University of Sydney Accommodation Options

For international students coming to study at the University of Sydney, the most popular accommodation options are off campus and not run by USyd. Most students favour a room in a share house or shared apartment, or a private room in purpose-built student accommodation.

Let’s explore the student accommodation available for students attending the University of Sydney at the Camperdown/Darlington campus. We’ve ranked housing options in approximate order of popularity, with cheaper fees and prices usually appearing higher in the list.

1. Room in a share house

Your own room in a privately rented share house is the most common type of accommodation for international students at USyd. The place can be anywhere near the university, though students generally prefer accommodation near train or bus routes.

A “share house” is often a 3-4 bedroom house, though the term may loosely also refer to a terrace, unit or apartment shared with other renters. You normally need to organise this accommodation yourself, such as by responding to a listing from people looking for flatmates.

Students often look for share houses in nearby suburbs such as Newtown, Glebe, Camperdown, Darlington, Chippendale and Redfern, with listings commonly found on Flatmates, Domain or realestate.com.au.

2. Room in purpose-built student accommodation

A private room in purpose-built student accommodation is another common option for international students at USyd. These buildings are designed for students and are often located near campus, Central, Redfern, Broadway, Chippendale or other transport links.

The room is usually furnished, with shared access to a kitchen, laundry, study areas and social spaces. Bills may be included in the weekly price, which makes this option easier to organise from overseas than a share house.

You can search for USyd student accommodation using a listing site such as uhomes.com.

3. Room in a university residence

A room in a university residence is the main USyd-run accommodation option. The rooms are usually basic, with a single bed, desk and other simple furniture. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas and common spaces are shared.

University residences are normally on or close to the Camperdown/Darlington campus. They suit students who want a simple room near classes, libraries and campus facilities without renting privately.

USyd university residences include Abercrombie, Regiment, Queen Mary Building and Darlington House.

4. Room in a residential college

A room in a residential college means joining a college community, not just renting a room. The student normally gets a furnished bedroom, with meals, laundry and college activities included as part of the accommodation package.

Residential colleges are located on or near the Camperdown/Darlington campus. They suit students who want an instant social group, fun activities, and a more traditional campus living experience. The cost is typically higher than a basic room in a university residence or share house.

USyd residential colleges include Sancta Sophia College, St Andrew’s College, St John’s College, St Paul’s College, Wesley College, Women’s College and Mandelbaum House.

Student Accommodation Configurations

When looking at student accommodation, there are a range of different options for how space and facilities are shared.

Private room: A bedroom of your own in a share house, unit, apartment or student building. You use shared bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and living areas.
Private room with ensuite: A bedroom of your own with a private bathroom. You use a shared kitchen and living area.
Studio: A self-contained student room with a bed, desk, bathroom and small kitchenette.
One-bedroom apartment: A private apartment with a separate bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area. This is usually rented privately and costs more than shared accommodation.
Homestay room: A room in a local household, with access to the family’s kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Meals may be included.
Boarding house room: A room in a larger house or lodge. Facilities such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries are shared.
Shared room: A bedroom shared with another student. This is cheaper but gives much less privacy.

Accommodation prices may include certain types of bills. In share houses, electricity, gas, internet and water bills are usually split evenly between housemates. In student accommodation, bills are often included in the weekly rent. In residential colleges and some homestays, meals may also be included in the price.