First Year Students and Parents

What should you expect from your accommodation applications? Use the following guidelines to help you prepare:

On-campus Accommodation
Off-campus Accommodation

Also download:
Advantages & Disadvantages Guide
Cost Comparison Sheet

For money and budgeting resources go to:
Financial Assistance Office
SRC – Student Survival Guide

The Frequently Asked Questions for Students page has more information or you can Contact us.

On Campus Accommodation

Applications close between September and December of each year.
Apply early! There are only 2,500 on-campus places.
Have a back up plan.
Research each college and residence, they all offer something different.
Know which colleges and residences you’ve applied to. You might need to contact them.

Properties go quickly at the beginning of semester.
There is high demand, and limited supply, for properties within walking distance of campuses.
There are lots of suburbs with easy public transport to the University campuses.
Know your rights and responsibilities. See our Tenancy page for more information.
It can take a couple of weeks or more to find something suitable.
Ask questions and trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Be aware of scams. Don’t give anyone money, or sign anything, until you’ve seen the property.
See the Share Housing Survival Guide for tips about living with other people.
Research prices in the area you want to live. Go to www.domain.com.au, www.realestate.com.au and www.shareaccommodation.com.au.
You might be asked for references if you want to rent. Some real estate agents are unwilling to lease to students without them.
See the Living in Sydney for more information finding your way around, transport and setting up a home in Sydney.

The Off-campus Accommodation pages provides access to the Accommodation Database and other search ideas.