Booking accommodation is an important thing that an international student needs to do before moving abroad. Since the demand for accommodation is quite high among the students and the supply is limited, a student must ensure that they book accommodation as early as possible.
This is especially important if a student is planning to study in a country like Australia where a large number of students come from all over the world to seek quality-driven education. If you are confused about what is the best time to book accommodation in Australia, then this blog will have your back. Keep reading further to know more!
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Best Time to Book an Accommodation in Australia
For students planning to study in Australia, securing accommodation at the right time is crucial. With the academic year divided into two main intakes—February/March and July—demand for student housing tends to spike around these periods. Booking accommodation early ensures that students have access to a wide range of options and can avoid the hassle of last-minute searches.
Why Early Booking Matters for Students?
Booking accommodation early is essential for students who want to secure a good place near their university or preferred location. The closer it gets to the start of the semester, the fewer options will be available. By planning ahead, students can find affordable housing and avoid dealing with inflated prices during peak seasons.
- High demand near universities during intake months makes early booking essential.
- Book at least 2–3 months in advance to avoid last-minute stress and limited choices.
- Early bookings offer better rates and more flexible lease options.
- Many universities and private providers start listing rooms 6 months before intake.
- Delaying can result in high prices, longer commutes, or settling for less-preferred options.
Ideal Booking Timeline for Students
Understanding when to book accommodation based on intake periods is key to ensuring availability and cost-effectiveness. Booking too late can limit your choices and may force you to settle for options that are far from campus or not suited to your preferences.
| Intake Period | Best Time to Book Accommodation | Reason |
| February/March Intake | November to January | More options and lower prices before demand spikes |
| July Intake | April to June | Secures housing before international student rush |
| Mid-Year Transfers | 2–3 months before moving | Ensures availability and location preferences |
Why Timing Matters When Booking Accommodation in Australia?
Timing plays a key role in finding affordable and convenient student accommodation in Australia. With major university intakes in February and July, demand for housing increases sharply, especially in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Booking early can save you money and stress.
Key Reasons Why Timing Matters:
- Helps secure accommodation close to campus before popular spots fill up
- Avoids inflated prices during peak intake seasons
- Offers access to early-bird discounts and special student deals
- Gives more time to compare housing options and lease terms
- Reduces the risk of ending up in less desirable or distant locations
Intakes in Australia
It is important to note that the best time to book student accommodation in Australia depends heavily upon the intake you are aiming for. It is generally advisable that a student should start booking for accommodation three months before the duration of an intake starts. To talk briefly about the intakes in Australia, there are mainly three intakes – February, July and November. Among these three, February is the popular intake when universities in Australia offer many courses. July intake is also a major Australian intake but only limited applications are accepted in this intake and the courses are also finite. The last intake in Australia is in November which is similar to the July intake where the applications accepted and the courses offered are limited.
Also Read: Are you searching for accommodations abroad? If yes, then our blog will help you greatly – Things to keep in mind while booking accommodation!
Best Time to Book an Accommodation According to Various Intakes
You need to book accommodation as per the intake you are aiming for. The table below contains information about various intakes and the best time to book accommodation in Australia according to them.
| Intake | Duration | Best Time to Book Accommodation |
| February Intake | October – November | June |
| July Intake | April – May | December |
| November Intake | September | May |
Also Read: Moving to Australia? If yes, then our blog will come quite in handy – Things That You Should Never Say to an Australian!
How to Book Accommodation?
Booking student accommodation in Australia is a simple process if you start early and use the right platforms. Whether you’re choosing university housing or private rentals, planning ahead helps you get the best location and price. Make sure to research well, compare options, and understand lease terms before confirming your booking.
Steps to Book Accommodation:
- Start early: Begin searching at least 2–3 months before your course begins
- Research options: Explore university dorms, private student housing, or shared rentals
- Use trusted websites: Use platforms like UniLodge, Student.com, and official university housing portals
- Compare and shortlist: Check prices, distance from campus, amenities, and reviews
- Contact property managers: Ask questions about rent, utilities, contracts, and rules
- Apply online: Fill out application forms and upload necessary documents (ID, admission letter, etc.)
- Pay a deposit: Secure your spot by paying the booking fee or deposit
- Review lease terms: Carefully read and sign the rental agreement
Tips to Avoid Student Accommodation Scams
Mentioned below are some of the tips that you should follow to prevent scams:
- Never deal in cash or use untraceable payment methods – Avoid paying in cash, wire transfer or hard-to-trace Moneygram, MoneyPak or Bitcoin. These forms of payment are untraceable so refrain from using these payment methods.
- Never confirm the accommodation without seeing – Make sure you visit the place in person to be sure that the place advertised matches the place in real before signing a lease and making the payment. There are cases when the scammer has access to the unit and may pose as a landlord, therefore always insists on viewing the property.
- Demand a written lease or agreement – Ask the landlord for a written lease in a hard copy. Since you will have proof in your hand, you will not fall into the trap of rental scams.
Also Read: Planning to take some time off this weekend? Check out our blog – Outdoor Adventures in Australia!
FAQs
You should start booking at least 2–3 months before your course begins. For February intake, begin by November; for July intake, start looking by April.
Some of the factors to consider while selecting a student accommodation are – proximity to the university, safety, location, facilities, security deposit, terms and conditions in the contract, etc.
Fly Homes is the best website for student accommodation in Australia as it has a user-friendly interface. It provides comprehensive information and offers a lot of accommodation options from which students can choose according to their preferences.
It is generally advisable to book the accommodation as early as possible to avoid any last-minute hassle. A student should start looking for accommodation options three months before the duration of intake.
Mentioned below are some of the tips that you should follow to find a good accommodation:
-Select a good location
-Go through the reviews of the place you are considering
-Become familiar with the amenities offered
-Consider the price factor
-Think about the accommodation type which is suitable for you and is in your budget
Some of the safest cities to live in Australia are – Adelaide, Canberra, Sydney, Hobart, etc.
Options include on-campus dormitories, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), shared apartments, and homestays.
On-campus housing offers proximity and a student-focused environment, while private rentals offer more independence and variety. Choose based on your budget and lifestyle.
Costs vary by city and type, but average AUD 200–400 per week. Sydney and Melbourne are generally more expensive than cities like Adelaide or Hobart.
Yes, many providers allow bookings with a conditional confirmation, which you can cancel or update if your visa is delayed or denied.
We hope you liked this blog where we covered information related to the best time to book accommodation for students planning to study in Australia. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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