If you’re looking for student accommodation in Sydney, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Student.com, we list well over 100 different properties for student living in Sydney, so whether you’re looking to share with other students or prefer your own peace and quiet in a self-contained studio, we have it all. Browse the options and see what your favourites are. Use the map function on this page to easily see which properties are close to the university you’ll be studying at, or in a particular area of Sydney you’d perhaps like to live in. If you want any further information, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our helpful booking consultants are always happy to answer any questions you might have.

Sydney at a glance

Sydney is the largest city in Australia with about 5.2 million inhabitants. It’s also the capital city of the state of New South Wales. The area of the present-day Sydney has been inhabited for at least 30,000 years, but possibly much longer by the Australian aboriginals. The first Europeans arrived in 1770 when James Cook landed at Botany Bay during his expedition. The European settlement was established 18 years later in 1788 as a penal colony, with Britain sending their criminals there.

Sydney became the largest city in Australia in the early 20th century and is today one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting in 2016 that 45.4% of the city’s inhabitants were born outside Australia. The city hosted the Summer Olympics in 2000.

Things to do in Sydney for students

When you make your home in this stunning Australian city, you’ll get to enjoy inspiring culture, fine food and an enviable outdoor lifestyle. Explore the golden beaches of the Eastern Suburbs or visit the famous landmarks of Sydney Harbour. For great views, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, an activity that may not be cheap but the views are amazing.

Spend your leisure time on the water, kayaking, surfing or sailing, or relax in one of the many brilliant cafés and watch the city buzz by. Shop for designer fashion, trawl vintage markets for hidden treasures or enjoy wonderfully fresh seafood. After lectures, head to the best local restaurants in Parramatta, where you can sip cocktails as you take in breathtaking views. Watch world-class theatrical performances, see a play or feel inspired by exciting galleries and street art. Don’t forget to check out the Sydney Opera House, one of the most iconic architectural wonders in the world.

Head out into nature

Australia wouldn’t be Australia without its famous beaches. In Sydney you’ll want to check out at least the world-famous Bondi Beach as well as Manly Beach in the Northern Beaches area. If you want to see beautiful beaches and get some exercise as well, take the Bondi to Coogee walk, offering great views of beaches and cliffs along the coastline. The walk is about 3.7 miles (5.95km) long so it should be quite easily doable for the average student.

Another way to see nature is to explore the local parks like Hyde Park or The Royal Botanic Garden. If you want to head out further, make a day trip to the Blue Mountains, about 60 kilometres (37 miles) west of Sydney or the Royal National Park, the second oldest national park in the world, located about 36 kilometres south of the city centre.

Student nightlife in Sydney

In a city as big as Sydney, there are lots of excellent options if you want to have a great night out. The old industrial area of Surry Hills has many pubs and the district of Newtown has a vibrant gay bar scene. For some partying and live music, check out for example the Lansdowne and Soda Factory.

If you want to sit down and have a nice dinner with magnificent views of the world-famous Bondi Beach, head over to the Bondi Icebergs Club, whose fully licensed clubhouse is open to both members and visitors.

Studying and universities in Sydney

With over five million inhabitants living in Australia’s largest city, it’s not surprising that the area has lots of good universities. Two of Sydney’s universities are ranked among the top 100 universities in the world according to the Times Higher Education Ranking 2020, the University of Sydney at #60 and the University of New South Wales at #71. In the rankings for Australia, these two universities rank at numbers 3 and 5 respectively.

The University of Sydney was founded in 1850 and it is the oldest university in Australia. It’s one of Australia’s six sandstone universities, a group of Australia’s oldest universities. It’s a great option for domestic and international students alike. Several newspapers have ranked the campus among the most beautiful in the world and about one third of its 60,000 students are from outside Australia, so a beautiful setting for your studies as well as an international atmosphere will be a given.

The University of New South Wales (often styled as UNSW Sydney) was founded in 1949. Its campus is located in the Sydney suburb of Kensington and the student numbers are very similar to the ones at the University of Sydney: around 60,000 students, a bit over 20,000 of whom are from outside Australia.

The University of Technology Sydney, or UTS Sydney for short, was established in 1988. Today about 45,000 students study there, 15,000 of whom are from abroad.

Frequently asked questions about student housing in Sydney

How do I book my student accommodation in Sydney through Student.com?

We’ve made booking your accommodation as easy as possible. You can use the filters and our comparison tool to choose your favourite property. Check the map function to see which properties have the best location for your needs. After you’ve found a property you like, go to the property page and click ‘Book Now’ or ‘Enquire’ if you want more information. One of our booking consultants will soon be in touch and take you through the next steps, which will include paying the deposit and signing the contract.

If you have any questions, or can’t make up your mind, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our booking consultants are always happy to help.

Do I need a visa to study in Australia?

Yes, if you’re from outside Australia, you’ll need a student visa to be allowed to study. Every case is evaluated individually, but in most cases there should be no problems in getting a visa. To offer some extra peace of mind, many of the landlords we list will pay back your deposit if you can’t get a visa. Talk to one of our booking consultants to find out more about our ‘No Visa, No Pay’ offer.

What bills are included in the rent?

Usually all bills are included, so you won’t have to pay anything else than your rent. Different landlords may have different rules however, so make sure you always check if this is the case with the property you are looking to book.

What different types of accommodation do you offer in Sydney?

There are three different types of rooms on offer on Student.com. Please note that all the properties we list don’t necessarily offer all three types of accommodation though.

A Shared Room is a room type where you share your bedroom with another person. You’ll also share your bathroom and other living areas. A Private Room is a private bedroom only for you. In some properties you’ll also get a private bathroom, in others you’ll share a bathroom with other students living in their own bedrooms. Any additional living space like a kitchen and communal areas are also shared. If you book the Entire Place it means you get a self-contained studio flat, where you don’t have to share anything. You’ll have your own bedroom, bathroom and typically a small kitchenette with cooking facilities.

Most properties we list are fully furnished, so you won’t have to bring any furniture or appliances. Make sure to check if this is the case in the property you’re interested in however. You can find this out by checking the page of the property you’re interested in or by contacting one of our booking consultants.

Can I book short term student accommodation in Sydney?

Some of the landlords we list also offer options for short term accommodation. This can be useful for example if you're going to Sydney for a language course, as these typically last for a shorter time than a regular university semester. Contact us and have a chat with one of our booking consultants if you're looking for a short term stay. They'll be able to give you more information about landlords who accept short term stays as well.