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Student Accommodation Australia
Starting University in another city... or country... can be a daunting prospect!
Finding a place to call home is one of the most important steps in the initial part of this process, and finding just the right place for you can make your experience much more enjoyable.
There is a variety of accommodation options available to students:
University Accommodation
These may be onsite dorms, or houses and units situated offsite in convenient locations, which are owned by the Uni and rented to students. Many of these are self contained, so that you have your own bathroom and kitchen and are basically self contained. They may be share or individual accommodation. These can be pretty lively and social, but students will need to adhere to any University policies for behaviour and social events.
Student Accommodation Houses
Privately run group houses or units which are rented exclusively to students. The houses often have several private bedrooms, which are individually rented to students. They usually have share bathroom and kitchen facilities. Often, at least breakfast provisions are included- sometimes other meals as well. They may also have a live-in caretaker. Often these houses rent only to students of one sex, and are sometimes aimed towards students of a particular nationality. While students are probably not under any strict behaviour codes, these places will probably expect a level of maturity and consideration.
Private Rental Accommodation/Share Houses
Students may decide to rent a house or unit from a private landlord, maybe as part of a group with other students. Rooms are often available in these houses, as students move on, so advertisements may be placed in Uni newsletters, noticeboards or in general community ones also. Rooms may be individual or share, and students are usually responsible for all of their own meals, or as part of a share agreement with their housemates. These share houses can often be noisy places, with lots going on, depending on your housemates. Most suited to social, lively students. Keep in mind that you will be liable for part of any expenses involved in damage to the property... and may be evicted!
Host Family Accommodation
There are many families who welcome international exchange students into their homes, for short or long term study. Various organisations co-ordinate these arrangements, at varying expenses to the student. These organisations (in the most part) do various checks on both the student and the Host Family, so hopefully the safety and compatibility of both parties is assured. Some families are paid to provide accommodation, some do it as volunteers. There is usually still a charge to the student, taken by the co-ordinating organisation.
Host Families usually provide at least some meals to the student, sometimes all. The student is provided with a bed- they may have a room to themselves, or may be required to share with a family member of the same sex- and an area to study. The bathroom facilities may be shared. The student is usually required to live as part of the family, helping out with household chores and abiding by household rules. Most families probably don't mind a friend or two dropping by, with prior consultation, but wouldn't be happy with frequent or loud social occassions in their home.
The internet is a great place to track Host Families down. There are also listings of families offering student accommodation and students looking for accommodation, which may be useful if you prefer to arrange your own accommodation with a family. Remember, however, that in these circumstances, it is up to you to check on the safety issues yourself.
Boarding Houses and Hotels
Privately owned boarding houses, small hotels etc may offer possibilities for student accommodation. These are probably more suited to the quiet, studious person, who doesn't want to have too much socialising, at least at their place of residence. Bathrooms are often shared, but some meals are usually available.
Some Universities may have listings of possible student accommodation.
Also, make use of the internet to find out what possibilities are available, long before you make the move!
Happy hunting... and enjoy your University experience!
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