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Off-campus accommodation

Most Sydney University students live off-campus.

There are lots of resources you can use to find off-campus accommodation:

The Accommodation Database
Student Hostels and Residences
Homestay Agencies
Agencies Managing Furnished Properties
Share and Rental Accommodation Websites
Real estate Agents

If you have not lived away from home or off-campus before:

'New To Sydney' Accommodation Information Sessions

Accommodation Information sessions are held at the beginning of each semester about temporary and permanent accommodation options. These sessions will provide information on:

  • the different types of accommodation available
  • where to look
  • what you need to know about living in Sydney

Staff will be able to answer any questions you might have, and you can meet other students who are new to Sydney.

See the box to the right for details about sessions in Semester 2, 2012.

The Accommodation Database

Managed by the Accommodation Information Service, the database lists hundreds of offers of accommodation just for Sydney University students. You can:

About the Listings

Types of accommodation:
The database lists currently available accommodation for Sydney University students, including:

  • Share accommodation
  • Full board (or homestay)
  • Rental properties
  • Vacancies in on-campus colleges and residences and off-campus student hostels

Download the Definitions of Tenancy Terms sheet for full descriptions of each type.

Our standards and expectations:
We do not inspect any of the properties listed on the database, however our accommodation providers agree to standards outlined in our Terms and Conditions.

Students can expect that the information in each accommodation listing:

  • is up to date and accurate. For example, if a bedroom already has one occupant, and therefore must be shared, this information must be clearly included in the listing.
  • accords with anti-discrimination legislation.

We will not list accommodation we considers unsuitable. For example, we will not list as bedrooms, rooms that are:

  • living rooms, regardless of whether they are partitioned
  • storage rooms
  • garages
  • without windows
  • any other spaces in a property other than a bedroom.

Please report any concerns you have about accommodation listed on the Accommodation Database to the Accommodation Officers.

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About our accommodation providers

They are other students, ex-students, University staff and members of the public. They:

  • agree to standards outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
  • are expected to ensure their listings are up to date and accurate.
  • are required to ensure that they will deal with students in accordance with the the Residential Tenancies Act, and other relevant legislation relating to accommodation standards, rental agreements and bonds.

How to search the database

  • Online. You can search the database online once you have enrolled and received your UniKey login and password.
  • Search in person at the Accommodation Information Service office if you have a firm offer from the University, or are a currently enrolled student. If you haven’t yet enrolled, please bring your offer letter with you.
  • Our Tips for Searching the Database will help you use the online search function effectively.


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Other off-campus options

Student Hostels
Offer varying types of accommodation. For example, some are male or female only, some offer meals, and many are affiliated with religious organisations.

Student Residences
Furnished rooms in shared or self contained apartments in residential buildings for students.

Note: Some hostels and residences no longer have vacancies for 2011. Contact the individual hostels/residences for advice regarding vacancies and waiting lists.

Homestay Agencies
You will find offers of homestay (also called full board) accommodation on the Accommodation Database. There are also many organisations providing homestay accommodation:


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Agencies Managing Furnished Properties
For long and short term furnished accommodation see:


Share and Rental Accommodation Websites
Lots of suitable accommodation can be found on accommodation websites, such as those listed below, but please be alert to Accommodation Scams when using these to search for accommodation.


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Real estate agents

Most rental properties are managed by real estate agents. Many real estate agents use the websites, above, to advertise properties, but also list available properties on their own websites. The Real Estate Agents list can provide you with a useful starting point for real estate agents close to the University's campuses, but we would also recommend you use the web to search for additional agents.

Also look at rental listings in the free local suburban publications such as the Inner Western Suburbs Courier or The Glebe.

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Guidelines for selecting off-campus accommodation

Researching your options:
If you have not lived away from home, or off-campus before, you will probably have the following questions:

Understanding tenancy matters

  • Before committing to any off-campus accommodation, read our Tenancy Resources page, to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities when living in share accommodation, boarding situations, or when committing to a Residential Tenancy Agreement.

Inspecting properties

  • Our guide to Renting in Sydney provides advice to help you find and secure a rental property.
  • The SRC provides tips to help you secure accommodation and avoid problems with the SRC Accommodation Checklist.
  • Download our Inspection Checklist to help you complete a thorough inspection of prospective homes, and to record details for each property, so you can compare them.

Some tips for meeting prospective housemates or landlords

  • When you contact the person offering the accommodation make sure you confirm the information from the advertisement, in case any details have changed.
  • When inspecting a room in share accommodation, take the time to speak with the person offering the accommodation, and any other people living there, to get a "sense" of what they are like and if you’d like to live with them. Also remember that prospective housemates and landlords will want to find out about you too!
  • Ask questions about the property and what is expected of you.
  • Never sign a contract, or pay any money until you have inspected the property in person.
  • Read the information on our Tenancy Resources page, to protect yourself from unscrupulous accommodation providers.
  • If you are asked to pay money before seeing the property, it is possible the offer is not genuine. Please feel free to contact us for advice.

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