Boomerang Australia Studies

INTRODUCTION

On the basis of some years of experience in accommodation issues in Australia, we have selected below the most adaptable and affordable types of accommodation.

There are some ways to be accommodated in Australia if you are ready to work in exchange for food and accommodation. WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) allows you to travel around Australia working on organic farms in exchange for food and accommodation. Over 1600 Australian hosts to choose from, a great variety of properties and people, practicing biodynamics, organics and permaculture. Make lasting friendships and learn all about organics at the same time! Read more

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION

Backpackers Accommodation/Youth Hostels/Budget Hostels

Backpackers accommodation is a particularity of Australia: they are similar to Youth Hostels but privately owned and with far more flexible rules! If you are looking for short term accommodation, your best option is to book a room in these types of accommodation. Fees vary between AU$25 and AU$90/night per person, depending on if you choose a 4 or 6 or 8 shared dormitory, single or double room.

Our advice: it is not that easy for you to choose from your home country which hostel will suit you better, considering that often, most websites don’t show the reality: the majority of hostels are still far from being clean and safe, especially in the larger cities !!

That’s why we have prepared some Welcome Packs that guarantee you settle down without any trouble: see below

WELCOME PACK SYDNEY

We have prepared some Welcome Packs that guarantee you settle down without any trouble: they include airport transfer, 7 nights in a safe backpacker accommodation at a reasonable price in the major Australian cities and a Welcome Kit (job assistance, practical information to start on the right foot…). They cost around AU$300 apart from Sydney at AU$565 (it includes the RSA).

WELCOME PACK SYDNEY

* Services:
- Advice and assistance not only for your application (Visa, flights, accommodation...) but also for the duration of your stay! A welcome meeting in English at our office to give you all the tips you need and answer all your questions
- Information kit at arrival with all tips and information to settle easily in Sydney (map, tourist guides, discount vouchers...)
- Job assistance: we will give you our job guide "Get Started" that includes information on taxes, superannuation, work conditions, job salary, etc
- Accommodation assistance (shared apartment/house or student residence) : appointment with some accommodation providers
- Assistance to apply for the Tax File Number, Tax return and superannuation registration
- Information and assistance to open a bank account
- Information and assistance to get connected in Australia (sim card, mobile phone plans...)
- Travel Assistance (transport, tours, activities, accommodation...)
- Unlimited Internet access for the duration of your course
- City Tour of Sydney (details given at arrival)

* Accommodation:
- 7 nights in a backpacker accommodation in the heart of Sydney (in 4-shared dormitory, with shared facilities, Linen and quilts supplied; 24 hours reception and security)
- Airport transfer in shuttle (one way only) to your accommodation.

* Training:
- 1 day course : RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol)
- Professional outcome: a great chance to be employed in any bar, cafe or restaurant...
- ATTENTION: Attendees must to be 18 years of age or older

Contact us if you are interested in a Welcome pack in another city!

HOMESTAY

The aim is to live with an Australian family, practice your English and understand better the Australian culture. This is one of the most popular options among students. However, the myth is fading in the largest Australian cities since it is changing into a commercial enterprise and you hardly get to speak to the family!!
This option includes half board from Monday to Friday (breakfast and dinner) and full board at weekends. It will cost you from AU$175 to AU$225 weekly (+ Accommodation Placement fee from AU$150 to AU$200). Most households are located between 15 to 50 minutes from the city centre on public transport (bus or train).

Our advice: we don’t advise this option for students who are used to a lot of freedom !! You normally have to be home by 6 pm for dinner and you cannot go out too often during the week since you are often not given a key!! You have to book and pay minimum for 4 weeks. Then you can renew week by week or look for shared accommodation.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION

In general this is the preferred option: it is cheap, you can lead the way of life you want and can choose who you want to live with!! You can share a house or a flat with Australians or other fellow students; your room can be furnished or not and costs vary between AU$70 and AU$180/week, depending on many criteria : single or shared room, city, surburbs…

Our advice: we don’t recommend you book for shared accommodation from your home country: you have to visit it first since, often flats or houses are in a shocking conditions!! Therefore, you’d be better off choosing one of our Welcome Packs and then look for shared accommodation on the spot!

We have selected quality furnished shared accommodation in houses or apartments in the main Australian cities. Please click below on the selected city where you will be staying while in Australia.

Brisbane

Sydney

 

FLAT RENTING

If you are planning to stay for a long time in Australia and you are keen to have your own privacy, you can rent a flat or house in your own name through a real estate agency: prices can vary from AU$200 to AUD$320/week for a studio (or Bachelor unit) and AU$ 240 to AU$500/week for a 2 bedroom flat.

Our advice: be aware that most flats or houses are not furnished, you will need to pay a 4 week bond in advance and need a referee. As in the case of shared accommodation, you’d be better off choosing one of our Welcome Packs and then visit a number of flats before taking a decision!

ON CAMPUS STUDENT RESIDENCE

You have to be a university student to be eligible. Since there aren’t many residences at all, there is a long waiting list although priority is given to international students. It can cost you from AU$130 to AU$320/week, depending on the type of unit : single or double room, serviced or not… The advantage of this option is that all rooms are furnished and kitchens well equipped but most of the time you have to share bathrooms and kitchen.

Our advice: this option is only valid if you book for a semester minimum and you have to sign a contract.

STUDENT HOSTELS

The difference from the university residences is that these hostels are privately run and can vary in size from 5 rooms to 50 rooms or more!! The advantage of this option is that all rooms are furnished and kitchens well equipped. Prices vary from AU$100 to AU$300/week per person depending on the type selected.

Our advice: this is not the best place to improve your English since most room mates are international students like you! Moreover, facilities are often under-represented, common rooms are tiny and noisy and you may have to queue in the bathrooms and kitchens, label your shopping… You need to like communal life!!