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Accommodation in Sydney

Accommodation service disclaimer

Inclusion on this website:

  • is not an endorsement by the Centre for English Teaching of a particular accommodation provider, organisation, or website.
  • is not a warranty as to the suitability or condition of any accommodation listed. We do not inspect any of the accommodation listed on this website. It is up to students to make their own inquiries about the suitability and condition of accommodation.

During your time in Australia you will learn about the Australian environment and culture, as well as the English language. To make the most of your opportunity, we want you to be comfortable and 'at home' in your environment including your accommodation.

The types of accomodation available are:

Homestay

Many ELICOS students choose to stay with an Australian family while learning English. It is a good way to practise English and learn about the Australian way of life.

Australian households vary, and may be a married couple with or without children, a one-parent family or a single person who wishes to share with an international student. A household may also include other students.

With homestay, you live with a family, have your own bedroom and share the family bathroom. You are treated as a member of the family. You should keep your room tidy and be helpful about the house.

Breakfast and dinner (at night) are provided from Monday to Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday you will have breakfast, lunch and dinner. The family does not provide your lunch from Monday to Friday.

Homeshare

Homeshare is a good option for the independent student. You will have a furnished room in a home. You do your own cooking, shopping and cleaning - the normal everyday chores of shared accommodation. Homeshare is usually fully-furnished and includes sheets, towels, etc.

Preferred homestay/homeshare providers

Temporary accommodation

Stay at International House during 2009 and 2010 study break for only 60.00 per day!!

Experience residential college life during study break! Stay on The University of Sydney main campus. Enjoy International House's facilities and be served with three meals per day. Stay in a single room with shared toilet and shower facilities.

Conditions:

  • promotional rate is for the period of 27 June 2009 to 24 July 2009 and from 05 January 2010 to 21 February 2010
  • this offer is exclusive for students enrolled in The University of Sydney
  • all room rates are charged per person and per night, inclusive of three meals per day and GST where applicable
  • booking has to be for a minimum of six consecutive nights
  • subject to room availability. All bookings paid in full by credit card before arrival

For more details see the International House accommodation website.

Temporary accommodation varies, your accommodation provider will be able to assist you with your requirements. This type of accommodation is recommended when you wish to find your own long term accommodation. As a guide rates are:

  • Budget rooms: AUD$70-$165 per night
  • Other hotel: AUD$165+ per night (room often not available until after 12 noon)

You can also find your own temporary accommodation we suggest you contact the following:-

  • Balmain Mansions - consists of 12 bedrooms especially designed for the discerning traveller and students.
  • Cheap hotels - is a last minute and all year accommodation in Sydney with savings of up to 70%.
  • Study Oasis - is an English Australia approved company. They can assist you with all your accommodation needs.
  • Whereis - A website that will show you where the suburb is you are looking for.
  • YHA NSW - The YHA offer cheap, temporary accommodation, within close proximity to CET.
    There is YHA Accommodation located at Sydney Central, Railway Square, Glebe and Dulwich Hill. - consists of 12 bedrooms especially designed for the discerning traveller and students.

Finding your own accommodation

You can rent your own apartment or house or rent a room in a shared apartment or house. Renting a room in 'share accommodation' is one of the best ways of mixing with Australian students.

Rents vary according to the size, standard and location of accommodation. Most rented accommodation in Sydney is unfurnished. Furnished accommodation rents may be higher.

You can find accommodation through advertisements in newspapers, notices on University student noticeboards or from real estate agents.

You will have to visit the apartments or houses and make your own decisions, but this will give you an opportunity to meet Sydney-siders and explore the suburbs.

Websites to help you

If you are looking to stay near the university the surrounding suburbs are Newtown, Camperdown, Glebe, Annandale, Darlington, Chippendale, Enmore, Erskinville.

If you would like to live near the beach but also still in Sydney, suburbs such as Coogee, Bondi, Clovelly, Bronte, Tamarama, Maroubra may interest you.

Costs, conditions and general information about renting

  • apartments - generally for one or two people, own bathroom (A$185+ single and $140+ per person if sharing)
  • house - for a group of three people or more (A$135 -$215 per person, per week)

If you rent your own apartment or house, you will usually be asked to sign a contract (lease) to stay a minimum period (usually six months), and pay a deposit/bond equivalent to two or four weeks' rent. The bond will be refunded to you when you leave. You will have to pay two or four weeks' rent in advance. You may also have to pay a bond for telephone, gas or electricity. This bond is usually deducted from your last bill.

Make sure that you get a receipt for all payments you make, and do not lose any receipts. If you lose the receipt for a bond you will have difficulty getting your money refunded.