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Living in Sydney
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- Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs
Living costs
Your living costs will depend on a lot of different variables, including your lifestyle and where you choose to live. It can be a good idea to estimate how much you'll need, or even develop your own budget. Read our article on budgeting and check out these websites to help plan where your money goes:
- Moneysmart website for budgeting tools and money saving tips
- Insider Guides’ cost of living calculator
- Study Australia if you're an international student
- Lifestyle - Living costs on our website.
Finding a place to live
When planning where you'd like to live, check which campus you will be studying on and do some research into the transport options.
Our Housing Hacks series of articles has some great tips to help your make decisions and protect your rights.
University accommodation
Make use of the University’s Accommodation Services for advice about University owned accommodation options as well as our off-campus database.
The University offers one of the most affordable student accommodation options. Experience life in an inclusive, supportive and authentic environment with students from all over Australia and the world.
Our student residences, in Camperdown and Darlington and Camden, provide a supportive community that fosters personal and academic growth. Whether you're a current or future student, or looking for someone, you can find all the key information on each residence page.
Resident students can also get involved in the various sporting, cultural and wellbeing events that run year-long as part of our Intramural Program, allowing you to create memories and friendships during your time at uni. There are also off campus options and information about living costs.
On-campus student accommodation is very popular and can be booked up fast, so make sure you apply as soon as possible.
Arranging your own accommodation
Off-campus accommodation is usually a private rental organised through a real estate agent or other housemates. There's some key things to be aware of before you sign any documents or pay any money. These include:
- doing an in-person inspection of the property rather than simply relying on photos as photos may not show problems such as mould or pests
- understanding the minimum condition a rental propery must be in
- knowing what information a landlord or agent has to give you.
To find out more about what to consider and your rights are as a tenant, check out these resources:
Rental scams
Be aware for scams when you’re looking for accommodation. For help staying protected while you find a place to live, read through our guidelines on real estate scams.
Housing Hacks: how to create and stick to a budget
Developing a budget will help you keep track of your spending, plan for your financial future and ensure you always have enough money for essentials like rent, food and bills.
Housing Hacks: what to expect when renting in Sydney
Housing Hacks is our series on accommodation with tips and advice for students renting in Sydney.
Checking in to your accommodation
Moving to a new place is exciting and a little overwhelming, but it's important you don't forget about the rules and the paperwork. Taking time to complete the condition report and snapping some photos can help protect you when you move out. Read about what else you should do on the:
If you're too busy moving to cook, food delivery services that operate in Sydney include Menulog, Fantuan, Easi and UberEats.
Once you've moved, you'll need to update your address details in government systems and in Sydney Student.
If you're on a student visa, it's a requirement of your visa to update your address with us within 7 days.
Find out how to update your address and contact details.
Buying some essentials
If you're living or studying around Camperdown/Darlington campus, there's loads of options within walking distance so you can buy what you need. Here's a few that are close by:
- Shopping malls
- Broadway Sydney - including Coles, Aldi, Kmart and Target
- Central Park - including Woolworths
- Pharmacies
- Independent pharmacies/chemists in multiple locations
- The Union Pharmacy on Camperdown campus
- Chemist Warehouse
- Priceline Pharmacy.
- Smaller grocers - IGA and Miracle Supermarkets (multiple locations)
- International and fresh food markets - Market City
- Speciality stores - King St, Newtown
- Seafood - Sydney Fish Markets
- Furniture and household - Kmart, Target (at Broadway Sydney), IKEA (at Tempe)
- Thrift stores and op shops - Vinnies, Red Cross.
Last updated: 06 November 2024
