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EnglishIt’s important to make the right choice when you’re finding somewhere to live. Here are some of the important factors you will need to consider during your search.
Finding suitable accommodation is an important part of feeling settled and at home in your new city. Accommodation costs are extremely varied. They depend on the type of accommodation you choose and where it is located.
Due to Australian residential tenancies laws, it is not possible for ACU to arrange private rental accommodation for you before you arrive. There are many different types of accommodation available:
As a general rule, the closer to the central business district (CBD) you live, the more expensive the rent will be. Likewise, accommodation that is close to campus is very popular. It’s worth looking to see what you can find, but it is more likely that you will find accommodation that is a short bus or train ride from your ACU campus.
Australian cities are currently experiencing a rental shortage, which means that in some cases it may take weeks or even months to find long-term rental accommodation. This is why it’s important to book some convenient short-term accommodation before you arrive in Australia, so that you have somewhere to say while you’re looking for a rental property. Unfortunately ACU has no control over this situation.
There’s no right or wrong answer for the sort of accommodation you choose – it really depends on your needs and expectations. If you prefer to live with other students, a private rental or a share house might be the best option. It may even be possible to get a fully furnished property; however, they tend to be more expensive and can be hard to get. Most rental accommodation is unfurnished.
If you want to experience life with an Australian family, then homestays offer a lot of benefits. Homestay accommodation is typically more expensive, but includes your meals and bills.
Find a home with the Australian Homestay Network
In most cases, you will be required to sign a contract to protect both you (the tenant) and the landlord. The minimum contract period is usually six months, but most contracts are 12 months long.
When you enter a private rental contract, you will most likely be required to pay a bond. A bond is a security deposit held over the accommodation which a student rents. It is mainly used to cover the costs of maintenance and cleaning after a tenant leaves the accommodation. There are rules and regulations that govern the use of the bond.
Please be aware that a tenancy agreement is a legally binding document and you will be required to adhere to the conditions of the agreement.
You can learn about your tenant rights and responsibilities and those that govern the use of the bond from the Rental Tenancy Authority in the state you are living in. It’s advisable to be aware of your rights and responsibilities before you sign a tenancy agreement.
Visit the websites below to learn more:
Prepare for life in Australia by accessing our guide to living costs, including tips on budgeting and managing your finances.
Plan your moneyReady to start your overseas adventure? Find out if you’re eligible for your chosen course and what you’ll need to get your application underway.
Apply nowTake a virtual tour, find maps of all our campuses, plan your route to university and see what facilities we have to offer.
Explore nowOur international team is happy to help you with any questions about arriving, living and studying in Australia.
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