Living in Sydney
Use the information here to find out more about:
Where to live and Sydney suburbs
Setting up a house
Transport options
For money and budgeting resources go to:
Financial Assistance Office
SRC – Student Survival Guide
If you are finding the transition to University difficult you can contact the Counselling Service or the International Student Support Unit
If you are an international student, you will receive the ‘International Student Guide: Your Road to Success’ which provides information about living in Sydney. Contact ISSU if you do not receive it.
Please contact us if you have any additional questions.
Where to live
Many students choose to live close to the campus you are attending. The Suburbs Information Sheet has information about suburbs close to each campus.
Other factors to think about:
Availability: Share houses and rental properties in Sydney are in high demand, particularly close to main campus. While many students want to live within walking distance of University, it’s not always possible. The University campuses are well serviced by public transport, so there are plenty of other convenient options. See the transport section for more information. Also use the Where Is or Google Maps websites (online maps) to find out where particular streets or suburbs are in relation to your campus.
Expenses: Living in Sydney can be expensive. If you are on a budget, you’ll need to take rent, household expenses, and traveling expenses into consideration. Remember that if you choose to live in a cheaper suburb further from your campus you need to factor in traveling costs. Also talk to potential housemates about how they split utility bills and pay for household expenses.
Cultural Connections: Some areas of Sydney have strong cultural ties. You can search local council areas for more information, see the Local Council Directory
Social Activities: Sydney has a wide variety of social scenes and activities. Think about what you like to do on weekends and which suburbs are convenient. For example, do you want to live in the inner city? Or, do you want to be closer to the beach?
Setting up a house
If you are renting a property you will need to get the utilities such as phone and electricity connected, and you may also need furniture. These links will help you:
Utility Connection: Fast Connect is a free utility connection service.
Gas and Electricity supply:AGL and Energy Australia are the main gas and electricity providers in Sydney. For a list of all Gas and Electricity suppliers go here: http://www.nsw.gov.au/moving.asp
Phone connection: Telstra and Optus are the two of the main telephone companies. A web search will provide more contacts if you want to shop around for prices.
Internet Connection: Telstra and Optus package telephone and internet costs together. You can also do a web search for more internet service provides and costs.
Furnishing your Home: Download a list of new, second-hand and rental furniture stores close to University campuses. Also keep your eye out for garage sales in the area as they can uncover great bargains!
Transport
The University of Sydney campuses are well serviced by public transport.
Regular buses go directly past the Camperdown and Darlington campuses. The closest train station is Redfern, which is a 7 to 10 minute walk from campus, or Central which is about a 15 minute walk or a short bus ride. Newtown and Macdonaldtown train stations are within a 30 minute walk.
Cumberland campus and Sydney College of the Arts are well served by buses.
The Conservatorium of Music, Dental hospital and the Law Faculty are located in the City and serviced by public transport from all parts of Sydney.
Buses, Trains and Ferries
The following websites provide timetables and trip planners to help you get around Sydney:
Transport Infoline trip-planner
The public transport information line
University of Sydney transport guide
Sydney Buses website
Sydney Ferries website
City Rail website
Light Rail
The Lightrail system which runs between Central station and Lilyfield go to: www.metrolightrail.com.au
Taxis
There are a number of taxi companies in Sydney. These include:
Taxis Combined – 133 300
Legion Cabs – 131 451
Premier Cabs – 131 017
Information about the location of University campuses, including maps and public transport information, is also available from the University website.
