Choosing the right accommodation
You may find the following information useful in deciding which type of accommodation to choose:
- Choosing the right accommodation
- What will it cost? Relative costs of on and off-campus accommodation
- Additional expenses and budgeting
- Costs of rental properties in relation to areas
- Getting around: Public transport information and on-line maps
- What is Sydney like? Suburb descriptions near the University Campuses
- Tenancy information and advisory services
- Applying for financial assistance with paying bond or other deposits
Choosing the right accommodation
Some students live in residential colleges, halls of residence or University-owned houses and apartments located on or near one of the campuses, but as places are limited, the majority of students live off-campus. Most of the University campuses are surrounded by residential areas with plenty of share and rental accommodation.
Each type of accommodation has its own advantages, and your choice will depend on your priorities. It may be useful to consider the following:
- What is the maximum amount of money that you can afford to spend on rent?
- Do you want to cook for yourself, or have your main meals prepared for you?
- How far are you prepared to travel? How good is the transport system? How much will it cost?
- Do you want to live with a family, with other students or by yourself?
- Do you want single- or mixed-gender accommodation?
What will it cost? Relative costs of on and off-campus accommodation
Weekly accommodation costs ($A)
These are approximate costs only. Please check the websites of each accommodation provider for up to date costs and availability.
ON-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION
Please note, some colleges charge fees for a 37 week academic year, including mid-semester break, whether you remain in residence or not. Others charge for a 34 week academic year, and additional charges apply if you choose to remain in residence during the break. Sydney University Village will require you to commit to a full calendar year (52 weeks) contract only.
Catered - all meals provided
| College | Cost |
|---|---|
| International House |
Single study room (shared bathroom) $363 Twin share room (shared bathroom) $275 per person Single with own basin and toilet ensuite $412 Single with ensuite $467 Also offers self-catered fully furnished apartments see table below |
| Mandelbaum House |
Single study room $388 |
| St Andrew's College |
Single Study room $425 |
| St John's College |
Single study room $395 |
| St Paul's College |
Single study rooms $401 |
| Sancta Sophia College |
Single study room (undergraduate) $365 Twin share room (undergraduate) $283 Single study room (postgraduate) $365 Single room with ensuite (postgraduate) $375 |
| Wesley College |
Single study room: 1st year $385 2nd year $370 3rd year $355 4th year $340 Twin share room $315 per person Postgraduate standard room $370 Postgraduate ensuite room $395 Postgraduate superior ensuite room $405 |
| The Women's College |
Single study room $386 |
Self-catered
| Facility | Cost |
|---|---|
| International House |
Studio $330 1 bedroom apartment $428 2 bedroom apartment $512 |
| University Terraces |
Single standard study room $137-$175 (prices vary depending on room size) |
| Darlington House |
Medium room $163 Large room $175 |
| Selle House and low-cost terrace housing |
Single study room $84 Twin share $67 per person |
| STUCCO (Student Housing Co-operative) |
Single study room (unfurnished) $70 |
| Sydney University Village |
Studio apartment for a single $265.5 1 bedroom apartment for single $316.5 Single room in 2 bedroom apartment $237 Single room in a 4-5 bedroom apartment $165.50 Additional weekly costs: $5 for electricity $20 credited to the resident's "UCard" which can be used to purchase food in any outlet within the Village. See website for additional fees and charges. |
Cumberland and Camden campuses
| Location | Cost |
|---|---|
| Campden Campus | Nepean Hall (catered) Single study room $230 (2007 rate)
Nepean Lodge (self-catered) Single study room $90-$120 2 bedroom unit $175 - $185 3 bedroom unit $205-$215 |
| Cumberland Campus | Yanandah (catered) Single study room $206 |
OFF-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
|
SHARE ACCOMMODATION Your own bedroom in a shared house or apartment. |
$100 - $250 per week |
|
FULL BOARD (or HOMESTAY) Your own bedroom, usually in a family home. Breakfast and dinner, or all meals are provided. |
$180 - $350 per week |
| RENTAL ACCOMMODATION Studio or flatette A studio consists of a bed-sitting room, kitchenette and private bathroom. A flatette is similar but usually has a shared bathroom |
$140 - $300 per week |
|
House/flat/unit/apartment Self contained property with one or more bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, living room and laundry. Prices vary depending on location and quality. Expect to pay $250 - $400 per week for a 1-bedroom property. Add $80 - $250 per additional bedroom. |
$250 per week upward |
Additional expenses and budgeting
Off-campus:
If setting up a shared flat or house, you will need to allow at least AUS$1000 to cover costs such as rental bond, phone, electricity and gas deposits, and incidental expenses. If you don't have furniture and household utensils, you will need to take the cost of purchasing or renting these items into account.
We recommend you review the Universities rough guide to living costs in off-campus accommodation. You may also find the information on preparing a money plan helpful.
On-campus:
Bonds are also required for on-campus accommodation and off-campus student residential hostels. These amounts vary and details are available from individual colleges/residences. View the relevant website for each college and hall of residence for additional fees and charges.
Vacation fees apply for some colleges and halls of residence, if you wish to remain in residence during University vacation.
Costs of rental properties in relation to suburbs
The costs below are a guide only, if you are interested in viewing more rental properties search websites such as:
www.domain.com.au
www.realestate.com.au
|
|
Close to University Glebe, Redfern, Newtown, Camperdown etc |
Inner West Dulwich Hill, Marrickville, Leichhardt, Stanmore |
|---|---|---|
| Flatette |
$150+ |
$120+ |
| Studio |
$200 - $350+ |
$170 - $240+ |
| 1 bed unit |
$250 - $470+ |
$200 - $300+ |
| 2 bed unit |
$250 - $650+ |
$220 - $420+ |
| 2 bed house |
$320 - $650+ |
$250 - $560+ |
| 3 bed house |
$360 - $850+ |
$300 - $650 |
| 4 bed house |
$440 - $950+ |
$380 - $700+ |
Getting around: Public transport information and on-line maps
Google Maps allows you to choose locations in Sydney which you can then zoom in and out from to view them in relation to your University campus (or any other area of interest). Train lines are lightly marked on these maps, which is helpful.
If you are going to live in Sydney for a number of years you may find it useful to buy a street directory from a bookshop or newsagent.
Being located on the south-western edge of the Sydney central business district, the University of Sydney is well serviced by public transport. Buses go directly past the Camperdown and Darlington campuses to the city, as well as to the inner western, south-western and eastern suburbs of Sydney. The STA website includes the Sydney Uni bus services map, which indicates bus stops and routes that travel to the University.
The closest railway station to the Camperdown and Darlington campuses is Redfern, a 7 to 10 minute walk. Most trains travelling to and from the city stop here. Other railway stations within 15 to 30 minutes walk of the campuses are Central, Macdonaldtown and Newtown.
Information about the location of University campuses, including maps and public transport information, is available from the University website.
The STA (bus and ferry), and CityRail (train) websites include detailed information and maps of bus, rail or ferry routes.
The Transport Infoline website offers the helpful trip-planner facility which allows you to find the best way to travel from one place to another by public transport.
What is Sydney like? Suburb descriptions near the University Campuses
If you are unfamiliar with Sydney you may find the following suburb descriptions helpful.
As these descriptions are based on the opinions of the Accommodation Officers, you are advised to make your own inquiries about areas where you are considering living. Visiting an area with a friend, and having a walk around to assess the ammenities, security and access to public transport is always a good idea.
- Suburbs near the Camperdown and Darlington campuses
- Suburbs near the Cumberland Campus, Lidcombe
- Suburbs near the Rozelle Campus (Sydney College of the Arts)
- Suburbs near the Conservatorium of Music, Law School and Dental Hospital
Suburbs near Camperdown and Darlington campuses
The University of Sydney’s main campus is at Camperdown & Darlington. The suburbs listed below are in walking distance or 5-15 minutes by public transport:
Alexandria, Annandale, Broadway, Camperdown, Chippendale, Darlington, Erskineville, Forest Lodge, Glebe, Newtown, Pyrmont, Macdonaldtown, Redfern, Newtown, Ultimo, Waterloo and Zetland.
ALEXANDRIA
This suburb was previously an industrial area. The development of many apartments in this suburb means it is undergoing a lot of change, as many of the previous industrial areas close to the city are experiencing development. Now a popular place for visiting factory outlets, there are also cafes arriving in the suburb for all the new residents. This area is handy for its proximity to the city and to the Eastern suburbs.
ANNANDALE
Annandale has a village atmosphere for an inner city suburb and is filled with Victorian style housing. Annandale has part of it’s shopping on Parramatta Road, where there are many furnishing stores. The Annandale Hotel on Parramatta Rd is famous for live music. Johnston Street is the main street running through Annandale and has village style shopping with some cafes. Annandale is well served by buses. Many old Victorian houses in Annandale have been restored and older industrial places have been converted into modern housing.
BROADWAY
Broadway is where the large main roads of City Road (heading south) and Parramatta Road (heading west) meet. Broadway has had a large modern shopping centre and cinema complex. This is the closest and largest shopping centre to campus. There is an active student life around this area because of the convenience to two universities. The University of Technology is not very far from here also so many UTS students also live around this area. Broadway has easy transport access to the city. The Accommodation around this area is either new lodges or apartments or in older style buildings.
CAMPERDOWN
Camperdown is the suburb where the University of Sydney and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital is based. There has been a lot of recent housing development in this area so you will find a lot of modern apartments and studio type housing. Main roads running through Camperdown are Parramatta Road, Missenden Road and Salisbury Road.
CHIPPENDALE
This is an area that was typically an industrial area but is also undergoing change in recent years. A number of old warehouses in this area have been turned into apartment blocks. Chippendale is very close to central station and the CBD. It is closer to the Darlington campus of the university but still handy to Camperdown. There are also many older style terrace houses in this suburb.
DARLINGTON
The University of Sydney is based also in this suburb. It is an inner city area with the typical terrace houses with many students living here to be close to campus. A lot of university facilities are in this area like the aquatic centre and conference facilities etc.
ERSKINEVILLE
This suburb is next to Newtown on the southern fringe of the city. Similar to Newtown it is also considered to be a popular place to live for students and those who love the vibrancy of the area. It is convenient to public transport with many buses and a train station.
FOREST LODGE
A neighbouring suburb to Glebe, which shares the same lifestyle. There a few pubs and accommodation places in this suburb. There is a harness and a greyhound racing track at nearby Glebe.
GLEBE
Originally a working class area, Glebe has now become a very fashionable area to live with many interesting alternative therapy businesses, health food and general cafes and restaurants along the main road - Glebe Point Rd. The area houses a lot of university students, artists, backpackers, professionals and long time residents. There are a lot of older style terrace houses in this area which may/may not be renovated or restored with a lot of character. These houses make great share houses as they are so big or have been turned into hostels, guesthouses, boarding houses and studios etc. The area has a lot of leafy trees and has a famous market on Saturdays selling a crafts, bric a brac and the like. There is light rail in this suburb.
NEWTOWN
Newtown is a suburb neighbouring the university campus. Newtown is well known for its cafes, restaurants, pubs and live music. It is known to be eclectic, culturally diverse and alternative. It has a range of interesting shops selling alternative fashion, retro goods, antiques and furniture and so on. The accommodation in this area will vary – reflecting the diversity of Newtown. You will find terrace houses, converted warehouses as well as studios and apartments.
PYRMONT
Pyrmont was an industrial waterfront for Sydney but has gone through a lot of building development and many people working in the city have moved into the area to live. The Sydney Fish markets are located in this suburb, which is a very popular place to visit. The Star City Casino is here with the Lyric Theatre and with it many restaurants and pubs. There is a Good Living Growers’ Market held in Pyrmont Bay Park the first Saturday of every month. In this area you will find apartments and units in modern complexes. There is light rail travelling through this area and it is a short walk to the CBD.
MACDONALDTOWN
This suburb is in between Redfern and Newtown so has the inner city vibe of narrow streets. There is a train station here and it is where many trains are kept with a big state rail complex and some parks. The housing in Macdonaldtown is older style with terrace houses and semis.
REDFERN
Redfern railway station is a major hub of railway lines for Sydney. Many university students walk from Redfern station to the university each day, as it is the closest train station to campus. Redfern has a very inner city feel about it, as it is culturally and demographically very diverse. Redfern will be undergoing major redevelopment over the coming years. Housing in this area consists of older style terraces and newer apartment buildings. Most of the restaurants and shops are along Cleveland Street. There is a big park along Cleveland Street called Prince Alfred Park. Redfern is a suburb where people will warn you to be cautious about safety and walking around on your own at night time, especially around the station. There is a security shuttle bus service available from the University of Sydney which drops people at Redfern station station. For futher inquiries call The University Security Office on 9351 3487.
ULTIMO
This suburb is within walking distance of Darling Harbour and Chinatown, which are popular entertainment areas in Sydney with shopping and dining. This suburb is another one that has undergone redevelopment. There are many apartments, terrace houses and units available in this area. This suburb is very close to central station, light rail and the University of Technology.
WATERLOO
Once industrial this area is changing with the development of new housing. There will be a mixture of the old and new. Along Danks Street there are new cafes opening up.
ZETLAND
Zetland is between Alexandria and Kensington making it convenient to the Eastern suburbs as well as the inner city. Zetland has major roads of Botany Road, Bourke Street and O’Riordan Street running through it giving easy access to the airport. Once industrial area it has been redeveloped into areas with Green Square and Victoria Park. There is a vision for a thriving shopping and entertainment area with some public plazas.
Suburbs near Cumberland Campus, Lidcombe
To look at a map of the suburbs surrounding Cumberland Campus go to Where Is and if you type in Cumberland Campus as landmark, a map will be downloaded that you can zoom in and out from.
The suburbs near Cumberland campus are Auburn, Bankstown, Belmore, Birrong, Burwood, Campsie, Chester Hill, Granville, Greenacre, Homebush, Lakemba, Lidcombe, Parramatta, Regents Park, Strathfield and Yagoona.
Transport Information
www.131500.com.au provides a very useful feature called Trip Planner. This will assist you to plan your travel from one place in Sydney to another via public transport.
For information about city rail services see www.131500.com.au
For bus routes 915, 918, 921 see www.transitfirst.com.au
For bus routes 401, 404, 415, 484, 485, 486 see www.131500.com.au
AUBURN
Located 23 kms west of the Sydney CBD. Auburn is a highly multicultural suburb. Auburn has a train station and is located very close to the M2, which leads further west or into the inner west areas. It is a 4-minute train trip from Auburn station to Lidcombe train station. Bus 918 runs from Auburn–Lidcombe (goes directly to Cumberland Campus) -Regents Park-Auburn. This bus stops at the Auburn Hospital along the way and goes directly to the Cumberland Campus.
BANKSTOWN
Bankstown is the large commercial centre for the area and has a large shopping centre called Bankstown Square. It is a 19-minute train trip from Bankstown station to Lidcombe train station. Buses 484 (every 20 minutes in peak and then every hour), 485 (every 30 to 60 minutes), 486 run from Bankstown-Greenacre-Strathfield. You would then need to catch a train from Strathfield to Lidcombe train station. Bus 921 goes from Bankstown -Birrong –Regents Park-Berala-Lidcombe station but it is an infrequent service.
BELMORE
This suburb has a train station and is on the Bankstown train line.
BIRRONG
Birrong is 20kms west of the Sydney CBD. It is a 13-minute train trip from Birrong station to Lidcombe train station. Bus 921 goes from Bankstown -Birrong –Regents Park-Berala-Lidcombe station but it is infrequent.
BURWOOD
Burwood is 11 kms from the city CBD. This is a popular suburb for students to live in. It has a very central location between Parramatta and Liverpool roads, which are main roads in Sydney going west and southwest. Like most Inner West locations, Burwood has undergone a lot of transformation in the last few years due to development. Burwood now has a major Westfield including a large cinema complex. There is a range of restaurants with Asian, Italian and Lebanese food. The area contains large federation houses as well as more recently built apartment complexes close to the station. It takes 9 minutes travel by train from Burwood to Lidcombe station. It is a 10 minutes express train trip from Burwood to the CBD so it is a good halfway point between the Lidcombe campus and the city.
CAMPSIE
The main street of Campsie is Beamish Street. Campsie has a train station located on the Bankstown train line. Bus 415 goes through Lakemba- Belfield- Campsie-Burwood- Strathfield station.
CHESTER HILL
Chester Hill has a train station on the Bankstown train line.
GRANVILLE
This is one of the oldest and most established suburbs of the Parramatta area. It is densely populated and also has a lot of industrial area. It has a train station on the Illawarra and Western train lines.
GREENACRE
Buses 484 (every 20 minutes in peak and then every hour), 485 (every 30 to 60 minutes) and 486 run from Bankstown-Greenacre-Strathfield.
HOMEBUSH
15 kms west from the Sydney CBD. Homebush is a popular place for students to live. Homebush is now home to many major sports centres (thanks to the Olympics held here in 2000) and the Sydney showground. It used to be an industrial working class suburb. The area now has many established homes and is located close to more recent housing developments such as Liberty Grove and Newington. There is a train station at Homebush and another station at Olympic Park. There is a factory outlet shopping centre here called DFO, which is a popular place to visit in Sydney. Bus 401 and 404 go through Homebush and Newington to go to Lidcombe train station.
LAKEMBA
Lakemba has a train station on the Bankstown line. Bus 415 goes from Lakemba- Belfield-Campsie-Burwood-Strathfield. You can catch a train from Burwood or Strathfield stations.
LIDCOMBE
Lidcombe has a train station with bus service 915 running to campus every 7 minutes during peak periods and then every 15 minutes at other times. Bus 918 runs from Auburn–Lidcombe (goes directly to Cumberland Campus) -Regents Park-Auburn. This bus stops at the Auburn Hospital along the way and goes directly to the Cumberland Campus. There is an after hours shuttle bus going from the Cumberland Campus to Lidcombe station on weekdays during the teaching weeks from 6.30pm – 9.00pm.
PARRAMATTA
Located 24 kms west from the city, Parramatta is now considered to be the geographical centre of Sydney. It is the second largest CBD area in Sydney. Parramatta has a train station and is a 25-minute train trip to the city. There are numerous buses from and to the area and also access to the River cat that goes up the Parramatta River to the city in 65 minutes. It is close by to the Rosehill racecourse. A lot of the major roads and rail transport that lead to Sydney’s west and western NSW go through Parramatta. There are some historical colonial style buildings around this area. There are older established homes and many apartment buildings.
REGENTS PARK
This suburb has a train station. It is a 7-minute train trip from Regents Park station to Lidcombe train station. Regents Park is close to Parramatta Road.
STRATHFIELD
Located 9km from Sydney CBD, Strathfield is known as a gentrified suburb of large homes and leafy streets. There are also newer apartment complexes that have been built located near the station. Strathfield has a major train station for Sydney with trains leading west and northwest. There is a shopping centre here called Strathfield Square and many cafes/ restaurants. Strathfield is a popular location for students to live. Parramatta Road runs through Strathfield and Liverpool Road runs through South Strathfield.
YAGOONA
This suburb neighbours Lidcombe. It has a train station on the Bankstown line. It is a 16-minute train trip from Yagoona station to Lidcombe train station. Yagoona has the major road of Liverpool Road running through it.
Suburbs near Rozelle Campus
Balmain/ Birchgrove
Located 6kms west of the city. Balmain has a very village type atmosphere. This suburb is a very historical part of Sydney because of previous shipbuilding and maritime industries located there. It is now a gentrified area with some Colonial and Victorian style detached and semi-detached houses and cottages. There are also new apartment developments along the waterfront. Balmain is a well known for its cafes, restaurants and pubs. Darling Street is the main road where you can dine as well as shop for books, clothes, antiques and see some art galleries. There is a popular Saturday market at St Andrew’s church. Balmain has a ferry wharf for ferries going to Circular Quay and it is a 22-minute bus trip from Darling Street to Camperdown Campus. It is a 16-23 minute bus trip from Balmain (Eastern end) to the Rozelle Campus.
Drummoyne
Drummoyne is situated on a peninsula and there is a lot of parkland on the water around this suburb. Drummoyne is part of the City of Canada Bay Council area and has seen some redevelopment over recent years with new apartment complexes being built, particularly at Birkenhead Point and in East Drummoyne. There are also a lot of Federation or Victorian style freestanding houses in this suburb as well as units. There are a few well-known sporting clubs in the area such as Drummoyne Rowers, Drummoyne Sailing Club and Drummoyne Sports Club. There is a factory outlet centre at Birkenhead Point. There is a ferry service to Circular Quay and buses will get to Camperdown Campus in 31-33 minutes. It is a 12 minute bus ride from Victoria Rd in Drummoyne to the Rozelle Campus.
Lilyfield
This is small suburb in the Leichhardt council area. It has a lot of parkland and is close to the water so it is a scenic and desirable place to live. Access to the city and the west is by the City-West link. There are mostly detached single storey dwellings in this suburb of Victorian, Federation and post war style houses. Buses to Camperdown Campus take 18-25 minutes. It would take approx 13-17 minutes to get a bus from Lilyfield to the Rozelle campus.
Rozelle
The Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) is located in this suburb, within the grounds of Callan Park on the beautiful Iron Cove Bay. Main roads are Victoria Rd and Darling Street which hosts two weekend market places. Housing around the area consists of Victorian and Federation styles and post war bungalows as well as some modern developments. Bus ride to the Camperdown Campus from Darling Street takes about 22-25 minutes.
Suburbs near the Conservatorium of Music, Law School and Dental Hospital
Darlinghurst
A lively part of Sydney where you can find a lot of nightlife. There are cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs along Oxford Street as well as many other places in this suburb. St Vincent’s Hospital is based here. Oxford Street runs all the way to Bondi Junction in the East. Bus trips to Camperdown Campus take 29-32 minutes, as you need to go into the city and then change buses near central station to go to Camperdown.
Kings Cross
Has a very lively nightlife and is open all hours. Famous for the nightclubs, cabaret, restaurants, music and adult entertainment. It attracts a range of visitors and colourful local residents. It is a densely populated area with a range of temporary accommodation and features 1920s art deco architecture. It is on the Eastern suburbs train line and is in close proximity to the city. It takes 26-28 minutes to get to Camperdown Campus from catching a train to the CBD and a bus to campus from there.
Paddington
Victorian style terraces are a feature of this area. It has pretty leafy residential streets. It is close to the popular destinations of Fox Studios, Sydney Cricket Ground and Aussie Stadium. It within easy proximity of the Eastern suburbs as Oxford Street runs through the heart of Paddington. There is a Saturday market. This suburb is a well known place for shopping, pubs, dining, cinema and art galleries. It takes 33-39 minute to catch a bus from Oxford Street Paddington to go to the CBD and then change buses to get to university.
Surry Hills
This suburb used to be a slum area in Sydney and is now transformed. It has an inner city vibe with a lot of diversity. The area has range of pubs and cafes as well as art galleries and antiques. Housing consists of terrace houses and modern apartments. Major streets in Surry Hills are Crown, Cleveland, Fitzroy, Bourke and Albion. There is a market held every month. It is convenient to the city as well as the Eastern suburbs. Depending on the part of Surry Hills you live in you may be able to walk to university otherwise you can catch a bus to central and then another bus to university all within 30 minutes.
Woolloomooloo
This suburb is located between the city and the Eastern suburbs. Previously a working class area, due to the docklands, it has now been redeveloped and has attracted more affluent residents. There is a range of housing from terrace houses to modern apartments. Finger Wharf is now a popular option for al fresco dining with water views. It is within walking distance to the City and is near Hyde Park, Botanical Gardens and the Art Gallery of NSW. It will take 30-35 minutes to get to university from here. You can walk to Kings Cross station and get a train to Redfern or take a bus to Central and then walk about 15-25 minutes to university.