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Things to Consider
Try and be realistic about your requirements and prioritise your needs. Decide
what is absolutely essential for you to be comfortable and what are things you
can do without to save cost. Generally the more amenities (eg. dishwasher, dryer,
furniture, security, etc) the higher the rent.
- Deciding where to live may involve trading off what you want in a home with
what you can afford, and most of all what is available in the rental market
when you start your search.
- Decide on a type of accommodation that best suits you.
- Do you want to live by yourself or share with others? If so, how many others?
- Is it important that you live with people who share the same lifestyle,
culture, or religion?
- How independent do you want to be? Have you lived away from home before?
- Do you want meals provided or do you prefer to do your own cooking and shopping?
- A house with a garden or a brick unit/ timber flat? A student hostel or
residential college?
- Work out a budget based on the cost of living
in Brisbane.
- Considering other expenses, what is the maximum you can afford to pay for
rent alone?
- What are you prepared to spend more to be closer to campus, have more room,
or fewer housemates?
- Have you considered the establishment cost of setting up a household?
- How long do you intend to stay in Brisbane? Are you prepared to spend more
on bond and connection cost for utilities, furniture, linen, kitchen utensils,
etc…?
- Find out about the suburbs or areas convenient to your campus. Suburbs or
inner city? Do you need to be near a school, park, child care centre?
- Be prepared to review your requirements and be flexible!
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