Tips for Securing Safe Accommodation in Australia

As an international student who has come to Australia with the motive to study and gain experience in the Australian job market through part-time jobs, it is impossible to live long with your relatives or friends after you arrive in the country, therefore you need to look for the best accommodation in Australia. Whether you are new or a student who has spent a good amount of time in Australia, finding a place or a space for yourself and calling it your own is a crucial aspect of living in Australia. Though the cities in Australia boast of providing a safe and secure environment, finding a place of the same sort can be challenging. Why does a safe environment hold importance? To answer questions of this sort you need to go through the blog. In this blog we will help you understand what type of accommodation options are available to you, the significance of a safe environment and the best cities to live in Australia. 

Overview of the Australian housing market and its diversity 

 

The kind of student accommodation in Australia is evident in creating a great influence on an individual. It is taken into ease but these things do matter in your mental health, academic sphere and more areas. As per the needs of the students and most importantly the finances, there are various options available to you. Based on the location of your university majorly you will have to decide where and which suburb or area would be appropriate for you. Otherwise, the options range from bustling metropolitan cities like Sydney and Melbourne to more relaxed urban centres like Adelaide and Brisbane, each city providing a unique housing landscape. 

 

Talking about the housing market area of Australia, then the cities are meant to be relatively more expensive than the less popular destinations. The options available to you other than on-campus accommodation are high-rise apartments, shared housing and purpose-built student accommodations, complying with high demand and urban population density. Whereas in areas that are a bit far or suburban locations offer more spacious houses with larger communal areas, appealing to those seeking a quieter, more residential environment.

 

Like the cities, the ambience you will get at your apartments assures safety and accessibility, proximity and amenities nearby. But it is advised to research the city and suburb before making a decision. Also, the diversity allows students to choose various types of accommodations, such as university-managed residences, private rentals, homestays, and boarding houses, each with its distinct advantages and community atmosphere.

 

Type of accommodation options available to international students in Australia

 

Yes, there are options available to students, they can either live alone in a single-storey apartment or can enter in sharing the expenses of the apartment. The options are many but you need to choose amongst them based on your comfort level, cost, and convenience. Here are the main types of accommodation available for international students to study in Australia:

 

1. On-Campus Accommodation: The name itself is suggestive that these accommodation options are offered by universities. Providing separate space for students to live and conduct their regular activities at a reasonable price. This is the safest place in Australia for an international student. 

 

• University Halls of Residence: These are usually located within or near the campus, offering a range of room types from shared dormitories to private rooms.
   

• Residential Colleges: These provide not just accommodation but also meals, academic support, and social activities. They often have a strong sense of community and tradition. These are usually within the territory of a university. 

 

2. Off-Campus Accommodation: Again, the name is suggestive that these accommodations are provided by independent and private landowners. Since these are not within the university, safety can not be determined therefore to cater to that you need to conduct research. The choices range from:

 

• Private Rentals: Students can rent apartments or houses independently or with friends, basically called sharing apartments. This option offers more freedom but requires handling lease agreements, utility bills, and sometimes furniture.
   

• Shared Accommodation: Renting a room in a shared house or apartment with other students or young professionals. This can be more affordable and offers a social living environment.
   

• Homestays: Herein, you will have to stay with the local family of Australia and they will be providing you with meals and sharing other services. Living with a local Australian family provides a home-like environment and an opportunity to experience Australian culture firsthand. Meals are often included.

 

3. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): These are apartments specifically designed for students, near the university area. The amenities offered range from study rooms, to gyms, and communal areas.  They can range from shared rooms to private studios.
 

4. Temporary Accommodation: These include the hotels and serviced apartments, available for a short stay of an individual. 

 

• Hostels and Budget Hotels: These are short-term options that can be useful when students first arrive and are looking for more permanent accommodation.
   

• Serviced Apartments: These offer more comfort and amenities than hostels, suitable for short stays or while searching for long-term accommodation in Australia.

 

5. Boarding Houses: These provide a room (sometimes with meals) in a communal setting, often with shared facilities like bathrooms and kitchens. They are less common but can be an affordable option. But these can assure less safety as compared to other housing options. 

 

Tips for Securing Safe Accommodation in Australia

Securing and providing accommodation for international students that is safe and feels like home is not an easy thing in Australia. To find the perfect accommodation for oneself, you can walk upon these tips: 

 

1. Identify your needs and start early: Basically, you are required to identify and assess your needs and preferences for a housing option. Find your comfort and the things you need from the place you are willing to live in. With every new semester, the population of students increases therefore if you have cleared all the tests and interviews before arrival then, you can spend your time finding housing dealers in the areas near your university. Here are three key factors to consider:
 

• Proximity to Work or University: It is advisable to live near your university or place of work as this will primarily deduct your transportation cost and secondly you can become more active in participating in the campus activities. Additionally, you can access the library, and study centre facilities provided by the university.  Being within walking or biking distance can be particularly advantageous, contributing to a healthier lifestyle and a more time-efficient schedule.
   

• Budget Constraints: Budget is somehow an important factor while you are living in Australia. The additional costs already are determinants in summing up the costs such as utilities, internet, and transportation. If you establish a budget, you will be able to narrow down your choices and prevent financial strain. Look for options that offer the best balance between cost and amenities, and consider whether shared living arrangements might provide a more economical solution.

 

2. Research neighbourhood: Here it does not specifically refer to researching the people who live nearby, it includes Safety ratings and crime statistics, Accessibility to public transport, and Availability of amenities. These factors are eventually crucial because things go unpredictable and having things nearby makes everything comfortable. 
 

• You should research suburbs or areas with lower crime rates and strong community policies. Living in a strict ambience is far better than an environment where you live in a bit of fear.  Online resources, local government websites, and university housing offices often provide details related to crime statistics and safety information. Additionally, visiting the neighbourhood at different times of day can give you a better sense of its safety and atmosphere.
   

• Having transportation accessibility near your accommodation is another ideal location. You can check the availability and frequency of buses, trains, trams, or bike-sharing programs. Proximity to major transport hubs or multiple transit lines can significantly reduce travel time, and cost and enhance your mobility around the city.
   

• There are other amenities that significantly impact your stay in Australia. These include the proximity to local markets, supermarkets, Access to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, Proximity to libraries, cultural centres, and community events can enrich your educational as well as personal experience. 

 

3. Research and plan: Conducting research is essential and personally investigating sites is another best way to access the safety of an area. You can either research through online sources or contact dealers and other reviews. 
 

Online resources and tools: Online resources can provide knowledge about the accommodation options being at your own place. Here are some key resources and tools to consider: 
 

• Reliable Websites for Accommodation Search: Several reputable websites can help you find accommodation options that meet your preferences and budget: These include Realestate.com.au, Domain, and Flatmates.com.au. 
   

• Using Google Maps and Street View for a Virtual Tour of the Neighborhood: Google Maps and Street View are invaluable tools for gaining a better understanding of a neighbourhood without physically being there. 

 

4. Legal and financial consideration: These are essential to be understood beforehand, understand the lease agreement and consider if they align to your specific preferences. Understanding the key terms and your rights and responsibilities can prevent misunderstandings and potential disputes. If you budget effectively, you can avoid any financial strain and be aware of the potential hidden costs. 
 

Initial Costs:

• Bond: Typically four weeks’ rent, refunded at the end of the lease if there’s no damage or unpaid rent.

• Advance Rent: Usually two weeks’ rent is paid upfront.

• Moving Expenses: Costs for transporting your belongings, which can vary based on distance and amount of items.

 

5. Verification of Legitimacy: Ensuring the legitimacy of your landlord or rental agency and verifying the property’s ownership are crucial steps in securing safe and reliable accommodation. You can do that either by checking online reviews or simply by checking whether the landlord is a member of recognized professional associations, such as the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA). Otherwise, you can ask the landlord or agent for proof of identity, including a driver's licence or passport. And the last option left is to meet them in person. This helps establish trust and allows you to ask detailed questions about the property and the lease agreement.

 

6. Property safety: Last is to ensure that the place you have decided to live in has adequate features to ensure your safety of. It should cause no trouble to you and should protect your security and well-being. The basics such as locks, alarms and CCTV must be installed in the building or in the house. 
 

• Locks: Ensure that all external doors and windows have high-quality, secure locks. Deadbolts on doors and security locks on windows can significantly enhance safety.
   

• Alarms: The property in which you are going to stay must be equipped with burglar alarms to provide an extra layer of security. These can detect potential intruders and alert you and authorities in case of a break-in.
   

• CCTV:  Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in and around the property can deter criminal activity and provide valuable evidence in case of an incident.
   

Conclusion

 

Safety is the supreme need of an international student while finding the perfect location for accommodation in Australia. There are major cities in Australia like Sydney, Melbourne, and more that offer the best accommodation and facilities for students. But if you have a university in a specific location and in that you want to count on the safety measures then you can get help from above. The tips mentioned above can be significant for a student to take measures in living a life safely in Australia. . Take your time to thoroughly assess all aspects of potential homes to ensure they meet your safety and comfort requirements. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek additional information when needed. 
 

For any other prominent assistance and guidance related to Australian education, visa, admission or other categories you can contact OZ assignments. Reach out to us and seek proper help!