Leaving family, friends, co-workers, pets and more back home is not easy. It is certainly also not easy having to start from scratch in a new country.
MISSION AUSTRALIA STUDIES +61 will also help you in the orientation process so that you can choose the home most suitable to you. Take into consideration that there are different options in terms of price, location, number of people with whom you share, extra services such as: swimming pool, sauna, BBQ area ect. Everything is a learning and adapting process and we will be there to guide you.
It is a very important task that you should plan before flying to Australia. You must consider the accommodation that suits your needs and most importantly your budget.
There are many ways you can begin researching beforehand. Some students prefer to start with a temporary accommodation that is for a specific period, then once they are in their city and can get to know the area better. They go and physically do house inspections and pick the house that they feel most comfortable in and that would suite them best for a longer period.
Others chose to do their own research and find a place for a long period of time. This is completely a personal decision and varies from person to person.
There are different options:
· Share acomodation:
This is a very common style of housing that is used among international students, and it involves sharing an apartment or house with other students who are in a similar situation. The housemates can be international students or workers from different countries, which is a fantastic opportunity to practice your English.
These houses, apartments or townhouses generally are equipped with everything you need to live so you don’t have to worry about buying a bed, television, or kitchen utensil. Common areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry are shared with everyone.
The price of the rent can vary if you want to share the room or not and the number of people who live in the property. Usually, the payment is weekly.
· Shared apartment:
This stupe of accommodation is very similar to shared accommodation, but the number of people living in this property is smaller. Common areas such as living-dining room, bathrooms and kitchen are also shared.
The apartment is usually fully furnished and adapted for international students to live. Shared apartment accommodation period can be longer term than shared accommodation, it can be extended for several months.
A bond must be deposited as it is a warrantee for the house and the price is usually four times the value of the weekly rent.
· Hostel:
There are places that are suitable for people who want a short stay. It is a very nice experience to share with people from all nationalities, there are backpackers who are visiting the city but also students who want to find a place to live in for longer when they are in their city, with less stress.
You will share a room with several people and the price changes according to the number of guests per room. All areas are shared: room, bathroom, kitchen, social areas ect.
· Residency for international students:
Some educational institutions have their own accommodation for their students, and you can also share with people of different nationalities. Usually, they are very small apartment studios suited to meet the basic needs of a student. Social areas such as kitchens, television areas and laundry rooms are shared.
These types of buildings or residencies do many cultural activities to the beach, movies, museums, zoos and many more for people to learn more about Australian culture and on the other hand it also allows you to meet new people and make friends and once again another opportunity to practice English.
This accommodation is a little bit more expensive, and the stay can be medium to long term depending on the budget of each person.
· Homestay:
Having the opportunity to live with an Australian family is a unique life experience that will help you involve yourself in the culture and its great English practice.
Usually, they are located on the outskirts of the city and require a minimum period of stay, the value per week is slightly higher. Breakfast and dinner and normally included in the price.
Here are some places where you can find different options:
Facebook groups and real estate are also very good options for finding accommodation.