Private Rental Accommodation
Finding quality and affordable accommodation in the private rental market can be difficult particularly when your are also making the transition to a new country, adjusting to an unfamiliar and intensive academic program.
It is for this reason that the University of Adelaide recommends all students consider securing long term accommodation before they arrive in Adelaide, as searching for permanent housing in an unfamiliar city can be a time consuming and stressful process.
If you would prefer to live in privately rented housing the Accommodation Service can help with guidance and resources to use in finding such accommodation.
Renting
Renting a house or unit in the private rental market or joining an established household (share accommodation) with others offers students a high level of privacy and independance.
An average house or apartment usually consists of a lounge and/or dining room, bathroom, toilet, laundry, kitchen and one to four bedrooms. The cost depends on factors such as location, quality and size, and whether it is furnished or not.
Most houses and apartments are unfurnished so you need to buy or rent furniture and other household items. Rental costs decrease as you move further from the city and the North Terrace campus.
Most property owners require a 12-month lease. Initial expenses are high, as it is necessary to pay a minimum of two weeks rent in advance plus a security deposit (or 'bond') equal to a maximum of four weeks rent (always obtain a receipt for these payments). You may also need to pay charges for connecting electricity, telephone and gas.
Signing a lease imposes certain responsibilities so you must ensure you understand these obligations. Infringements can lead to legal proceedings and associated expenses.
If you have any questions regarding your obligations under a lease agreement seek assistance from the Accommodation Service.
Sharing
Sharing a rented house or apartment with the other people is generally the most economical and flexible form of student housing.
Generally, each person has their own bedroom, while bathroom, kitchen and living areas are for everyone to share and maintain. You will usually be expected to provide your own bedroom furniture and to contribute to the cost of household goods, security bond and connection of services.
Finding Accommodation
Our Accommodation Service team is available to assist students in finding accommodation in the private rental market.
Visit the Accommodation Service Centre on North Terrace campus or contact us should you have any questions prior to arriving in Adelaide.
In addition to the support provided at our Accommodation Service Centre students will also benefit from access to free internet, local telephone calls and our Rental Database.
Students interested in securing private rental accommodation are advised to:
- Begin to research private rental options before they arrive in Adelaide.
- Don’t expect to find suitable private rental accommodation quickly. Some students have no choice but to accept sub-standard or expensive private rental accommodation because they are unable to extend their temporary accommodation option.
Real Estate Websites
The Accommodation Service recommends that students begin to research options in the private rental market well before they arrive in Adelaide so that they can form realistic expectations.
It is important that students give consideration to identify their specific needs by determining their preferred type of accommodation, location and price position. Establishing an accommodation profile will reduce the time it takes to find suitable accommodation on arrival.
The following websites are useful for research and sourcing private rental accommodation:
www.realestate.com.au
www.domain.com.au
www.realestateview.com.au
Newspaper Classifieds
Private rental and share accommodation is listed in the local newspaper, The Advertiser, on a Wednesday and Saturday.
Free copies of these listings are made available for collection at the Accommodation Service.
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The Rental Database is a facility offered exclusively to enrolled students of the University of Adelaide. The database contains private rental and share accommodation listings. The Rental Database is updated daily and can be accessed free of charge. Students require a University user name and password to access the database. For more information please contact the Accommodation Service on 8303 5220 or via email accommodation@adelaide.edu.au |
For more information, please contact the Accommodation Service.
