Renter Support

Renter Support

Independent Living

Rental or private accommodation is a great choice if you are looking for an independent lifestyle. There are lots of options to live in Sydney that are close to transport, shops, and other attractions. Ensure that you’re well informed when entering into any sort of tenancy agreement. Refer to the Useful Links box on this page, for where to go to know your rights as a tenant. 

Planning ahead

Plan ahead and feel confident about your rental agreement and rights.

  • Know your rights as a tenant
  • Budget for incidentals and unexpected expenses
  • Look at public transport and travel times to campus 

We are here to help you

Did you know the University offers an accommodation support service? We can help you with a variety of topics including:

  • Cultural needs and/or accessibility requirements when looking for a rental home
  • Applying for a property
  • What documents you will need to provide
  • Any questions you may have about rental properties and shared housing

Or we can just point you in the right direction and provide some friendly advice. If you need accommodation support or advice, contact the Student Accommodation Office at studentaccommodation@westernsydney.edu.au 

Not sure what type of Accommodation suits you? Take the quiz to find out which accommodation option may suit you. 

Useful Links

tenants.org.au

Provides information about your rights and obligations when renting. 

WSU Student Legal Service 

Legal advice for Western Sydney University students facing tenancy issues. 

Overseas Student Health Cover

Overseas student health insurance cover. 

Study NSW

A NSW Government website explaining the practical aspects of everyday life in Australia. 

sharehousing.org 

Provides practical and legal information for those living in share house arrangements. 

Transport NSW

Sydney’s public transport information and trip planning website. 

Fair Trading NSW

Government webpage with information and resources for tenants in NSW. Fair Trading NSW also provide a number of short videos which explore common rental issues in multiple languages. 

Not sure what the cost of living is like in Sydney?

The cost of living tool is designed to help you discover how much it would cost to have the lifestyle you choose in Australia. You can compare accommodation arrangements, transportation options, entertainment activities and much more.

Living Costs

Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. The Department of Home Affairs has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa for Australia. Refer to the step by step Student Visa Subclass 500 application and Document Checklist Tool for details on how to provide the evidence required to cover the costs of your stay, including your travel, study and living expenses. Living expenses to consider: 

  • Bond 
  • Rent 
  • Utilities - gas/electricity/phone/internet 
  • Transport/vehicle 
  • Entertainment 

The website covers in more detail how much money you might need to cover the costs of your stay in Australia as an international student. 

“Definitely go out explore the city, it’s a great place to just walk around and get lost in.”

- Aaleen, Masters of Research

Need to speak to someone for help with accommodation?

Contact the Student Accommodation Office via email