Finding the Perfect Student Accommodation in Sydney
As Australia’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, Sydney is a thriving hub for higher education and home to some of the country’s top universities. Sydney is home to worlds top university like University of Sydney and University of New South Wales (UNSW). With over 250,000 students flocking to Sydney each year for undergraduate or postgraduate studies, finding suitable student accommodation is an important consideration.
This detailed guide provides an overview of the types of student accommodation available in Sydney and critical factors to evaluate when making this significant decision as a student.
Introduction to Student Life in Sydney
Sydney offers a high standard of living, a sunny climate, natural beauty, an enviable beach lifestyle, and excellent higher education options. Around 30% of the students come from overseas, primarily China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
The city provides extensive public transport options through trains, buses, ferries and light rail to commute easily across its various districts and suburbs. Part-time work opportunities are also abundant for students in Sydney.
Types of Student Accommodation in Sydney
When beginning your student housing search in Sydney, consider these main options:
Purpose-Built Student Accommodation
These are privately owned and managed modern buildings specifically designed for student living, generally located near campuses. Studios and shared apartments with amenities are available.
Shared Housing Rentals
Renting a house or apartment with other students is a popular, affordable option, ranging from 2-bed units to 5-bedroom homes in suburbs surrounding universities.
University Managed On-Campus
Universities like UNSW and the University of Sydney have halls, colleges and residences on campus, offering a supportive community.
Private Rental Properties
The private rental market offers flats, granny flats or 1-bedroom units for students wanting more independent living options.
Critical factors while deciding Student accommodation in Sydney
Here are some key considerations when exploring Student accommodation in Sydney.
Location: Proximity to your university campus, transport links, and commute time into the city centre.
Budget: Rental costs, utility expenses, furnishings, and amenities to evaluate affordability. Sydney rents are expensive.
Lifestyle: Private versus shared living spaces. Assess needs for independence, community, and privacy.
Facilities: Check laundry, parking, gym, and recreation facility availability. Also, consider the necessity of fast WiFi.
Flexibility: Review contract duration, alignment with semester dates, lock-in periods, and exit clauses.
Support: On-site maintenance, pastoral care services, and security features offered for student safety.
Recommended Suburbs for Student Accommodation in Sydney
Based on popularity for lifestyle, rents, and university proximity, these are great locations for students to live in Sydney:
Inner City
Vibrant but expensive areas like Darlinghurst, Chippendale, and Ultimo are located close to campuses.
Surry Hills
Foodie suburb near UNSW and city centre offering cheaper shared housing options.
Glebe
Trendy vibe and cafes with decent rental rates, given the inner city location.
Newtown
Youthful suburb near the University of Sydney with plenty of bars, eateries and student housing choices.
Redfern
Upcoming neighbourhood near Universities with warehouse apartment options for shared housing.
Top Student Accommodation in Sydney
Here, we have curated the top 20 recommended student accommodations in Sydney, Australia.
1. Urbanest Darling Square
- Fully furnished modern studios
- Rooftop swimming pool, gym, cinema room
- Communal terraces, game zones, study spaces
- High-speed WiFi, 24/7 support
- Walking distance to UTS
2. Scape Abercrombie
- Fully furnished studios and apartments
- Recently refurbished complex with stylish interiors
- Gym, courtyard BBQ area, recreation game room
- Lively events organized by the Scape team
- Close to the University of Sydney and RMIT
3. Atira Student Living
- Professionally managed shared homes
- Locations in Glebe, Newtown, close to universities
- Fully furnished rooms in millennial-style houses
- Flexible leasing, bills included
- Social activities organized by community teams
4. Unilodge on Broadway
- Compact retro-furnished studio rooms
- Private ensuite bathrooms
- Kitchenette in each studio
- Walking distance to the UTS campus
- Affordable short-term accommodation
5. Iglu Central Park
- Contemporary high-rise studio apartments
- Fully furnished with double beds
- Private ensuite bathrooms
- Kitchens and cooking equipment provided
- Gym, outdoor terrace, study rooms onsite
6. St Paul’s College at the University of Sydney
- Prestigious residential college on campus
- Fully catered single rooms
- Robust academic and arts culture
- Various sports teams and social activities
- Supportive educational environment
7. Mandelbaum House at the University of Sydney
- Co-educational Jewish college on campus
- Single rooms with kosher catering
- Shabbat services, festival celebrations
- Strong Jewish community culture
- Academic tutoring and pastoral care
8. Queen Mary Building University of Sydney
- New contemporary shared apartments
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Comfortable private bedrooms
- Stylish communal lounge areas
- On-campus location with easy access
- Social events and academic support
9. Abercrombie Student Accommodation
- Affordable short-term housing
- Self-contained studio rooms
- Double beds, desk, kitchenette, ensuite
- Located near the University of Sydney
- On-site café
- Helpful friendly staff
10. UNSW Halls and Apartments
- Various managed halls and apartments on campus
- Traditional dorms to self-catered apartments
- Houses also available
- Close to university facilities and classes
- Secure accommodations overseen by staff
11. Sydney Student Living
- Shared student housing service
- Properties in Haymarket, Glebe, Chippendale
- Furnished rooms with fast WiFi
- Flexible leases, bills included
- Close to the University of Sydney
12. University of Sydney Union
- Fully furnished campus apartments
- Studios, twin-shares and multi-bedrooms
- Self-catered with equipped kitchens
- Discounted campus life membership
- Convenient campus location
13. Student One Sydney
- Contemporary studios and 2-bed apartments
- Private bedrooms and bathrooms
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Spacious living areas
- Gym, rooftop terrace, theatrette onsite
14. Urban Hive Student Accommodation
- Modern student share houses
- Fully furnished rooms with WiFi
- Shared kitchens
- Flexible leasing available
- Close to Macquarie University
15. Macquarie University Village
- Residential college-style living on campus
- Single study bedrooms, partially catered
- 14 meals per week provided
- Academic support programmes
- Community environment for first-years
16. Campus Living Villages Macquarie
- Quality studios and apartments on campus
- Fully furnished private studios
- 2 bedroom apartments to share
- Self-contained with kitchenettes
- Conveniently located on university grounds
17. Study Stays Newtown
- Affordable short-term rentals
- Shared apartments close to USyd
- Furnished rooms with study desks
- Shared lounges, kitchens
- Convenient Newtown location
18. Eva Studios
- Modern self-contained studio apartments
- Double bed, bathroom, mini kitchen
- Study nook in each studio
- Close to UTS and Harris Street eateries
- Gym, rooftop terrace, events onsite
19. Atira Redfern
- Shared apartments and private studios
- Contemporary interiors and furnishings
- Minutes from the city and universities
- Bike storage, high-speed internet
- Vibrant, trendy Redfern location
20. Gowrie NSW Sydney
- Homestay with Sydney families
- Vetted hosts, meals and laundry provided
- WiFi included
- Cultural and language immersion
- Close transport to Macquarie University.
Summary
With abundant higher education institutes, Sydney offers a world-leading destination for students looking to invest in their futures. Finding suitable housing in this vast city takes some research and planning. Connect with fellow students and consider all options across suburbs to uncover great finds matching your priorities.
