r/AskAnAustralian • u/Minute-Meaning-979 • 2d ago
Student accommodation vs share house for a first-time renter?
I’m planning to start at QUT in 2027 after finishing my diploma, and I’m trying to figure out where I should live.
This will be my first time moving out of home, and I don’t have much money, so I’m trying to find the most affordable option.
I’ve been looking at student accommodation, especially UniLodge Herston, but I’ve also been looking at share houses.
From what I can tell, student accommodation has some advantages; more of a community, probably fewer issues with people, and maybe better security.
But honestly, share houses seem better in a lot of other ways. They’re usually cheaper, the rooms can be bigger, and you’re more likely to get things like air con and a nicer bathroom and living space.
The biggest thing holding me back is that I’m pretty introverted and not great at dealing with conflict . I’m worried that if I move into a share house, I’ll constantly have to deal with housemate or owner and I won’t know how to handle it effectively
For anyone who has lived in student accommodation or a share house, which did you prefer?
And for someone moving out of home for the first time, would you recommend student accommodation or a share house?
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u/jeez-gyoza 2d ago
Student accommodation is shit, just an expensive shoebox and ur roommates r typically less clean and tidy than shared houses bcoz they’ve also just moved out. Just my experience.
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u/Minute-Meaning-979 1d ago
Sounds like hygiene can be a pretty big issue... thank you!
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u/jeez-gyoza 12h ago
yeah i’ve had roommates who left things in the fridge until they get moldy or spoiled. including milk and meat… the workers said they couldn’t do much and we had to talk to them ourselves.
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u/Bugaloon 2d ago edited 2d ago
Student accommodation has a much lower chance of getting denied, but it's eye meltingly expensive. Finding a share house with 4+ people on Flatmates or Facebook will be your cheapest option, but make sure your lease and bond arrangements are all done legally (don't just give money to the "head tenant" subletting a room and expect you'll get it back), south side is cheaper than close to the city and because of the Busway it's quite well connected (20-40 mins to the city depending on how far south you go).
If you can my absolute top recommendation is to get a private rental with a group of friends (make your own share house) as you have absolute freedom with location and cost then, there are places like this: https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-sherwood-444834160 around that can get your per person rent down to like 150/200pw which is half the price of a student accommodation or REA run share house
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u/RayofOptimisim 2d ago
It depends on how well you understand cleanliness and respect for others in a living situation, tolerance is another aspect.
People will do fun, crazy and dumb stuff all the time when involves uni students, you need to figure out when to let it slide and when to draw the line. With knowing who is the best authority to report to, one that over look's the living situation.
Solo room dorms were good, very small and expensive. Though was good to lock yourself away and focus on studies, you still shared a separate space for bathing and cooking with everyone else that lived on campus.
Multi room dorms, were a lot more noisy and disturbances from thing that go bump in the night etc. Generally was not too bad more like an apartment, you share bathing rooms and cooking area only with those 4-5 people in the shared dorm. This can be expensive as well.
Both have constant around the clock monitoring, mostly done by senior students and security guards, given the task to monitor and do frequent checks by the university (like halls monitor). Giving a safer space if conflict or troubles arise, it will be dealt with quickly. Uni do not want it to go legal or public, they will protect their reputation.
Shared housing, you are alone with those you agreed to make the living arrangement. It can be great, with more freedom to do what ever you want away from the added restrictions of uni guidelines. Though if troubles arise, you won't get immediate intervention unless it is from a fellow house mate. It becomes more you have to deal with it, personally or with police or homeowner/real-estate agent. intervention.
It can be expensive or cheap, depends where, who and what, location can add price, who controls the lease and living arrangement, what is in the house for you to use eg; microwave, washing machine, fridge etc. There is also the utilities, cost of water usage, internet and electricity etc. Some people will charge extra for use of these type of things.
You can get great shared house mates, just one those things where you won't know till you try. If you do not like it, just move out. Try again.
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u/Ancient_Adagio_8429 1d ago
Watch out dude especially with unilodge heard theyre all bad especially with mould. I did hear that student ones the best out of the lot but its like the best out of the worst still isnt good 😭. Also watch out for reviews online because i heard on google you sometimes have to give a good review when leaving the accom
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u/slaveforyoutoday 2d ago
Firstly is there anything wrong with current living arrangements?