Student accommodation at UNSW
Explore your on- and off-campus housing options, support services and tips for living in Sydney while you study at UNSW.
Your accommodation options at UNSW
Finding the right place to live is an important part of student life. Whether you’re planning to live on campus or off campus, we’ve got you covered.
On campus accommodation
Living on campus can be a great experience. On top of being close to class, college life is a great social experience. Living with other students from all around the world, you will get to make the most of your Australian experience and create lifelong friendships.
Off-campus accommodation
When finding accommodation outside of campus, ensure what you have found is a reputable accommodation provider. To help you with this, we have a list of recommended providers to help you start your search.
Accommodation support resources
Need help with your accommodation? Check out these resources for support in finding and maintaining safe accommodation while you’re studying at UNSW.
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There are different programs that can help you pay for housing.
Rent Choice Youth is a government program in NSW for young people aged 16–24 who are having trouble finding affordable housing. It’s for Australians and permanent residents who might not have much money, rental history or family support. Having a stable place to live helps you focus on your studies.
Other programs to look at:
- My Foundations Youth Housing
- Cubic Real Estate - Affordable Housing
- Services Australia (Domestic students only) - Rent Assistance
- Welcome Mat
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Specialist and Disability Housing:
Accessible housing search engines:
International Student Disability Support:
- Disability support | Study Australia – A wide range of information and services for international students with disabilities
- Services – Nurturing Minds Foundation – free case management support for international students.
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Need help with food costs? Arc UNSW runs Food Hub, a free food pantry for UNSW and UNSW College students.
Where is it?
Kensington campus: near Gate 2, High Street (between UNSW Fitness & Aquatic and IGA)
Paddington campus: in the courtyard
Darlinghurst: first Tuesday of each month at the Community Space
Food Hub is open during UNSW holidays but closed on public holidays.
You must book a timeslot to use the Food Hub.
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Moving to Sydney, from another part of Australia or a different country, can cost money and take planning. These resources will help you understand what to do and get settled in Sydney.
MoneySmart has a section specifically for students on how to live on a student budget.
Study in Australia estimates general living costs for students.
Creating your Life in Australia provides a range of helpful information for relocating to Australia, from how to get a Tax File Number, driver's licence, find a doctor, open a bank account or enrol children into school.
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Renting in Sydney can be expensive. Having a job can help you get a place to rent because it shows you can afford to pay the rent.
Check out job opportunities through UNSW Connect or Sidekicker for casual jobs in Sydney.
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There are lots of myths around visa cancellation, particularly when it comes to:
- Seeking legal or medical advice
- Tenancy and bond disputes
- Mental health help
- Drug and alcohol related rehab
- Being a bystander during a physical altercation or emergency
- Calling emergency services for help.
None of the above will impact your visa. If you have been told otherwise, it is simply untrue.
Conditions for visa cancellation
Only the Minister can cancel your visa. Your visa may be cancelled if:
You were non-compliant with visa conditions
You did not meet Home Affairs' character requirements
You provided false information on your visa application.
If you are in Australia or immigration clearance, you will usually be notified of considerations to cancel your visa. You will be given the opportunity to put forward reasons why your visa should not be cancelled.
Contact a Student Support Advisor or seek legal advice if you have questions or your visa has been threatened.
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Need advice on your tenancy? These services can provide you with free legal advice.
If you want to live off campus, it’s important to think about where you live. UNSW is in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, southeast of the city centre.
🚨Plan ahead for housing
Housing in Sydney is in high demand, especially before the term starts. If you want to live off campus, try to give yourself 4-6 weeks to find a place.
Before you commit to a location, consider how far the location is from campus and whether you’ll commute by public transport or use the parking options available at UNSW.
Here is a guide to suburbs within 5-10km of the UNSW Kensington campus. These are grouped by local council areas, called Local Government Areas (LGAs).
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- Arncliffe
- Banksia
- Banksmeadow
- Bexley
- Bexley North
- Botany
- Brighton-Le-Sands
- Carlton
- Daceyville
- Eastgardens
- Eastlakes
- Hillsdale
- Kingsgrove
- Kogarah
- Kyeemagh
- Mascot
- Monterey
- Pagewood
- Ramsgate
- Ramsgate Beach
- Rockdale
- Rosebery
- Sandringham
- Sans Souci
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- Annandale
- Ashbury
- Ashfield
- Balmain
- Balmain East
- Birchgrove
- Camperdown
- Croydon
- Croydon Park
- Dulwich Hill
- Enmore
- Haberfield
- Hurlstone Park
- Leichhardt
- Lewisham
- Lilyfield
- Marrickville
- Mascot
- Newtown
- Petersham
- Rozelle
- St Peters
- Stanmore
- Summer Hill
- Sydenham
- Tempe
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- Greenwich
- Lane Cove
- Lane Cove North
- Lane Cove West
- Linley Point
- Longueville
- Northwood
- Riverview
- St Leonards
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- Cammeray
- Cremorne
- Cremorne Point
- Crows Nest
- Kirribilli
- Kurraba Point
- Lavender Bay
- Mcmahons Point
- Milsons Point
- Neutral Bay
- North Sydney
- St Leonards
- Waverton
- Wollstonecraft
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- Centennial Park
- Chifley
- Clovelly
- Coogee
- Kensington
- Kingsford
- La Perouse
- Little Bay
- Malabar
- Maroubra
- Matraville
- Phillip Bay
- Port Botany
- Randwick
- South Coogee
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- Alexandria
- Annandale
- Barangaroo
- Beaconsfield
- Camperdown
- Centennial Park
- Chippendale
- Darlinghurst
- Darlington
- Dawes Point
- Elizabeth Bay
- Erskineville
- Eveleigh
- Forest Lodge
- Glebe
- Haymarket
- Millers Point
- Moore Park
- Newtown
- Paddington
- Potts Point
- Pyrmont
- Redfern
- Rosebery
- Rushcutters Bay
- St Peters
- Surry Hills
- Sydney
- The Rocks
- Ultimo
- Waterloo
- Woolloomooloo
- Zetland
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- Bondi
- Bondi Beach
- Bondi Junction
- Bronte
- Dover Heights
- North Bondi
- Queens Park
- Rose Bay
- Tamarama
- Vaucluse
- Waverley
Have a question?
Contact us for advice on all things UNSW, including faculty-specific questions, essential services, and even support and development. We’re here to help.