yourself in Australian culture; living
with locals will broaden your horizons in your new city. But, this
greater level of freedom comes with a greater degree of responsibility
and can lead to higher expenses. You will be entirely responsible for
paying all bills, making all of your own meals and doing all required
cleaning.
*The figure is based on a statistical sample of local market rental data as of May 2022, factoring in utility costs.
Whether you are walking, riding a bike,
catching public transport or driving a car, you need to know the best
way to get from A to B. Think about where you plan to live and how that
will impact travel times and available transport options.
Walking or cycling
If you’d like to avoid public transport or don’t want to own a car, you have a couple of great options for getting around.
The cheapest and easiest way to get
anywhere in your new city is by using your own two feet. You don’t need
to worry about bus timetables, or whether you’ve caught the right train –
just budget your time correctly and get out in the fresh air to explore
your city.
If walking isn’t your style, buying a
bicycle is a good investment and an excellent way to save money as a
student. Not only will it get you around for free, but it will keep you
fit and healthy too! If you’re considering buying a bike, make sure you
purchase the right kind as there are different types of bikes (e.g. road
bikes, mountain bikes, etc.)
Public Transport
Getting around in Australia is relatively
easy in most cities. Public transport options are abundant, as
Australian cities use trams, trains, buses and ferries. The exact public
transport options vary between cities, so make sure you consider the
type of public transport that’s available and best suits your needs.
Car
Depending on where you are in Australia –
such as in regional, remote areas – you might never need a car. But if
you want to get out and about and explore your new home, a car offers
you the freedom to do just that. If you’re interested in buying a car,
don’t forget to include things like petrol, registration and insurance
in your budget.
Taxi/Uber
In most major cities, you can hail a taxi
off the street. You can also book a taxi in advance online or by
calling ahead. Another option is to use Uber, which is a simple
ridesharing app you can download and use on your phone. Uber is an
on-demand service and usually offers cheaper fares than taxis.
Buying groceries to make meals at home
can be a lot cheaper and healthier than dining out. There are also many
tips and tricks you can use to make your weekly grocery bill more
affordable. For example, apps like Half Price can help you search
through supermarket catalogues to find sales more easily. You can also
shop at local markets to find incredible bargains of fresh produce and
other food items.
Read more: insiderguides.com.au/best-ways-save-money-food-groceries
A key part of the international study
experience is immersing yourself in your new city, including its
restaurants, bars and cafés. Do you plant to enjoy nice meals with
friends or will you be selecting cheaper options when dining out?
If you do decide to have a meal out, look
for happy hours, midweek discounts and daily specials. Many pubs and
restaurants also offer student discounts, so be sure to do your research
or ask the staff about these deals.
These products and services will vary
significantly from person to person, so only choose what’s relevant to
you. You may also want to consider which of these aren’t essential. By
adjusting your habits and tastes, you may be able to cut down on some of
these costs.
*Figures are based upon a range of relevant products and service providers as of May 2022.”
Staying up to date on the latest fashions
doesn’t have to break the bank – all you need is a bit of know-how! To
save money on clothing purchases, consider visiting op-shops like the
Salvation Army or Vinnie’s. Here you’ll find secondhand clothing, shoes
and accessories that are both affordable and sustainable. Shopping
online is another great money-saving technique as you can often discount
codes and use cashback browser installations, such as Cashrewards or
Shopback.
*Figures are based upon the prices of a range of common items from a selection of department stores as of May 2022.
Although you’re coming to Australia to
study, it’s important to factor fun and relaxation into your budget.
Making friends, improving your mental wellbeing and exploring your city
are all crucial when it comes to maintaining a healthy body and mind.
So, while these activities can be costly, they’re worth including in
your budget.
*Figures are based upon the prices of common service providers in each field as of May 2022.
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