articles

If you are looking at a short term accommodation, the best option is to book a budget accommodation such as backpackers, Youth Hostels or budget hostels.

Backpackers accommodation is typical of Australia and most are privately and family owned. Fees vary between AU$22 and AU$90/night per person, depending if you choose 4 or 6 or 8 shared dormitory, single or double room, en suite or not. It is often more interesting to book for one week rather than overnight.

Our advice: it is not that easy for you to choose from your home country which hostel will suit you better, considering that most websites often 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 from the airport, 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
Welcome Pack Cairns
Welcome Pack Perth

The aim of this formula is to live with an Australian family, practice your English and understand the Australian culture better. This is one of the most popular options 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$240 weekly (+ an 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 if you are used to a lot of freedom !! You normally have to be home by 6 pm for dinner and going out too often during the week is rather rude. You have to book and pay minimum for 4 weeks. Then you can renew week per week or look for a shared accommodation.

In Australia shared accommodation is the preferred option for students as much as for professionals: 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$190/week, depending on many criteria: single or shared room, in city centre, surburbs…

Our advice: we don’t recommend you to book for a shared accommodation from your home country: you have to visit it first since most flats or houses can be in shocking conditions! Therefore you’d better choose one of our Welcome Packs and then look for a shared accommodation on the spot ! Refer to Short Term Accommodation for more details.

If you are planning to stay for 6 months minimum 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 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 have a referee. As in the case of shared accommodation, you’d better choose one of our Welcome Packs and then visit a big number of flats before taking a decision!

They include Student hostels (open to anybody) and on campus student residences (You have to be a university student to be eligible). If you plan to stay in Australia over one month, this formula is the best option: all rooms are furnished, kitchens well equipped, you can stay as long as possible. Prices vary from AU$100 à AU$300/week per person depending on the type of room. These residences are generally well located and vary from 5 to 50 rooms or more.

Our advice: this is not the best place to be if you want to improve your English as most flatmates are international students like you! You also need to love sharing: toilets and bathrooms are rarely ensuite and rather limited in number, you have to make sure to protect your shopping in the fridge and cupboards...

If you plan to stay over 15 days and the above formula does not interest you, you should considerer renting a serviced apartment. They are all well located, very often in city centres or close to conference centres and transport, the services are similar to luxury hotels but you have more space, a fully-equipped kitchen that allows you to cook and eat comfortably. You can choose studio types, one or more bedrooms.

We have found a reliable company that proposes a wide range of furnished apartments and homes all over Australia and you can browse all the offers at your own pace. Click here to find out.

Our Advice: this formula is very popular and we recommend you to book in advance, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.

We can obtain some good prices in hotels in the major Australian cities. We can send you a list of hotels so that you can choose according to your budget. To benefit from special prices, you will have to pay in advance.

Our advice: Cities like Sydney and Melbourne never have low season so avoid booking at the latest minute!