Moving to a new city can feel overwhelming

Hosuing is more than a roof - it's where your days begin and

end. Takes this slowly.

On campus

Close to people. Close to life.

Live like you belong.

Homestay

Shared, and a little lighter.

Shared House

Private House

Your own place.

Finding a place

Start close to home.

• Ask your university first

• Look slowly on trusted platforms

• Listen in student communities

• Always see the place in person

If it feels rushed, pause.

Before you sign

Take a moment to check:

• The lease makes sense to you

• The numbers feel manageable

• The location works for your days

• The room feels cared for

Small details matter.

Places students often choose

Not because they’re perfect —
but because they’re practical.

Knowing where you stand

You’re not on your own.

• Tenants have rights

• Rent changes follow rules

• Big repairs aren’t your burden

If something feels wrong, ask.

Living together

Shared spaces work best when:

• Costs are split clearly

• Common areas stay cared for

• People talk, not avoid

A little respect goes a long way.

When you need help

Support exists — quietly, reliably.

• Tenant advice services

• University housing teams

• Emergency help if needed

Keep copies of what you sign.
Future you will be glad you did.

Exploring where you live

Every suburb has its own rhythm.

Some are slower.
Some are louder.
Some surprise you.

Look for places that match your pace —
not someone else’s highlight reel.

Living here, slowly

Finding your coffee spot.
Learning which bus to take.
Knowing where to breathe.

This is how a place starts to feel like yours.

Staying informed

You don’t need to memorise the rules.
You just need to know where to look
when questions come up.

That’s enough.

One last thing

There’s no perfect setup.
Only one that works for now.

Take your time.
You’ll get there.

Understanding how renting works here can save you stress later.

• Australian Government — types of accommodation explained simply

• MoneySmart — rental bonds, leases, and what’s fair

• NSW Fair Trading — rental bonds and tenant protections

• NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) — when things need resolving

For safety and standards

Quiet checks that matter more than they seem.

• NSW Government — loose-fill asbestos register

• NSW Government — standard residential tenancy agreements

• The National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS) — accredited rentals for pricing and fairness

To help you sense what’s reasonable — and what isn’t.

• Rent Better — understanding rental prices

• Tenants’ Union of NSW — rent trends by postcode for getting to know Sydney.

• Domain — Sydney suburbs, ranked for liveability

• Domain — a gentle guide to Sydney’s regions

• Time Out — neighbourhoods, one by one

• Sydney.com — places people return to

• Tourism Australia — suburb guides for orientation