Student Accommodation in Sydney: Types, Costs & Tips

Want to study in Sydney but need a place to stay? Don't stress! Our guide covers everything you need to know about student accommodation in Sydney. Whether you want to live on campus, with a family, or in your own apartment, we can help. Check out the best student neighborhoods and find a home that saves you money.

Sydney is an amazing place to build your future, with top ranking universities like USyd, UTS, and Macquarie. That’s why so many Indian students choose it every year. Now, let's be real rent in Sydney can be a bit pricey. But don't stress! There are definitely cheaper options out there. Let’s walk through some of the best places you can stay so you have it all sorted before you fly to Australia.

Types of Accommodation in Sydney for Students

There are four types of student accommodation in Australia. Those going to study in Australia at the universities in Sydney soon can consider the following student accommodation in Sydney:

Tips for Student Accomodation in Sydney:

1. The "Hidden" Costs:

   • Bond (Security Deposit): You usually have to pay 4 weeks of rent upfront as a security deposit. For a shared room ($300/week), that is an upfront payment of $1,200 (₹70,000).

   • Utilities: In private rentals and some shared houses, electricity and internet are not included. Budget an extra $30-$50 (₹1,700 - ₹2,900) per week.

2. Cheaper Suburbs to Watch:

   • If the city is too expensive, look at Rockdale, Kogarah, or Hurstville. They are on the train line (20 mins to city) and rent is often $50-$100 cheaper per week than places like Redfern or Newtown.

3. Inflation Alert: Rents in Sydney have increased by roughly 8-10% in the last year. If you see an old blog post listing a room for $180, it likely does not exist anymore. $215-$250 is the new realistic "minimum."

The costs can vary based on the current exchange rates. The cost of living in Australia will vary per university, accommodation in Sydney and personal expenses. 

Universities in Sydney Offering On-Campus Student Housing

There are a few universities in Sydney which offer on-campus student accommodation. Here are the options with costs and contract timings below: 

1. The University of Sydney

There are four on-campus housing options for international students at the University of Sydney. These are as follows:

1. Abercrombie

Abercrombie offers a private studio apartment, costing from AUD 509 per week. Amenities it offers include: 

• Furnished with a king single-sized bed, ensuite bathroom, kitchenette, and study desk. 
• Facilities include a laundry room, bike storage, communal kitchen, dining room, lounges, and study rooms. 
• Community features include BBQ units, day-to-day cleaning of shared spaces, security services, and rental items available (e.g., vacuum cleaners, musical instruments). 
• Surroundings: Proximity to public transport, with Redfern train station 800 m away. 
• Nearby campuses: 100 m to University of Sydney Business School.

2. Regiment Building

The Regiment Building located in Darlington. It offers fully furnished private rooms starting from AUD 392 per week. Some of the key amenities available for students here are:

• Shared facilities: Communal bathrooms, kitchens, rooftop terraces, and entertainment lounges.
• Laundry facilities, bike parking and meeting rooms.
• 24-hour campus security and CCTV coverage.
• A daily cleaning service for common areas.
• Surroundings: Public transport, with Redfern train station 1.1 km away. 
• Nearby campuses: 300 m to University of Sydney Business School.

3. Queen Mary Building

Located in a short distance from Sydney’s main campus, offers student accommodation in Sydney for international students. The rooms start from AUD 294 - AUD 330/week. Some of the amenities students can look at while living here include: 

• Fully equipped kitchens, study rooms, and communal bathrooms.
• A 24-hour gym, theatre, music rooms, and other entertainment facilities.
• Common lounge areas and a fully furnished single private room option.
• Utilities like laundry facilities, bike storage, and parcel lockers.
• Daily cleaning of shared spaces and 24-hour campus security.
• Public transport - 2.3 km to Redfern train station and 1.1 km to Newtown train station.
• University of Sydney Business School is 1.4 km away from here. 

4. Darlington House

Darlington House at UniSyd offers private rooms in shared apartments for students, costing AUD 322 per week. Some of the amenities available for students here are as follows: 

• Individual private bedrooms with furniture (king single bed, study desk, wardrobe).
• Shared kitchen and bathroom facilities among residents.
• Common areas including a recreation room and outdoor spaces.
• Additional services such as lift access and weekly cleaning of common areas.
• Redfern train station 1 km away - public transport.
• Just five minute walk to University of Sydney’s main campus. 
• The University of Sydney Business School is 220 m away.

Apart from these, the University of Sydney also suggests some affiliated student accommodation in Sydney which can also be considered. 

2. UNSW

Another popular university in Sydney - the University of New South Wales (UNSW), also offers student housing options to international students. These accommodation options vary in prices from most expensive to most affordable ones as well. Check out the details below: 

All of the above-mentioned student accommodation options in Sydney are available if you are admitted to UNSW. As goven above, all residential colleges of UNSW are university-catered where they offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. Only Forster College does not offer any catered meals, this is the reason why it is one of the cheapest accommodation in Sydney for students. 

Apart from the university's student housing, there are also affiliated student accommodations that UNSW suggests on its website, like Creston College, New College, Shallom College, and others, which international students can also consider.

3. Macquarie University

Macquarie University offers various types of on-campus student accommodation in Sydney. Here are some of the cheapest accommodation in Sydney for Macquarie University students, along with other available options in the table below: 

Apart from different room types, which are also the cheapest accommodation in Sydney for international students, there are residential colleges too. Since these are weekly rates, overall annual costs can skyrocket. To ease the financial load of the cost of living while studying at Macquarie University, you can aim for the Macquarie Advantage Accommodation Scholarship. 

Top Neighbourhoods for Students Studying in Sydney

If you did not get any on-campus accommodation in Sydney, then you can consider PSBAs or homestays in the following neighbourhoods:

1. Glebe: This suburb is a bohemian set-up, everything is just 3 km from the CBD and between 5 and 10 minutes away by bus to the University of Sydney. Students love the Saturday Glebe Markets, second-hand book shops, and cheap international eats along Glebe Point Road. Student accommodation is from AUD 300 to AUD 475/week, with places like Rosebank Student Lodge.
2. Newtown: Sydney's creative and cultural hub, where 28% of its residents speak languages other than English. King Street is busy with indie venues, thrift stores, live music, and a wide range of dining options, from cheap pad Thai to craft breweries. Just 1 kilometre from the University of Sydney, with great transport links.
3. Surry Hills: Trendy foodie neighbourhood for students envisioning an urbane life. Crown Street features award-winning restaurants and craft beer bars. Student housing is AUD 300 - AUD 700/week and within walking distance of UTS (10-15 mins on foot) and the University of Sydney.
4. North Sydney: Business district and leafy residential streets, popular among ACU and Macquarie University students. Macquarie has an underground railway station for direct transport. Offers professional networking opportunities and green spaces for some relaxed study breaks.