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Tips for students

These tips are to help you work out what features of accommodation are most important for your lifestyle, and assist you in getting housing faster by looking at what you really need.

Jump to the tips most relevant to you:

International students

Moving overseas to attend university is very exciting but also requires some careful planning. We recommend you read our tips on what to do before you arrive and take a look at the Arrive and Thrive Guide which has specific information for international students about moving to Sydney, and preparing for study at the University of Sydney.

  1. Look for housing that offers a strong communal environment and will help with your transition of living in a new country. All on-campus accommodation is open to international students and offers a great way to meet new people. If you miss out on on-campus accommodation but want the same atmosphere, try off-campus residences like UniLodge and Urbanest.
  2. Get to know Sydney – International students cannot obtain travel concession rates, so you need to consider the distance from campus and look at the cost of transport. See Living in Sydney for information about suburbs in Sydney and transport costs.
  3. Attend an international student arrival information session (link to orientation website) – these sessions are essential for new international students as you will find out about life on campus, visa requirements and study and enrolment information.
  4. If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask for help – your International Student Advisers are here to make your time at the University of Sydney as comfortable as possible. If you want more confidential advice, Counselling and Psychological Services has free advice clinics, offers a range of transition workshops throughout the year and e-therapy tools to assist you with the challenges you might be facing.

Centre for English Teaching (CET) students

  1. Check out the information about accommodation on the CET website
  2. If you are planning to follow your CET course with a degree at the University of Sydney, we recommend you wait until you receive a firm offer from the University to apply for on-campus accommodation. ** WHY
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Postgraduate student tips

As a postgraduate student, you may have to consider what housing options can accommodate couples or families, are the most cost effective for your circumstances, and how much space you need or if you will be using facilities on campus.

Most postgraduate students tend to live off-campus as you have greater choice in the type of accommodation available, however some on-campus accommodation caters for families and partners. Refer to the individual providers for detailed information and to check availabilities:

  • residential colleges: prices may be slightly higher for postgraduate students but most rooms offer a private en suite bathroom
  • Nepean Lodge: located at Cumberland Campus
  • University affiliated: Sydney University Village will only accommodate couples if both are students at the University
  1. If you need to work for an extended period at a research facility off campus you should consider your housing options nearby this facility rather than the campus.
  2. Talk to your supervisor or faculty – they may have some useful contacts for finding accommodation that will suit your study pattern.
  3. You might need to consider access to community services - For information on child care, see the Child Care Information Office website.
    To find out about the type of community services available in suburbs you are considering, see City of Sydney Community Services Directory
  4. If you are struggling with your search contact the Accommodation Officer, and for problems with your current housing contact SUPRA for advice.
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Rural Placement student tips

As a clinical placement student, you might find that everything has been organised for you, or that you need to organise all your housing and living arrangements on your own.

We suggest you follow these steps if you are considering a rural placement, and if you have any issues while on placement, you should contact your supervisor immediately.

  1. Talk to your supervisor or faculty – find out what they will be organising for you, if you have a choice for where you can go, and information or tips they can give you.
  2. Explore your options – you may be able to go on rural placement in several locations so you need to consider the living and work facilities, transport options, social/community activities, and access to shopping centres in order to prepare for your placement and decide which area best suits you.
  3. Connect with other students – talk with students who have been on placement before and ask them about their experiences. You might also want to find people in your degree going on placement in the same area and keep in touch with them while you are away so you have a support network before you leave.
  4. Consider student support – there are a range of scholarships and financial assistance available to students going on rural placement. You should contact the Scholarships Office and Financial Assistance Service as soon as possible to explore your options.
  5. Know where to get help – if you are having difficulties while you are away on placement, you can still use all Student Support Services. We recommend you contact your supervisor immediately with any issues relating to your placement program.
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