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Temporary accommodation for students in Australia

If you’re moving to a new city to study, it’s common — and often very wise — to book temporary accommodation before moving into your long-term housing. This guide explains what temporary accommodation is, why students use it, who it’s recommended for, and how to choose the right option for your arrival.

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Introduction

Arriving in Australia to start your studies is an exciting milestone — but finding a place to live can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never visited the city before. That’s why many students choose to book temporary accommodation for their first few weeks, giving themselves time to explore the city, inspect properties in person, meet housemates, and make confident decisions about where to live long-term. This guide explains why short-stay accommodation is recommended for newly-arriving students, how it works, what it costs, and where to book safe, student-friendly options.

What is temporary accommodation for students?

Temporary accommodation refers to short-term housing students use when they first arrive in a new city before moving into a long-term rental or campus housing.

It typically lasts 1–4 weeks and includes places like hotels, hostels, serviced apartments, and student hotels.

It gives students time to:

  • Learn the city
  • Visit accommodation options in person
  • Adjust to life in Australia before committing to a long lease

Why use temporary accommodation first?

Booking temporary accommodation before moving in ensures you can:
  • Inspect properties in person
  • Avoid scams or misleading listings
  • Understand neighbourhoods and transport
  • Adjust to time zones, culture, and climate
  • Secure a place to stay while waiting on paperwork

This is especially useful for international students or anyone arriving from another city.

Who is temporary accommodation recommended for?

You should consider short stay accommodation if:

  • You signed a lease without inspecting the room/house
  • You are moving from overseas or interstate
  • You don’t know the area you want to live in yet
  • Your rental start date doesn’t match your arrival date
  • You’re unsure if your chosen suburb is right for you
  • Your student visa or approval arrived late

Types of temporary accommodation for students

Options include:

  • Hotels
  • Hostels
  • Serviced apartments
  • Student hotels or short-term student accommodation
  • Homestays (trial stays)
  • Airbnb / furnished sublets

How long should students stay in temporary accommodation?

Most students book 1–4 weeks to:
  • Attend inspections
  • Finalise rental paperwork
  • Explore city and suburbs
  • Adjust to university life
Intake periods (January–February and July) may require booking earlier.

What to do during your temporary stay (checklist)

  • Explore suburbs
  • Visit campus and travel routes
  • Attend property inspections
  • Compare rent prices in different areas
  • Set up banking, SIM card and transport cards
  • Meet students and join university groups

How to choose the right temporary accommodation option

Consider: 

  • Proximity to campus

  • Proximity to your long-term accommodation

  • Public transport access

  • Flexible check-out dates

Temporary accommodation mistakes to avoid

  • Booking too far from your desired long term accommodation transport
  • Booking too far from public transport
  • Rushing into a long-term rental without visiting
  • Accepting non-refundable deposits without viewing
  • Not budgeting for the arrival period

Peak season advice

Peak periods: January–February and July.
Accommodation sells fast — always book ahead if arriving in these months.

Best temporary accommodation by city

Click the links to see temporary accommodation in the city you are going to study in:

FAQs

Most students book 1–4 weeks of temporary accommodation. This gives you time to explore suburbs, attend inspections, finalise paperwork, and settle into student life before committing to a long-term rental. If you’re arriving during peak intake months (January–February or July), you may want a longer buffer.

It’s possible, but not recommended unless the housing provider is reputable (universities, major PBSA operators, or verified homestays). Many private listings look great online but differ in person — so booking temporary accommodation first allows you to inspect properties, meet housemates, and avoid scams or unsuitable locations.

Many universities offer arrival support, including short-stay housing, campus drop-off programs, discounted hostels, or partnerships with student accommodation providers. Check your university’s housing or international office — they may have preferred options, discount codes, or relocation programs you can use.

The most affordable options are typically:

  • Hostels or backpacker accommodation
  • Shared hostel dorm rooms
  • Student hotel short-stay rooms during low season

Budget hotels or serviced apartments cost more but offer more privacy. Prices vary by city and season.

If you’re arriving during a university intake period (January–February or July), book as early as possible — ideally 4–8 weeks in advance. Outside peak periods, you can often find options closer to your arrival date, but booking early still gives you the best prices and locations.

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