It's never easy to move to any foreign country when you're a student. There are over 233,099 international students studying in universities across Australia. The University of Sydney alone hosts over 11, 871 international students. Choosing where to live is a big decision when you're going to university in a new country. Many students choose to live on-campus, which is a straightforward solution. But for those who prefer to live off-campus, it's ideal to arrive well in advance to find a place to stay, so that you start student life with your best foot forward. Here are some useful tips for international students who are looking to find off-campus accommodation in Sydney.
Know How Rent Works
International students must be aware that unlike other parts of the world where rent is calculated monthly, Sydney rents are paid weekly. Here's a common rental mistake that you should be careful about--it's easy to assume four weeks in a month when calculating your rent. That amounts to 48 weeks in total. In reality, a year comprises of 52 weeks. Don't make the mistake of forgetting to include the additional four weeks in your overall budget. Most of the time, you will be required to pay a bond when you move in--sometimes it may be a few weeks rent, while in other cases it may be rent for the whole month. You will need to negotiate this with your landlord.
Consider Shared Accommodation
Most students prefer to share accommodation rather than rent individually. It's cheaper and frankly more fun. When you're experiencing student life, you want to be involved in groups and social circles. Shared accommodation is a great way to make new friends, learn new languages, share class notes and have fun. Shared accommodation on an average will cost you approximately $200-$300 per week, in comparison to a small apartment that will cost you $350-$500 per week.
Choose Location Wisely
Once you have set your budget, you will need to select an apartment based on what you can afford. If you choose to live closer to the city centre, you will end up spending a higher amount. For example, the cost of a one-bedroom unit in Sydney's central business district is approximately $600 per week, while the cost of a one-bedroom unit in a location like Glebe (a short 2.5km away from the centre) will cost you $415. Choosing a slightly further location may be ideal for an already tight student budget. It is also wise to consult with other students, check university bulletin boards and student websites when selecting accommodation.
When you're choosing accommodation in Sydney, like Motel Travelway, make sure you follow these useful tips to find a good place to live and start your student life on the right track.
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