Accommodation options for international students
It is important that as soon as you have confirmation of your study location in Australia, to start looking for accommodation that suits your needs and budget.
Australia's Northern Territory has a range of options available for international students, including purpose-built student accommodation, boarding facilities, private rentals and homestays.
Factors to consider when selecting accommodation:
- How close is it to your education and training provider?
- What is nearby? (shops, parks, restaurants, public transport)
- Always confirm the total cost and any other expenses you may be required to pay, such as a bond and utility fees, and ensure they are included in your accommodation agreement.
- Use the Study Australia cost of living calculator to get an estimate of your expenses and how they vary across Australia.
You’re legally obliged to pay for your accommodation, cleaning and maintenance expenses on time. You also have the legal right to feel secure in your property and to live in accommodation that is well maintained with working electricity and water.
If you have problems with your accommodation, talk to your real estate agent or landlord (if renting), your international student support staff for on-campus living or your homestay service providers.
Alternatively contact the Tenants’ Advice Service, a Northern Territory-wide, community-based advice and advocacy service for residential tenants.
International students under 18 years of age must have suitable accommodation and welfare arrangements while they are studying in Australia.
International students can now apply for the Study NT Accommodation Grant.
Check out the different types of accommodations available.
On-campus accommodation at Charles Darwin University
CDU Village Casuarina (formerly International House Darwin) is located next to Charles Darwin University’s campus and is home to up to 360 residents from 41 countries. There are a range of cultural, sporting and social activities for residents to engage in, providing relief from the rigour of study.
Find out more on the CDU Village Casuarina website.
UniLodge
UniLodge is a purpose-built student home located in the Casuarina shopping precinct just 800m from the Charles Darwin University campus, right next to the Casuarina bus interchange. UniLodge is open to students studying with all education providers.
Accommodation options include self-contained, air-conditioned studios and shared apartments with modern study rooms and common areas.
Read more on the UniLodge website.
Boarding facilities in the Northern Territory provide a culturally safe and diverse community for international students. They can include wellbeing programs, day trips and excursions around the Northern Territory and after school study programs.
Boarding is available in Darwin at St John’s College and Haileybury Rendall School.
Living with a homestay family gives you the opportunity to learn about the Australian lifestyle and improve your English language skills.
In homestay accommodation, you have your own bedroom and study desk and may share or have your own bathroom. The homestay family provides two meals a day on weekdays and three meals on weekends. Homestay fees vary, depending on the meals and services provided.
Homestay arrangements can include guardianship arrangements for students under 18 years of age. It can be for a few weeks when you first arrive, for a full year or longer.
Global Experience helps to facilitate homestay in the Northern Territory. Visit their website for more information.
A private rental means renting a house, unit or apartment from a private landlord or real estate agent. You can rent or lease a property by yourself or with friends. Private rentals do not generally include utilities and you will have to buy and cook your own meals.
Shared housing is one of the most affordable student accommodation options. Share housing also provides an opportunity to meet people and make friends.
Living in a private rental is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Australian culture. To find shared accommodation, check noticeboards on campus, the Saturday edition of the local newspaper, the NT News, or for a list of more than thirty rental agencies, visit the realestate.com.au.
If you are renting a property through a real estate agent or landlord, you may be asked to sign a tenancy agreement. This is a contract that will include agreements about how much rent you will pay and whether a bond is required. You will also need to complete an entry condition report that shows any damage to the premises before you move in.
For more information on renting in the Northern Territory visit the Northern Territory Consumer Affairs website.