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Future Students> Living in Sydney> Accommodation

Accommodation



Campus accommodationEastern SuburbsThe Barker Apartments

Australian universities typically have limited or no on-campus accommodation for students. The majority of students either live at home ( if close to the university) or stay in private accommodation. This private accommodation is often shared with other students and varies considerably in style, standard and cost.
If you wish to live in private accommodation near the UNSW main campus plan to arrive at least 3-4 weeks before classes start so you can look for accommodation. You  should be aware that local accommodation is generally more expensive and difficult to find at short notice, particularly in the peak periods of January and February.

HOW TO FIND LONG TERM HOUSING

1. International Student Housing Assistance (ISHA)

 
ISHA is a dedicated and personal service offered by International Student Services. ISHA is designed to offer you advice and guidance on what to look for in private housing, as well as how to use UNSW Housing Office's listing service.
 
Experienced Housing Assistants will be available to accompany students when they inspect rental flats or houses - for a maximum of three inspections at no cost.
 

International Student Housing Assistance (ISHA)

Contact and Location
Opening Hours
ISS Student Lounge
Ground Floor, Goodsell Building (F20)
Kensington Campus
 
January/February:
9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
9am - 12pm Saturday
 
June/July:
9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
9am - 12pm Saturday
 
Inspections will often take place in the early evening and on Saturdays
 

2. UNSW Housing Office

UNSW Housing Office assists students (and staff) to find accommodation, through its off-campus listing service. provides brochures on temporary accommodation close to UNSW, on-campus college accommodation and has information on a range of other options. The listing service has notices of vacancies for share housing, full board, room and facilities and some rental flats in the suburbs surrounding the University. It is not possible to arrange private share-accommodation in advance. The University's student apartments and Kensington Colleges are also managed by UNSW Housing Office

3. Other places to look for accommodation:

  • See accommodation ads in the Sydney Morning Herald and free local newspapers
  • Check with local Real Estate Agents
  • Ask students and personal contacts who are more familiar with the University area
  • See student advertisements pasted on Student Notice Boards around campus
  • Check with UNSW Residential Colleges as they occasionally have vacancies for late applicants. For Residential College addresses click...here

4. Useful Accomodation Websites:

 

Types of Long Term Accommodation

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options vary greatly in price, convenience, condition and type of accommodation. You must consider all these factors and prioritise needs when selecting a suitable and most importantly, secure accommodation choice.
 

Reference for Tenancy Application.

In Australia when applying for a residential tenancy Real Estate agents and property owners often ask for the names and phone numbers of personal referees, your employer's name (if you're employed), and your income and bank account details.
 
As a newly arrived international student, it is useful if you have the following references with you: 
 
When you apply for a tenancy, it is very useful to have references of personal character and financial details. To assess your suitability and financial capacity, real estate agents and property owners often ask for the names and phone numbers of personal referees, your employer's name (if you're employed), and your income and bank account details.
 
As a newly arrived international student, it is useful if you have the following references with you: 
 
If you have rented in Australia before, a documented rental history with details of:
  • length of tenancy; and
  • your commitment and record in paying the rent on time.
 
If you have not rented in Australia before then the following will be useful:
  • a statement from your sponsor (signed), which details how the sponsor will be responsible for your living expenses during your stay in Australia
  • If you have a scholarship or grant, bring a document (translated into English) outlining the duration and financial aspects of the sponsorship
 
If you are self-financing, it is best to bring:
  • evidence of your personal income, e.g a bank statement, including an Australian bank deposit statement
  • a reference letter from your previous employer, if possible

Off Campus Accommodation

The majority of international students attending UNSW live off campus in private rental accommodation. By far the most popular option is share housing, but other options that are available include - Full Board /Homestay, or renting an apartment/flat on your own.
 

OPTION 1 - SHARED FLATS/HOUSES

This accommodation is usually a single or shared room (often unfurnished) in a rented flat or house with other students, groups or individuals such as a family or elderly person. The rent and expenses such as bond, electricity, gas, telephone, etc, are shared equally among the people living in the household. Buying food and cooking is done either individually or on a group basis. Each person is expected to help clean and tidy the shared living space (eg kitchen, bathroom, living room). They are also responsible for cleaning their own room and washing their own clothes.
 
N.B. The monthly rental figure is derived from the weekly figure multiply by 52 weeks and divided by 12 months.

 
Guide to individual approximate
costs involved in establishing a shared house
cost $AUD
Rent per person/week $110 - $170
Bond - One month rent in advance; refunded on leaving provided there is no damage $440 - $680
2 weeks rent in advance $220 - $340
Electricity, gas ($20) and telephone($50)
connection fees
$70
Electricity ($120), gas ($100) and telephone bonds ($0-$500) $720
Household items (furniture, linen, kitchen utensils) $600
TOTAL $2,160 - $2,580
 
 

OPTION 2 - FULL BOARD/HOMESTAY

Full board is a furnished room and use of facilities in a private home (of family or elderly person) with breakfast and dinner provided. Some places provide lunches, bed linen, laundry service and weekly room cleaning. UNSW Housing Office has a limited number of full board places listed with its off- campus listing service, or students can apply to the Homestay Networks, which can book accommodation on a month to month basis.
 
Homestay can be used as temporary accommodation on arrival allowing time to settle in and look for long term accommodation. Cost for full board is approximately AUD$190-$250 per week (AUD$825-$1085 per month), which includes all expenses. There is also a placement fee of AUD$150 for homestay networks.
 
The homestay networks are private companies which operate independently of the University, therefore no guarantees of the condition or suitability of the accommodation can be given by UNSW.
 

OPTION 3 - RENTED HOUSES AND FLATS

These are available in suburbs around the University but there is increased demand from February to April. They provide self-contained accommodation but are mostly unfurnished and relatively expensive by Sydney standards. Rents vary according to the number of bedrooms, condition and location of the flat or house. The costs of electricity, gas and telephone are additional. When renting a flat or house it is usually necessary to sign a six months lease and pay rent in advance plus a refundable security deposit (a "bond"). It is important to make allowances for establishment costs including the purchase of furniture and equipment. If tenants leave before the end of the lease period, the tenant may have to pay rent until a new tenant is found. Whilst a small number of flats and houses to rent are available through UNSW Housing Office, most are found through real estate agents.
  • A one-bedroom flat costs from AUD$240 -$270 per week
  • A two bedroom flat costs from AUD$260-$400 per week.
  • A two/three bedroom house costs from AUD$300-$500 per week,
  • Plus establishment costs.
 

On-campus University Accommodation

Applications open on 1st Monday in November. Information and application form are available on UNSW Housing Office.
 

OPTION 4 - UNIVERSITY SELF CATERING APARTMENTS

The Mulwarree Apartments (1 Cowper St Randwick)
These apartments are 15 minutes walk from UNSW's main campus. There are 185 places available in 37 self-contained apartments. These are shared apartments each with five single bedrooms. Accommodation is for single students only. The complex has a function/study room and off street parking at no extra cost.
 
Rent was AUD$144.00 per week per room plus establishment costs of approximately AUD$800 ( 4 weeks rent & electricity bonds - refundable on leaving, plus household items)
 
Barker Apartments ( 39 Barker St Kingsford)
These apartments are on the main campus. There are 231 places mostly in five bedroom units. A number of smaller units are available for family groups or students who use wheelchairs. Parking can be arranged for an additional fee.
 
Rent is AUD$164 per week for a single room, AUD$350-397 per week for a 2 bedroom unit. Plus establishment costs of approximately AUD$950 - $1900 (4 weeks rent and electricity bonds - refundable on leaving, plus household items).
 
Both the Mulwarree and Barker Apartments are furnished. Each apartment has a kitchen, living/dining area. Laundry facilities are available. Students need to provide their own bed linen, towels, cooking utensils, crockery, consumables such as light globes and electrical appliances. All bedrooms have a bed, desk, chair and wardrobe/clothes rack. Students can access the University Wide Network from Barker Apartments.
 
Telephone and electricity are extra costs not included in the rent. All students are required to sign a 12 month lease from February to February. Priority is given to full time students from outside Sydney (including international students). As allocations are made in order of application it is best to apply as early as possible to the UNSW Housing Office.
 
New College Village ( 215A Anzac Parade Kensington) 
New College Village provides accommodation on campus for 316 postgraduate and selected undergraduate residents. NCV offers self-catered facilities, ensuite and air-conditioning in every room with a choice of studios with own kitchenette and ensuite, or an ensuite room in a multi-bedroom (5 or 6) apartment.
 
It offers a unique residential community, where residents receive strong academic and personal support and are encouraged to take part in the life of the community. Residents have access to modern facilities as well as a rich social, cultural and academic programs including various academic seminars, discussions and lecture series.
 
New College Village has many shared spaces including common rooms on each floor, a rooftop terrace, games room, a business centre, convenience store, reading room, two courtyards and a large main common room.
 
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! 
 
For more information contact New College:
Telephone: (02) 9381 1999
Fax:           (02) 9381 1909
 

OPTION 5 - RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES

 
Residential colleges provide accommodation for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Colleges are located on campus and usually provide single study/bedrooms, shared bathrooms, all meals and linen.
 
There are seven residential colleges on or near the campus. Each one offers accommodation and meals in a distinctive environment which varies from college to college, as do facilities and fees. A brief description of each college is given below and further information may be obtained by writing to the colleges directly. In addition to basic residence fees ranging from AUD$220 - $300 a week, most colleges make additional charges for such items as registration fees and damage deposit.
 
College accommodation is limited and there are always waiting lists. Students interested in college accommodation must apply directly to the college of their choice preferably 3 - 6 months before starting at UNSW.
 
 
THE KENSINGTON COLLEGES
 
Basser College
The Kensington Colleges comprise Basser, Goldstein and Philip Baxter Colleges. They house 420 male and female students, as well as resident academic staff. The college offers students at UNSW a diverse, self-managing and discrimination free environment. Fees are payable on a sessional basis, although payment by instalments can be arranged in special circumstances.
 
Enquiries: Admissions,
The Kensington Colleges
The University of New South Wales
Sydney NSW 2052, Australia.
Tel: 61 2 9315 0000, Fax: 61 2 9315 0011
Email: kenso-colleges@unsw.edu.au
 
 
International House
International House accommodates 170 co-educational students from Australia and overseas. They accept undergraduates from second year onwards and to postgraduates. IH's ethos is "International Understanding" and the residents are valued members of a friendly, cooperative environment which promotes excellence in academic performance.
 
There is also a strong social program and sports meet with other residential colleges on campus. Fee for 2005 will be AUD$ 210 per week.
 
Enquiries: The Master, International House,
The University of New South Wales,
Sydney 2052, Australia.
Tel: 61 2 9313 0600, Fax: 61 2 9313 6346
Email: ih@unsw.edu.au
 

New College
New College is an exciting and diverse place to live, study and enjoy life. The College has an outstanding academic profile with 40 to 50 per cent of students achieving a Distinction average every year. Students from all over the world apply for residence at New College and the College community reflects the cultural diversity of the University at large. With a dynamic community of 250 male and female residents, the College offers academic support by eleven academic tutors across various fields of study and pastoral care by eight resident advisers. Founded on Christian principles, the College welcomes students of all backgrounds and beliefs.
 
Enquiries: The Dean
New College, Anzac Parade, UNSW,
Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
Tel: 61 2 9381 1999
Fax: 61 2 9381 1909
Email: inquiries@newcollege.unsw.edu.au
 
 
Shalom College
Shalom College, the most modern residential college on campus, is multicultural, non-denominational and co-educational. It was created by the Jewish community of Sydney - for both Jewish and non-Jewish residents, local and international students - to celebrate diversity. It accommodates 127 residents and is the only college to offer the choice of single rooms with private ensuite bathroom and single rooms with basins and shared bathroom facilities. All rooms are fully furnished wth internet and phone connections, underfloor heating and most have balconies. Shallom College prides itself on providing a warm and friendly environment. The College values learning and academic success and an environment that is conducive to study. A wide range of cultural, social and sporting activities is also available for residents.
 
Enquiries: The Accommodation Officer
Shalom College,
The University of New South Wales,
Sydney 2052, Australia.
Tel: 61 2 9663 1366, Fax: 61 2 9313 7145
Email: shalom@shalom.edu.au
 
 
Warrane College
Warrane College offers accommodation for 140 male students of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs. All student and common rooms have been recently refurbished and upgraded. Excellent study conditions and a comprehensive tutorial program are features of College life. These are set in the context of a wide range of cultural, social, spiritual and sporting activities in a friendly and open atmosphere. As the College is fully operational all year, temporary accommodation is available during the summer vacation. Non-resident membership of the College is available. Opus Dei, a prelature of the Catholic Church is responsible for the spiritual care of the College.
 
Enquiries: The Master, Warrane College,
PO Box 123, Kensington, NSW, 1465, Australia.
Tel: 61 2 9662 6199, Fax: 61 2 9662 2992
Email: warranec@unsw.edu.au

 
Creston College
Creston College provides pleasant, secure accommodation for 25 female students of all backgrounds and beliefs. Creston offers a wide range of activities, open to both resident and non-resident students. Preference is given to first year students. Casual accomodation is available during summer vacation. The activities of a spiritual nature is entrusted to Opus Dei, a personal prelature of the Catholic Church.
 
Enquiries: The Principal, Creston College,
36 High Street, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia.
Tel: 61 2 9398 5693, Fax: 61 2 9398 9964
Email: inquiries@crestoncollege.org
 

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF SHARE HOUSING & RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES

Share Housing
Advantages

  • Fun to share with friends
  • Increases feeling of independence
  • Helps you to develop valuable life skills eg. budgeting, cooking, tolerance of other people and their habits
  • You choose what you eat and when you eat it
  • You have a say who you live with
 

Disadvantages

  • Rent is payable for the period of the lease even if you decide to go home in session breaks
  • Have to do your own cooking and household chores
  • Problems can arise if one person does not do their share of the chores or pay rent or bills on time
 

Residential Colleges
Advantages

  • You don't have to worry about cooking your own meals or paying bills so you can concentrate on study
  • Furniture, linen and most facilities are provided and rooms are cleaned weekly
  • Great way to meet people
  • No travel costs to and from lectures
  • You only have to pay for the College academic year
  • Academic help, sporting and social activities are arranged.
 

Disadvantages

  • Colleges are quite large and can be noisy at times
  • May be difficult to resist the temptation to join in the numerous social activities rather than study
  • Someone else decides what you eat and when you eat.