Students guide to renting part 2: types of housing

In our three part housing series we talk about the types of housing in Melbourne. In the final part we will be talking about your rights as a tenant

Image courtesy of airbinb.com

Private rentals

You can expect to pay more money for this. Usually it comes unfurnished and bills are not included. This is one option if you want to live by yourself. The pros are that you don't have to share with anyone.

Some of the apartments come with a gym, a pool, a restaurant etc.

Student Accommodation

These are usually owned by the university and are near Universities mainly within walking distance. The only con is that it gets full just before the semester starts. It can be a little bit expensive but you usually walk to campus and sometimes meals are included. A small room is about $300-$400 per week but all the bills are included.

You will have to share the common areas with others.

Fun activities where you get to meet other students are included. Some of the o'week activities might attract a cost though.

Homestay

This is where you stay with an Australian family and learn about the customs in Australia. The pro is that you get to practice your English with the family and learn about Australian foods. It is usually $200-$300 per week and sometimes depending on your university it has a placement fee.

Shared housing
This is the most common type of accommodation for students and students share the cost of the bills (that is if they are not included in the rent). Rent is about $300-$1200 per month depending on where you live.

But you do need to be able to communicate with your flatmates and landlord and be all on the same level. And you do need to have some consideration for your flatmates or otherwise it will be hell for them and you.