The University of Sydney occupies the second position in Australian education rankings. It is also the top-ranked university in New South Wales and boasts a prestigious history, lovely campus and updated facilities. No wonder that it receives a significant number of applicants every year. However, when it comes to Sydney Uni student living options, you can either stay in the student residences in Camden, Darlington and Camperdown or opt for off-campus accommodation. An off-campus lifestyle has its advantages, including more independence, more significant social interaction and more privacy. But what are things to consider when choosing your accommodation? Here they are as follows.
1- Your Budget
The first factor that you should take into consideration is your budgetary limitations. It is advisable to select a rented place that falls within your budget. Most students consider just the rent, forgetting other expenses like gas, electricity, furniture and Internet. According to the Residential Tenancies Authority, you will have to pay a rental bond when you rent the property. You should be aware of all these expenses too. As a rough estimate, accommodations generally cost around 100–400 AU$ per week, while shared rental costs 70–250 AU$ weekly.
2- Preferred Type of Accommodation
Some of the accommodation options in Sydney are homestays, apartments, hostels, guest houses, rental properties, on-campus housing, and residential colleges. However, the cost for each of these vary. You should also know that a majority of the students in Australia prefer to live off-campus, so the demand for accommodation is relatively high. It is a good idea to start searching at least two to three weeks in advance before the start of the semester. You will also need some time to research before finally selecting a staying option. Another option is getting in touch with professional student accommodation services who will provide you with the best staying options with facilities and take care of all the required formalities like rent agreements.
3- Distance from the University
The total commute time is also something that you will have to consider. Staying in a place that requires an hour or more or travel will exhaust you. It is advisable to live in an area surrounding the university accessible via a short walk or a ride on public transport. Roberts Street, Sterling Circuit, Gantry Lane, Redfern, and Broadway, are all located close to the university.
4- Tenant Rights
Before deciding to rent accommodation, you should know your tenant rights. Doing so will help you avoid inconveniences, extra expenses and a hassle-free staying experience. Since you will be staying in Sydney, New South Wales, you should be aware of information related to repairs, utilities, eviction, rent increases, early eviction requirements, locks and security, privacy and access, and transfer and sub-letting. For instance, when it comes to increasing the rent, landlords in Sydney are obligated to provide you with written notice of the increase and mention it in your tenancy agreement.
5- Inspect the Property Thoroughly
You should never book a house, apartment, or other property without thoroughly checking it. It is also unwise to move into a place that is in a damaged condition or requires urgent repairs. The Residential Tenancies Act 2010 states that your landlord must provide the property in a reasonably clean and tidy condition. They should also carry out any repairs mentioned in the original condition report.
Bottom Line
These are some things related to student living options near Sydney Universitythat you should know before renting accommodation. Each of these factors deserves your utmost attention since they will ensure you have a safe, comfortable and enjoyable stay in NSW while pursuing your studies at the University of Sydney.
