On the basis of some years of experience in accommodation issues in Australia, we have selected below the most adapted 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

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 if you choose 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 to settle down without any trouble: they include transfer, 6 to 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$250. See below for further details.

Welcome pack Sydney
Welcome packs Melbourne
Welcome pack Adelaide

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 option among students. However the myth is darkening in the biggest Australian cities since it is changing into a commercial enterprise and you get hardly to speak to the family!!
This option includes half board from Monday to Friday (breakfast and dinner) and full board on 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 in 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 not often be given a key!! You have to book and pay minimum for 4 weeks. Then you can renew week per week or look for a 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 to book for a shared accommodation from your home country: you have to visit it at first since often most flats or houses are in shocking conditions!! Therefore you’d better choose one of our Welcome Packs and then look for a shared accommodation on the spot !

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 pour a 2 bedroon flat.

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

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.

The difference with 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 most privileged 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!!