How to search

This step-by-step guide will help you plan your accommodation search, so you have the best chance of finding a great place to live.

Guide to finding accommodation

Step 1

Do your research. It is important to know what your options are (including your budget and number of hours spent on campus) before you make a decision. On-campus housing like Darlington House and Selle House is usually allocated to younger undergraduate students who have little experience living away from home.

When you look at your budget, think of the costs you will need to pay to establish yourself and what costs will be paid regularly over semester. You can contact the Students' Representative Council (SRC) and Financial Assistance Service for help with budgeting. Remember, most on-campus accommodation requires payment upfront for the whole semester while off-campus accommodation payment is usually fortnightly, so you will pay less initially. Have a look at our cost comparison table.

Step 2

Attend a ‘New to Sydney’ Accommodation Information Session. These presentations will equip you to find a suitable place to live in Sydney. These sessions run at the start of each semester and are advertised on the Orientation website. If you miss out, drop in and speak to our Accommodation Officer.

Step 3

Start looking at accommodation options the year before you start studying, as part of choosing your university. Applications for on-campus accommodation can close as early as July for consideration in the following year. The applications page has more detailed information about on-campus accommodation.

Step 4

Have a back-up plan. On-campus accommodation is very popular and there are only 2500 on-campus beds and more than 49,000 University of Sydney students. Most students live off campus, which means that housing near to the University is very popular too. Try to plan to secure accommodation as early as you can.

Step 5

Be patient. Finding the right accommodation can take time. If you miss out on on-campus accommodation, you can organise temporary accommodation while you search for longer-term off-campus housing.

Step 6

Be aware of scams. You should never sign any documents, pay any money or provide any secure documentation (bank account details, passport information) to anyone until you have inspected a property. Read more about making payments.

Step 7

Browse through living in Sydney to find out about life in Sydney, steps to take before you arrive, normal costs and prices and more.

Before you commit to any off-campus accommodation you should familiarise yourself with local tenancy laws and practices. You can find information to help you inspect properties and make informed choices about your accommodation on our off-campus accommodation page.

Step 8

If you are struggling with your search contact the Accommodation Officer, and for problems with your current housing contact the SRC for advice.