Booking a student room for your child in Australia for 2026?
Make sure you have considered these 10 important things before you book.
If your son or daughter is heading off to university in Australia, one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent is where they will live. With so many student accommodation options in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and other university cities, it’s important to choose a place that’s safe, supportive, and designed to help them succeed.
To help guide your decision, here are 10 key things to consider before booking student accommodation in Australia.
1. Accommodation Type: Studio vs. Shared Apartment
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you think they will prefer living by themselves in their own studio or a shared apartment with other students. Whilst a bit more expensive, studios are more private however shared apartments are more social. Think carefully about your child’s personality and study habits:
Studios provide privacy and independence — perfect for students who need their own space to focus.
Shared apartments are often more affordable and encourage socialising, but may come with more distractions.
When researching student housing in Melbourne, Sydney or beyond, most buildings will offers both options are varying price points.
2. Front Desk & Security Hours
Obviously safety will be your top priority when booking accommodation for your child, look for student accommodation that lists 24:7 staff at the front desk or even better, overnight security staff. This will help ensure help is always available, giving both you and your child peace, especially if they lose their keys while out.
Whilst most premium student accommodation in Australia will provide 24/7 reception or front desk, there are some that don’t provide staff overnight so check carefully before you book. For a list of premium student accommodation that provides overnight staff, refer to our Free Comprehensive 2026 Student Accommodation Guide.
3. Location & Transport Links
Being close to shopping & dining hubs as well as campus saves time and transport costs. Whether it’s student housing that is centrally located to service the University of Melbourne, Sydney Uni, UNSW or University of Queensland in Brisbane, easy access to classes, libraries, shops, and public transport makes daily life much smoother.
4. Meals & Catering Options
It’s no secret that university students rely too heavily on poor quality take-away, and particularly if your child is moving out of home for the first time, chances are they don’t know how to cook, and the food that they do cook largely is made up of cheap instant noodles.
Some of the premium student accommodation providers in Australia offer meal packages or on-site dining. This can be a huge help for students adjusting to life away from home, ensuring they eat nutritious meals and save time during busy study periods. We have compiled a list of accommodations which provide meals in our Free Comprehensive 2026 Student Accommodation Guide.
5. Social Program & Community
A good social program helps students settle in, make friends, and avoid loneliness, this is especially valuable for international students and those new to cities like Melbourne or Brisbane.
A lot of accommodation providers will boast that they have a student life program but these can range from one activity per month or some may host up to three or four social activities per week. Look for accommodation providers that organises regular activities, events, and clubs and ask for an example of their social calendar.
6. Under 18 Approved?
In Australia anyone under 18 years of age is considered a minor. If your child is under 18 years old, only certain student accommodations in Australia are approved to host students that are under 18 years of age. If you want our shortlist of Under 18 approved student accommodation, refer to our Free Comprehensive 2026 Student Accommodation Guide.
Finding these tips helpful?
If you’re interested in learning more tips on how to get the best rental deals, the best suburbs for students to live in or how best to save money as a student in Australia, download your free copy of our 2026 Comprehensive Student Accommodation Guide below!
7. Facilties and Amenities
There is a huge variance in quality of facilities and amenities across student accommodation in Australia, some buildings provide nothing more than a room and a bed, whereas some providers will provide a gym, laundry, gaming rooms and even meals! The right facilities can make student life easier and more enjoyable, make sure you ask about:
Study spaces and quiet rooms - studying in your own small studio for multiple days can get claustrophobic, so additional study spaces will give your child the best chances of excelling on their exams.
On-site gym or fitness centre to break up the days of studying, after all, a healthy body helps a healthy mind.
Laundry facilities, most premium accommodation will have laundry facilities, this helps save time by not having to always go off site to do their laundry.
Common lounges or games areas, the more modern PBSA buildings in Australia often come with all of these built in but make sure you ask or check their website for the photos.
8. Internet & Utilities
Reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi is a must for all students given the amount of online materials they will need to access. Check whether unlimited internet and utilities (electricity, water etc.) is included in the rent. Typically speaking, most student accommodation will include internet and rent, whereas private rental apartments will not include internet and utilities within the base rent, these will need to be connected separately.
9. Contract Flexibility & Costs
Lease Agreements in Australia are legally binding and can be difficult to cancel. Always read and understand the lease length, key questions to ask include:
How long is the contract — semester or full year?
Are utilities included in the rent?
What’s the cancellation or refund policy? What if my child wants to return home earlier, how would this work?
Transparent pricing is a hallmark of quality PBSA providers in Australia.
10. Wellbeing and Student Support
Look for accommodation that goes beyond providing a room. Many PBSA properties now offer pastoral care, mental health support, and on-site staff trained to help students adjust. This extra layer of support is invaluable, especially for students living away from home for the first time.
The Bottom Line:
Choosing the right student accommodation in Australia is about more than just finding a bed. It’s about creating a safe, supportive, and social environment where your child can grow academically and personally.
👉 If you’re currently comparing student housing in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or beyond, and you’re interested in learning more tips on how to get the best rental deals, the best suburbs for students to live in or how best to save money as a student in Australia, download your free copy of our 2026 Comprehensive Student Accommodation Guide below!