Renting Tips for International Students in Sydney

Congratulations! You've received the desired offer and are ready to start your study life in this most beautiful seaport city in the world - Sydney. While Sydney is wonderful, as the city with the highest living costs in Australia, "housing" is often the most troublesome aspect for international students. Therefore, doing your research on renting in advance can help you avoid many detours. Here is the Sydney International Student Rental Guide. You can read it slowly before housing exploration.

Understand The Map Before Choosing The House

The layout of Sydney is very well planned. When choosing a house, it's not just about finding a place to sleep; it's about selecting a way of life. International students mainly concentrate in the following major areas:

City and Its Surrounding Areas (Ultimo, Haymarket, Pyrmont)

This is the heart of Sydney, and it is also the location of some campuses of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the University of Sydney (USYD).

Advantages: It's extremely convenient to walk to school and live here. Chinatown is just around the corner downstairs. There are many job opportunities.

Disadvantages: The rent is the highest in Sydney. The rooms are usually small and the environment is relatively noisy.

East District (Kensington, Kingsford, Randwick)

This is the main area of the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Features: If you are looking for student accommodation in Sydney NSW, these areas are definitely the top choices. This area has a strong academic atmosphere, and many apartments specifically designed for students are located right at the school gate. There is the famous Centennial Park nearby, and it's not far from the Coogee Beach. The quality of life here is very high.

Inner West (Burwood, Ashfield, Rhodes)

The famous Chinese district.

Advantages: Burwood has numerous tea shops and Chinese restaurants, while Rhodes is a waterfront community with beautiful surroundings and new apartment buildings. In terms of transportation, the train express can reach the City in 15-20 minutes.

Cost: The prices are slightly lower than those in the City and it has a very lively atmosphere.

North District (Chatswood, North Sydney)

The traditional "rich area" has an extremely good environment and security.

Features: Chatswood is the commercial centre in the north, with numerous shopping malls, making it an ideal choice for students who value a high quality of life and have relatively ample budgets.

Learn About The Types of Rentals in Sydney

In Sydney, renting a house mainly falls into three categories:

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

This is the most convenient way. PBSA is exclusively for students. You can enter by swiping your card. It comes with a gym, a video room, a study room, and even regular events like Pizza Night or job search seminars.

Advantages: Includes water, electricity and gas fees (All-inclusive). No need to apply for a network account or electricity contract yourself; good security, and the front desk collects packages for you.

Private Rentals (Apartment/House)

This option is suitable for ones plan to save rents, and enjoy sharing spaces with friends.

Advantages: More freedom, and on average, the cost is the most cost-effective.

Note: In Australia, renting a private apartment is usually unfurnished (without furniture). You will need to purchase a bed and a table at IKEA, and also need to contact internet and water/electricity suppliers yourself. This option is suitable for those with strong hands-on skills and experience.

On-Campus Accommodation

On-campus dormitories are the most convenient option for international students, but those are also the most difficult to secure.

Advantages: Close to the teaching building, well-managed, high security, strong social atmosphere.

Disadvantages: The number of available places is very limited. Usually, it is only offered to freshmen or exchange students. The price is high. The application process is lengthy and the competition is fierce.

Clarify The Rental Costs in Sydney

The cost of living in Sydney is not to be underestimated, and rent is the largest component of the overall living expenses. The average weekly rent in Sydney ranges from A$350 to A$700. The specific rent depends on factors such as the type of the house, the location, and facilities. Therefore, it is crucial to clearly define your budget before renting a house. The following are the prices of various types of housing in Sydney for your reference:

• Shared Room: A$300 - A$580/week.
• Non-En-Suite: A$340 - A$600/week.
• En-Suite: A$400 - A$700/week.
• Studio: A$450 - A$800/ week.
• 1-Bedroom Apartment: A$580 - A$900/ week.
• 2-Bedroom Apartment: A$800 - A$1,300/week.

How to Avoid Pitfalls And Secure A Good Housing?

Many students may ask: "I haven't even arrived in Sydney yet. How can I view the properties?" In such cases, the advantage of the platform uhomes.com becomes very obvious.

• Guarantee of Authenticity: The housing units on the platform are 100% verified. Many student apartments are directly partnered with the platform, eliminating the need to engage in tricky negotiations with second-hand landlords.
• Multilingual Service: For students who have just moved abroad, the complicated English rental contracts in Australia are like a mystery book. Through uhomes.com, you can consult all the details in your native language, including lease terms, deposit refund procedures, and even the orientation of the room.
• VR Viewing & Real Photos: They offer a large number of videos and real photos, allowing you to experience the lighting and space of the room through the screen while you are still in your home country, truly achieving "what you see is what you get".

Suggestions on Renting A House Process:

• Start paying attention 3-6 months in advance: Especially during the school enrollment seasons in February and July, good housing is really hard to come by and has to be grabbed quickly.
• Prepare the application materials: passport, offer letter, confirmation of entry (COE), and deposit certificate. In Australia, applying for a rental property is similar to looking for a job - landlords will also select "quality tenants".
• Avoid cash payments: All deposits and bonds are recommended to be paid through bank transfer or through a legitimate platform, and receipts should be kept.

Basic Knowledge About Renting Houses in Australia

In Sydney, international students are also protected by the law. Therefore, knowing some basic knowledge of Australian rental laws will be a great help when you rent a house. You should keep in mind the following points:

• Bond Limit: Usually it is 4 weeks' rent.
• Bond Storage: The law stipulates that the deposit must be kept in a government agency (RBO), rather than in the landlord's personal pocket.
• Check-out Cleaning: In Australia, the requirement for check-out is "restoration". If it's a student apartment booked through uhomes.com, the process is usually standard; if it's a full rental, be sure to choose a legitimate cleaning company with a receipt.

Conclusion

Sydney is a city full of opportunities and passion. Although the first rental contract might put you under pressure, as long as you choose the right area, the right platform, and avoid the low-price traps, you will find that the sunshine and beaches here can heal everything. 

Remember, home is the foundation of your study abroad journey. Find a safe and comfortable place to live so that you can fully devote your energy to your studies and exploration.