Homestay: Is homestay the best option for me?
(IIA can arrange homestay for you. Just tick the homestay box on the enrolment form.)
Homestay gives you a wonderful opportunity to experience the Australian lifestyle. Students in homestay can also improve their English language skills by talking with their host family. Our homestay families have been carefully chosen and may be a family with children, a couple or a single person.
Each student can expect to have their own furnished bedroom. Breakfast and dinner are provided Monday to Friday and three meals a day are provided on the weekends.
You will need to budget for commuting costs in addition to the weekly homestay charge. Travel by public transport from your homestay to the city should take no more than 45 minutes each way.
Homestay can vary from 4 weeks to the length of your IIA course. There is an initial, minimum stay of 4 weeks. IIA will then require two weeks notice if you wish to move from your homestay to other accommodation.
Other options: backpackers and share accommodation (IIA does not arrange these).
Backpackers
Staying at a backpacker hostel gives you the opportunity to explore the city and to look for share accommodation. There are several backpacker hostels which are centrally located, clean and comfortable and within walking distance of IIA. You can take the Airtrain from the airport to the city.
The following hostels are within walking distance of IIA:
www.palacebackpackers.com.auwww.somewheretostay.com.au
www.studentstay.net (minimum stay 2 weeks)
www.explorers.com.au
Share Accommodation
In Australia the most popular type of accommodation for students is share accommodation. 'Sharing' usually means a small number of people living together in rental accommodation and sharing facilities (kitchen, bathroom) and household costs (security bond, electricity, gas, phone).
Share accommodation is difficult to arrange from overseas. We recommend you look for share accommodation on arrival through personal recommendation, noticeboards or the local newspaper. The following websites may be of interest to you:
www.realestate.com.au (select share accommodation, then QLD)
Inner City Apartments: Privacy at a price
Most inner city apartments require you to sign a lease for 3-6 months. Living within walking distance of the city is usually more expensive but you will save on commuting costs. Please check the apartment is fully furnished or put aside sufficient funds to cover set-up costs. Most properties will require a security deposit known as a 'bond', to be paid before you move in. The bond is normally equivalent to 4 weeks rent and is returned to you when you leave the property. See,
www.realestate.com.au
