 | Institutional Accommodation vs. Own Accommodation |
As soon as you decide to move to permanent accommodation you need to make the following considerations and evaluate some options. Many institutions offer accommodation for their students but you can also arrange your own accommodation if you prefer to live off campus or further away from campus.
There are some pros and cons for each option. You need to decide which option suits you according to your needs and interests. For instance, if you decided to study in Australia for just a few months and want to avoid the hassle of finding a place to live, you can take advantage of the options offered by your institution. On the other hand, if you are going to stay in Australia for a long period of time and prefer to choose where you will live, you may wish to find your own accommodation.
The following page provides a summary of pros and cons that you should consider before making your decision:
Institutional Accommodation vs. Own Accommodation
Positives – Finding your own accommodation | Negatives – Finding your own accommodation |
You can choose where you want to live. | You have to purchase your own furniture and household goods unless you rent furnished accommodation. |
You can choose who you want to live with. | It can take a lot of time and effort to find and apply for accommodation |
It can sometimes be less expensive than University accommodation. | It can be difficult to get transport around the city to find accommodation. |
You can be totally independent. | You need to sign your own fixed lease and pay bond (4 weeks equivalent rent). |
You need to cook and clean for yourself. | You are solely responsible for the property. |
You can generally choose how long you want to rent the accommodation for. | You may need to find flatmates or live with people you don’t know. |
| You need to connect your own telephone, internet and pay TV services. |