Student Accommodation in Sydney: Types, Costs & Tips

Dreaming of studying in Sydney but worried about finding a place to live? This guide has you covered! From bustling on-campus dorms to cozy homestays and trendy private apartments, we break down everything you need to know about student accommodation in Sydney. Discover the best options for your budget, explore top student-friendly neighbourhoods, and get expert tips to secure your perfect home away from home.

Sydney is home to world-class institutions where your dreams of global success take centre stage. With top-ranking universities in Sydney like the University of Sydney, UTS, Macquarie, ACU, Western Sydney Uni, and even CDU, it attracts thousands of Indian students each year. Yes, student accommodation in Sydney can be slightly expensive, but there are cheap options too. Let us look at some of the popular student accommodation Sydney that can be considered before you travel to Sydney to study in 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:

1. On-Campus Living at Sydney Universities

Convenience, community, and unlimited Wi-Fi are the significant attractions of university dorms and residential colleges. Student accommodation is provided by the University of Sydney, UNSW, Macquarie, UTS, Western Sydney Uni, ACU, and CDU, working primarily in the range of 350 to 400 AUD weekly, primarily for a shared space. Some would include meals and utilities. Here, global acquaintances are cast and "instant" communities formed.

2. Homestays in Sydney

A more personal Aussie welcome is up your alley? Homestays let you live with local families while enjoying home-cooked meals, soaking in the culture, and potentially saving money (₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000/month). In other words, they serve as great options for those few "in-between" weeks that help you settle down before choosing where to lodge finally.

3. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Fancy stepping into a ready-made tribe? Brands like Scape, Urbanest, Unilodge, and Iglu offer fully furnished rooms, gyms, cinema lounges, and social events, with fast Wi-Fi connections and colourful lobbies. Sydney's PBSA sector capitalises on chic studios, shared apartments, and group activities, all aimed at building instant bonds.

4. Private Rentals & Shared Housing

Prefer more independence? Lease a room in a shared apartment or snag a private studio. Rental ranges: rooms AUD 230 – AUD 399/week; studios AUD 400 – AUD 700/week. Single rooms in some shared houses have hit AUD 570/week, but availability is improving, and median rents hover around AUD 350/week.

Overall Accommodation Cost in Sydney (Excluding Groceries)

This is an overview of approximate weekly costs based on student accommodation in Sydney: 

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.

Top Tips to Find Student Accommodation in Sydney

Before you fly to Sydney, it is now mandatory that you show that your accommodation has been secured. So now that you are going to apply for Australia’s February intake 2026, here are some top tips to find your ideal student accommodation in Sydney: 

• The premium places are snapped up in a jiffy; start your search even before you get your visa.
• Use official university housing portals and trusted brands such as Scape, UniAcco, or the direct university site for safe deals.
• Join Indian student groups on social media; word of mouth is powerful from ex-seniors.
• Open a bank account locally early in your arrival to save on forex fees and deposit your rent smoothly.
• Do consider a homestay for a few weeks and then go for your apartment once you have a feeling of which Sydney suburb feels like your city.
• Always check before signing the terms, conditions, contract timing and signing amount. 

Finding student accommodation in Sydney can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, it's an exciting part of your journey. Whether you prefer the convenience and community of on-campus living, the independence of a shared apartment, or the cultural immersion of a homestay, Sydney offers a range of options to fit every lifestyle and budget. By starting your search early and using reliable resources, you can secure a comfortable and safe place to live, allowing you to focus on your studies and embrace your new life in this vibrant city.