Working holiday in Melbourne now, thinking about staying to study next year. Student housing looks expensive but easy. Private share houses are cheaper, but I already live in one and the kitchen is… a situation. Which did you choose for your first semester? 🏠
Student residence for my first semester, because I didn't want to rent from abroad after reading Diego's story.
First semester in student housing, then a private share with people you've already met. That's what my younger brother did in Ireland, and he said it was the best of both, because by the second semester he knew who he could live with.
My daughter chose the student residence for the same reason: friends first, cheaper housing later.
Anna, living with people you already know is a very good point. My current kitchen is shared with strangers who all left for the summer 🙂
Residences cost more per month but save you the deposit and the furniture, which evens things out.
A residence gives you a ready-made social life, which is worth a lot in the first months.
Anna's approach is the one I'd suggest too. For Australia, the Rental section covers share houses, bonds and what to check before signing, which helps with the second-semester move.
Our nephew stayed in a residence for his first year in Canberra and made his closest friends there.
Living with strangers taught me a lot, but mostly about cleaning rotas.