So, You Got Accepted to Your Dream University in Sydney. Now What?
You’ve got the acceptance email open, your copyright in one hand, and excitement brewing for the life ahead. But there’s one thing instantly stressing you out more than picking courses or getting a visa finding somewhere to live.
If you’re like most new students, your search for a student apartment in Sydney has already taken you down a rabbit hole of confusing options and overwhelming choices. Shared flats, student-only studios, apartments with gyms, ones with no Wi-Fi, some starting at $250, some at $750. Where do you even begin?
Don’t worry. I've lived through this, and I’ve helped other international students survive the same scramble. So here’s a real, honest roundup of seven of the best student apartments in Sydney ones that are close to campus, offer good value, and are actually livable.
Why Finding the Right Apartment Matters More Than You Think
Let’s be real your accommodation sets the tone for your entire student experience. It can shape your budget, your social life, how far you have to drag yourself to early lectures, and even whether you’re able to sleep through the night without listening to a party raging in the living room.
I once knew a student who accepted a “great deal” in Parramatta only to realise it took her 80 minutes to reach UNSW every morning. After two months of burnout and missed tutorials, she moved.
Location isn’t everything, but it counts. So does having your own space, security, and somewhere that feels at least a little like home.
1. Scape Darling Square
- Location: Haymarket (near UTS and USYD)
- Price: AU530–AU530–AU750/week (studio or studio twin)
- Perks: Ensuite rooms, gym, cinema, study zones, security
- Perfect for: Students at UTS or University of Sydney who want to walk to class
This one’s central, modern, secure, and packed with student-oriented amenities. It’s definitely on the higher end of the budget, but if you want convenience and don’t mind paying for comfort and independence, Scape is a solid pick.
You’ll find everything you need on-site so you’re not running to five stores to buy cookware. Just don’t expect complete silence it’s a busy building with a big international student crowd.
2. Iglu Central
- Location: Central Station, close to UTS and USYD
- Price: AU460–AU460–AU700/week
- Perks: Community events, high-speed Wi-Fi, modern rooms
- Perfect for: Social students who like the idea of living with others, but want their own space too
Iglu has that cool, trendy vibe without feeling like a party hostel. A lot of first-year students land here because it makes the transition easy you meet people fast, and the rooms are nicer than some of the older uni halls.
Try to book early—this one gets full months in advance.
3. Urbanest Cleveland Street
- Location: Redfern (15-minute walk to USYD)
- Price: AU430–AU430–AU650/week
- Perks: Intimate feel, quiet atmosphere, close to parks and cafes
- Perfect for: Students who want proximity to class but a calmer home base
Urbanest has merged into Scape, but you’ll still find separate locations and vibes. Cleveland Street especially is popular with law and engineering students at USYD.
My friend lived here during her postgrad program and said the oven was bad, but the people made up for it.
4. Student One Broadway
- Location: Ultimo
- Price: AU450–AU450–AU690/week for studios
- Perks: Fully furnished, ensuite bathrooms, short walk to UTS and city centre
- Perfect for: Independent students who prefer quiet and privacy
If you’re into modern minimalism and want zero headaches managing utility bills, Broadway is a good option. Right across from Central Park Mall and close to public transport, it’s central but avoids the chaos of the CBD.
Good value if you split a twin studio with a friend.
5. Yurong House
- Location: Surry Hills
- Price: AU270–AU270–AU385/week (shared rooms)
- Perks: Budget-friendly, solid location, walkable to city campuses
- Perfect for: Budget-conscious students who don’t mind roommates or older buildings
Yurong isn’t flashy, but it’s functional. It’s often overlooked in favour of shinier brands like Scape or Iglu, but it’s way more affordable. No cinema rooms or high-tech lounges here, but if you're focused on studies and want to save, it’s one of the better-kept secrets in the city.
Worth a viewing if funds are tight.
6. Unilodge Sydney
- Location: Near Central Station, walking distance to UTS and USYD
- Price: AU380–AU380–AU650/week
- Perks: 24/7 security, social events, furnished apartments
- Perfect for: International students who want support, structure, and a reliable rental experience
Unilodge is a safe and dependable choice with loads of international students. If it’s your first time living outside home and you want somewhere where you won’t need to navigate complicated rental agreements or random landlords, this one’s worth considering.
A friend of mine from Malaysia said the Resident Assistants were helpful even after midnight, which saved her the first time her keycard stopped working.
7. Chippendale Terrace Apartments
- Location: Chippendale
- Price: AU350–AU350–AU500/week
- Perks: Smaller complexes, more personal feel, shared houses with character
- Perfect for: Later-year or postgrad students looking for a quieter and slightly more local experience
If the idea of huge student skyscrapers makes you feel claustrophobic, this is a fresh alternative. Chippendale has a local vibe, and terrace apartments there often house three to five students in shared setups. You may need to bring your own bedding or deal with street noise, but it’s more home-like, relaxed, and pretty affordable.
What to Watch Out For When Renting in Sydney
Look, I won’t sugarcoat this finding student apartment Sydney listings that are honest, affordable, and available isn’t always easy. Especially if you’re doing it from overseas.
Here’s what to watch for:
Red flags:
- Landlords asking for money before a signed lease
- Listings with no photos (or only overly staged ones)
- Apartments that claim to be 10 minutes from uni but don’t mention they mean by car
- “All inclusive” but with hidden fees for Wi-Fi or cleaning
When I was comparing listings, I wasted so much time scrolling through sketchy ads until someone told me about Student Accommodation Guide.
Here’s what helped:
- I could compare over 25 providers in one place
- Listings were actually verified—no ghost rooms
- They showed transparent pricing up-front
- I read reviews from actual students (and learned which elevators were always broken)
It’s worth keeping this as a resource when you’re deep in the search phase. It saved me hours and likely a good chunk of stress too.
Look, Finding Accommodation Abroad is Hard. Full Stop.
You’re dealing with time zones, currency conversion, paperwork stress, and now you also have to pick a place you’ll call home for months. It's overwhelming. It can feel like too much when you’re just trying to imagine your new life abroad.
But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and the right place is out there.
You just need to match your budget, your priorities, and your comfort level with the right place. Whether that's a premium studio with zero roommates or a basic shared room that lets you explore more of Sydney, it’s about what works best for you.
Final Thoughts
Finding a student apartment in Sydney might feel like a maze at first. But once you get clear on your dealbreakers price, distance, privacy and use verified tools like Student Accommodation Guide, everything becomes more manageable.
Start by browsing early, reach out with questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for video tours if you’re looking from overseas.
You’ve got this.