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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.

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.

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.