Adelaide, the vibrant capital of South Australia, attracts students from around the globe with its renowned universities, cultural diversity, and high quality of life. There are three popular universities and many colleges in Adelaide that offer quality education to both domestic and international students. The three universities in Adelaide include the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia, and Flinders University of South Australia.
When international students enroll in universities or colleges in Adelaide, their first requirement happens to be accommodation. There is a wide range of accommodations available in Adelaide from which overseas students can choose. Here, you will find some tips for choosing the best student accommodation in Adelaide for an international student.
Start Early
Find a room or an apartment as early as possible to ensure that you get a good deal. The competition for housing gets also tougher, especially, during the peak season, therefore, starting early before the onset of the intensity, gives you much better options for accommodation that meet your various needs and preferences.
Consider Location
While looking for accommodations, you might take into account its closeness to your educational institution, the transport system that is available round the clock, and the availability of essential amenities and recreational places. University dorms present the advantages of saving you enough time and costs on commuting while offering a remote reach to services and social activities.
Many private owners also offer student accommodation in Adelaide near universities and colleges.
Budget Wisely
Fix the budget of your accommodation and count in the other expenses such as utilities, internet, transportation, etc. Use a website, which offers a rent comparison facility, such as Universitylivig.com. It will help you find affordable accommodations which are under your budget. The living expenses may not be the same depending on the area as well as the type of accommodation you live in.
Check Amenities
Today, student accommodations come equipped with a range of amenities for studies, workouts, fun, and more. You can find a study desk & chair and study room for studies, a gym for workouts, a cinema and games room for entertainment and fun, a Wi-Fi internet connection for accomplishing online tasks, and more. However, different accommodations may have distinct amenities; therefore, you should check the amenities of accommodations before finalizing to find the best student accommodation in Adelaide of your choice.
Utilize Online Platforms
Research the student lodging platforms and websites to find the different posted listings, compare the costs, and check their suitability. International student accommodation options are obtainable on various websites which pave the way for prospective tenants to select the best property that is tied to their needs. You can also find homestays on some platforms.
Seek Recommendations
Locate your mates at your university, the university staff, or former students, and ask for a list of good places to live. They could give you timely and seasoned perspectives and useful advice in your decision-making process.
Understand Lease Agreements
When you are about to sign a lease or rental agreement, ensure to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the agreement, including the lease duration, rent payments, deposit requirements, and any other fees/charges. During the signing of the contracts, request clarification for any clauses or terms that you’re not well with and make sure that everything is clear to you before you sign.
Consider Shared Accommodation
Sharing a room or a house with roommates/ housemates can help to cut costs and also let students socialize. Try to book existing houses or rooms with shared options or search for other students who are also interested in shared housing and share rents as well as form a friendly communal living environment.
Prioritize Safety and Security
Choose accommodation that brings into mind security and safety measures like well-lit common areas, running security personnel, CCTV cameras, and emergency numbers among others. Carry out research on the crime rate and good or bad safety reputation of the neighborhood and keep in mind that you will feel comfortable and safe in your new home.
Seek Student Support Services
Use the student support provided by your university or educational institution (for example, housing advisory services, accommodation assistance programs, and international student support departments), to ease your adjustment to a new environment. The resources available can be helpful along the process of search as they provide guidance, support, and information for you to make referrals to see you through your search journey.
Stay Flexible and Patient
Trying to find a well-suited accommodation can take a long time, thus you should also avoid being too much in a hurry and be patient as much as possible. Being ready to consider a variety of possibilities is important and being willing to give in on some of your priorities can assist you to get accommodation.