Many international students compare accommodation based on weekly rent and assume that living further from campus is an easy way to save money. While a cheaper room may seem like a good deal before arriving in Australia, students often don’t realise how a long daily commute can affect their study routine, transport costs and overall wellbeing. Checking the journey to campus before booking can help students make a more informed decision.
What This Case Covers
This case is about:
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A student choosing accommodation mainly because the weekly rent was cheaper.
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Not checking the daily commute before signing a lease.
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Spending more time and money travelling to campus than expected.
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Understanding why rent, location and transport should always be considered together when choosing accommodation.
💡 Why this situation matters:
Choosing accommodation based only on the lowest weekly rent can sometimes cost more in the long run. A longer commute may increase transport expenses, reduce study and personal time, and make daily university life more tiring. Comparing both housing costs and travel time helps students find accommodation that better suits their budget and lifestyle.
What happened?
The student was preparing to move to Australia and wanted to keep their living costs as low as possible.
While searching online, they found a share house with much cheaper rent than rooms closer to campus. The location looked reasonable on Google Maps, so they decided to secure the room.
After moving in and starting classes, they quickly realised that the daily commute was very different from what they had expected.
Every morning, buses and trains were crowded during peak hour. To avoid arriving late, the student had to leave home much earlier than planned, and missing one service often meant being late for class.
After a few weeks, the long commute became part of their daily routine. They spent more time travelling, paid more for public transport than expected, and often arrived home feeling exhausted after a full day of classes.
Looking back, the student realised that the money saved on rent was partly offset by transport costs and the time lost commuting every day.
Study Australia encourages international students to consider location, transport and lifestyle—not just rental price—when choosing accommodation.
Why Location Matters as Much as Rent
The main problem is:
Many students focus on finding the cheapest weekly rent without thinking about how the location will affect their daily routine.
Common challenges include:
- Choosing accommodation based only on weekly rent.
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Not considering peak-hour travel times before signing a lease.
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Spending more money on transport than originally planned.
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Losing valuable time that could be used for studying, working or resting.
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Finding it harder to attend early classes, campus activities or part-time work because of long daily commutes.
How to Compare Accommodation Options
Important notes
- This case study provides general guidance only.
- Commute times, transport services and rental prices vary between cities and suburbs.
- Always check your journey to campus before paying a deposit or signing a lease.
- Consider your class schedule, transport availability and personal routine when comparing accommodation options.
Recommended apps / tools
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Students who purchase OSHC through Annalink OSHCStudents may be eligible for a Global Experience Accommodation Voucher (up to AUD $100, subject to the current promotion). Offer availability, participating insurers and eligibility requirements may vary. Please contact Annalink OSHCStudents to confirm the latest promotion before booking.
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 realestate.com.au |
Search apartments, houses and rental properties across Australia.
Accommodation: Private rental. Suitable for students, couples or families who want to rent an entire property independently. |
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Australian Homestay Network (AHN)
Family Homestay Services
Domain
UniLodge
Flatmates.com.auMost Australian universities provide their own Accommodation Portal for on-campus or university-managed housing. Check your education provider’s official website or student portal for the latest accommodation options.
How can Annalink Care help you?
AnnalinkCare can help you:
- Access 24/7 student support
- Submit a support ticket for assistance
- Understand available support options and next steps
- Connect with relevant providers, partners, or official services where appropriate
- Access practical resources and support tools throughout your journey
