Welcome to UNSW Off-Campus Accommodation Support (OCAS), where we provide guidance to students in finding safe and conveniently located off-campus housing options within a range of budget options. 

UNSW Off Campus Accommodation offers advice and resources to help you find and secure housing. Their staff assist with housing concerns, connect you with local services, and support a smooth transition to your new home, enhancing your overall well-being and fostering a sense of community.

Don't know where to start?

Try one of the options organised by UNSW!

Study Stays

This UNSW-managed database lists share housing or private rental vacancies within 15km of the UNSW.  Listings are supplied by landlords, real estate agents and students. Off-campus properties listed are not inspected or managed by UNSW Sydney. Students are advised to inspect the accommodation and make their own assessment of the information provided.

See available listings

Find a Flatmate

Register on our Flatmates page and find another friendly student to rent with.

Search for a like minded person to find and apartment with or be found by someone looking. On our Flatmates page you could find the perfect flatmate.

Register now

Email Alerts

Want to be notified when accommodation becomes available? 

Off-Campus Accommodation Support regularly compiles a list of available accommodation that might be suitable for UNSW students. Register your details to receive email alerts of currently available accommodation. 

Register now

Contact us

Book an appointment with an OCAS Advisor

Want to speak to someone regarding your off-campus accommodation options? Book a consultation session with an Off-Campus Accommodation Support (OCAS) Advisor now!

Book appointment

Ask a question

Send us an email via [email protected] and someone from the team will respond within 5 working days.

Looking to advertise your property to students?

The Off-Campus Accommodation Support team is always on the lookout for student-friendly properties.

Get in touch via [email protected] to find out more about leasing arrangements or register your property on Study Stays below.

Register your property

Short-Term Accommodation Options

Learn more about the various types of short-term accommodation below and how to find them. 

Why should you get short-term accommodation?

If you are moving from interstate or overseas, we recommend arranging long-term private rental accommodation in person so you can inspect properties and find somewhere suitable. This means you will need to organise temporary accommodation while you look for permanent housing.

Even though short-term accommodation can be more expensive it provides an opportunity to get to know the area, public transport options and see the place before paying money upfront. Inspecting the place in person reduces the risk of exposure to rental scams which often pretend to have properties available for rent and ask for money upfront.

Tips and Advice:

  • Arrange your temporary accommodation before you arrive
  • We recommend Homestay as a great option as its most cost effective with meals included and Hosts that can help with great advise to get started in Sydney.
  • Organise at least 2 – 4 weeks of temporary accommodation while you look for permanent accommodation
  • Costs will vary from staying in hostels, lodges, hotels or serviced apartments
  • Staying with friends and family is a good way to save money while you look for long term accommodation

Note: not all accommodation will be within walking distance from UNSW, but only a short ride on public transport like bus or light rail. In Sydney a commute of 30 minutes is considered reasonable.

Homestay

Hotel, motel or serviced apartment

Hostel

Long-Term Accommodation Options

Learn more about the various types of long-term accommodation below and how to find them. 

Private rental

You can rent an apartment or house with different options i.e. studio, 1-2 bedroom, etc.

Share houses

Sharehousing involves living with others in a house or an apartment. 

Study Stays
UNSW-managed sharehouse listing database can be accessed via Study Stays. The database lists share housing or private rental vacancies within 15kms of the University.  Accommodation listings can be submitted by landlords, real estate agents and students. UNSW Sydney does not inspect the properties listed or conduct background checks on them to determine accuracy of the information provided. Students are advised to inspect the accommodation and make their own assessment of the information provided.

Homestay

With homestay, you can rent a private room in a family's house. Rent is paid upfront and there is an application fee which is approximately $300. Meals may be included in homestay. 

Purpose-built student accommodation

These accommodation options are managed by private student accommodation providers off-campus:

Affordable student accomodation, including flexible lease arrangements

You can rent an apartment or house with different options i.e. studio, 1-2 bedroom, etc.

How We Help You at UNSW

Find all the student support services in one place, including mental health and educational adjustments.

On-Campus Accommodation

Disclaimer: The University provides information, contacts and links to different types of off-campus options for your convenience. They are not owned, managed or operated by the University. The university is not able to, and does not, assess the suitability of off-campus options, nor does it accept any responsibility or liability in relation to any matter arising out of any contract or arrangements between a student and accommodation provider. Any arrangements are strictly between the student and the accommodation provider. Each student has the responsibility of assessing the accommodation and its suitability. 

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