University accommodation options
International students can choose from a range of different types of accommodation to suit your needs and provide the ideal study-life balance. Our international student advisors can help you decide what student housing is right for you.
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HomestayA homestay is a cultural exchange between a local individual or family (the homestay host) and an international student who lives in their home while studying in Australia.
In exchange for a small weekly fee, the host provides the student with all their basic needs, including their own room, food (if applicable), and a space to study.
Visit the Australian Homestay Network for more information.
Private rental and shared houseA private rental is where you rent a house or apartment from a landlord or real estate agent, either by yourself or with other people. A sharehouse is where you rent a room in a house with other people (housemates), usually in a more casual arrangement.
In both cases, it may be furnished or unfurnished, often does not include utilities and you will be responsible for your own cooking and cleaning.
To find apartments and share houses, visit national property websites such as realestate.com.au, Domain, and Student Accommodation Association.
Short-stay accommodationThere are several options available for short-term housing such as backpacker’s hostels, hotels, serviced apartments or Airbnb.
These are usually more expensive than other options but can offer more flexibility. They are a good choice when you first arrive in Australia while you look for longer-term accommodation.
You should do your research and book suitable accommodation before you arrive.
Partner student accommodation
Torrens University has partnered with Amberstudent, a leading student accommodation platform with a presence in all major cities across Australia. Amber offers accommodation options for students including whole student apartments, private rooms and shared rooms. They offer free expert assistance, 100% verified listings and a price-match guarantee while reducing paperwork hassles, helping you find student living close to your campus before you even arrive in Australia.
Tips for your student accommodation search
Rental accommodation is highly sought after and requires prior planning before moving in. The total cost of accommodation depends on the city you live in and the type of accommodation you choose. Here are some tips and things to consider:
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Selecting accommodation
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Avoiding rental scams
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Applying for accommodation
- How far will you have to travel to campus?
- The proximity to public transport, shops and other essentials
- The total cost including utility bills
- Whether the accommodation is furnished or unfurnished
- Whether the accommodation has heating or cooling
- The safety and security of the accommodation and surrounding area
- Who you will be sharing with (if in shared accommodation)
- Do not rely on photos on a website. Make sure you visit in person
- Never give out personal details or credit card details to someone you have never met in exchange for more information about a property
- Do not pay more than four weeks’ rent as a bond, and pay the bond directly to the state bond authority (not an individual person)
- You should not be asked to pay more than two weeks’ rent in advance, and never more than four
- If something looks too good to be true, it usually is. Very cheap rent for a nice apartment is a common scam
- Ensure you provide all the information and paperwork requested
- Avoid paying a deposit on a place you have never seen and always see the lease agreement or contract first
- Be aware of your rights as a tenant – the rules are different in each state of Australia
- Get a breakdown of the total cost, including bond, rent in advance, and utility bills
- Carefully read your contract or lease agreement so you understand the terms of your accommodation agreement before you sign
- When joining an existing sharehouse, find out the expectations about cleaning, cooking, and use of shared spaces
Living and accommodation costs
To rent a room in a sharehouse, you can expect to pay $200 to $500 a week, depending on the city, suburb and property itself. Renting a one-bedroom unit by yourself will cost around $400 to $700 a week, depending on where it is and what kind of property it is.
Living costs and accommodation costs are sourced from costofliving.studyaustralia.gov.au and are in AUD. Information is current as of December 2023.
Accommodation options for international students
Frequently asked questions
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Does Torrens University have accommodation at other campuses?Leura campus contains our only on-site accommodation. There are lots of accommodation options near our campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Contact the Student Services team to receive a full list of recommended accommodation websites.
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Can students under the age of 18 get accommodation?All underage international students applying for a student visa must demonstrate that they have adequate welfare arrangements for the duration of their student visa or until they turn 18. A student who is under 18 can reside in Australia if they are with a parent or legal custodian or a suitable nominated relative who is over 21 years old and of good character and with the university approving their accommodation and welfare arrangements. Contact our Student Services team for more information.
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Do I need to stay at the Leura campus if I’m studying at the Blue Mountains International Hotel School?Only our first and second-year students undertaking the International Hotel and Resort Management Bachelor program must stay at the on-site accommodation at our Leura (Blue Mountains) campus. The campus consists of a simulated hotel, where you will complete practical training in food and beverage, housekeeping and front-office duties.
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Do I need to apply for accommodation before arriving to study?No, you are welcome to stay in short-term accommodation when you first arrive in Australia until you find a living situation you like. The exception to this is if you are under 18, in which case you will need to have appropriate arrangements in place. However, we recommend you allow some time before you start studying to find and settle into your accommodation.