GOOD LUCK, BABE The international student’s guide to finding accommodation in Sydney

Moving to Sydney as an international student sounds glamorous in theory.

Aside from the beaches, the universities, the harbour and the coffee, there’s also the deeply cinematic lifestyle of spending your weekends by the water. Very lovely. Very brochure.

But of course, international students also have to come to terms with the universal rite of passage that is securing accommodation in Sydney. That part, unfortunately, is typically less well-advertised. And for good reason.

Introducing perhaps the most enduring and anxiety-ridden side quests you will ever partake in: the Sydney rental market.

Between applications, bond payments, furniture, bills, inspections, public transport and the frequent listing that appears to have been photographed on a toaster in 2009, the process can get rather overwhelming, rather quickly. And that’s if you can find a place to even begin with.

So, for our fellow international students arriving without any fucking clue of where to start, consider this your comprehensive guide to finding accomodation in Sydney.

Editor’s note: This article may contain affiliate links, which means So Sydney! may earn a small commission if you shop through them.

Rule 1: Rent is not the full cost.

When you’re comparing places to live, it’s fair enough to assume the first (and main) cost to budget for will be the weekly rent. It’s also usually the number that makes you briefly question whether you’d be willing to live on an enclosed balcony or not.

And alas, therein lies the trap. Realistically, rent only makes up part of the total cost. Because there’s also the bond, utilities, internet, furniture and everything in between. And while these might feel obvious, there’s also the less-than-obvious accounting for “fully furnished” apartments which contain no more than a single fork and suspiciously stained couch.

Rule 2: Finding a share house is not easy.

Classic share houses are often the go-to option for Sydneysiders. They’re typically cheaper, social and genuinely fun if you find the right people. The downside? Honestly, good luck trying to find one, especially if you’re not local, or don’t know any locals.

Share houses can be competitive, inconsistent and difficult to secure if you’re new to the city. Of course, there’s also the additional hurdles of not having Australian rental references, local employment history or someone nearby who can inspect properties on your behalf.

Speaking from personal experience, I can also assure you that submitting an application prior to inspection is wholeheartedly a bad idea. You’ll end up like me and stuck in a year long lease with your housemate who has to climb a ladder in your room to get to their own. Lol.

Rule 3: Accept that all-inclusive student accommodation might be the easiest route.

There’s a reason why purpose-built student accommodation, like Scape, are so popular.

Offering all-inclusive accommodation that bundles rent, bills, WiFi and amenities, it makes life a whole lot easier for someone new to the city. Residents pay one weekly price, with prices starting at $460, and that’s that. In a town where it feels like you’re charged for just breathing, having that predictability is definitely worth something.

As a notoriously cliquey city, these styles of accommodation can also be perfect for people actually wanting to meet people and make new friends. The shared spaces, study areas, events and community facilities all make it that bit easier. Plus, many of them are actually close to the universities you attend, meaning no hour-long commutes.

Is it the cheapest share house room you might find somewhere on the internet? Probably not. The appeal of Scape is predictability and security, and for international students, first-years, or anyone arriving in Sydney without a support system, that can be a very legitimate advantage. It offers a softer landing while you get your bearings.

Because after all, moving to Sydney is already enough of an adventure in and of itself. Your accommodation doesn’t have to be the thing that builds your character.