Renting in Adelaide: Student Guide to Renting Near Adelaide University

Best Areas to Rent Near Adelaide University

Your choice of suburb can make a big difference to your student life. You may want to stay within walking distance of campus, while a slightly farther suburb could give you more space or better value.

City Centre

The city centre is one of the most convenient places to live if you’re studying at University of Adelaide. The North Terrace campus is located here, so you can keep your commute short and have shops, restaurants and other everyday facilities close by.

Adelaide also has free public transport options within the city, including the 99C bus and the free city tram. These can make it easier to get around the university, Central Market, Chinatown and other parts of the city.

The main downside is rent. Most accommodation in the city centre consists of apartments or purpose-built student residences, and prices can be higher than in the suburbs. You may also have less space compared with a house or larger shared property.

West and North Adelaide

The western and northern parts of Adelaide offer several rental options, although your experience can vary quite a bit depending on the suburb.

Prospect is one option worth considering if you want to stay relatively close to the city. It is around 5 km from the city centre and has public transport connections, including buses and trains.

Medindie and Mawson Lakes are also mentioned as options for renters, although they are farther from the university. If you choose one of these areas, check your daily commute before signing a lease.

South Adelaide

South Adelaide can work well if public transport is important to you. The area is served by buses, trains and trams, giving you several ways to travel around the city.

Unley is particularly convenient for students heading to the North Terrace campus. It is a well-established residential area, and buses along Unley Road connect it with the city centre and university.

The area also has access to Marion Shopping Centre, so you have plenty of options for shopping, food and everyday essentials.

East Adelaide

The eastern suburbs give you a mix of established neighbourhoods, local shops and green spaces.

Norwood, Kensington and Magill are some of the areas students can consider. Norwood is closer to the city, while Magill is around 20 minutes from the city centre by bus.

You’ll find supermarkets, banks, takeaway options and other everyday facilities in these areas. Magill is also home to a university campus, so rental demand can be relatively high.

Eastside

The eastern side of Adelaide is another popular option among international students. Some parts of the area are more affordable, while others are known for higher-end housing.

If you’re considering this part of the city, compare rental prices, transport connections and the distance to your campus before making a decision.

What to Take With You When Moving to Adelaide

You don’t need to pack your entire life before moving to Australia. Start with the essentials, especially documents you’ll need when travelling and enrolling at university.

These may include:

• Passport
• Student visa offer letter from the University of Adelaide, and other necessary documents
• A little bit of Australian money
• Essential medicines and personal care products
• Clothes for the weather in Adelaide
• Gadgets you already own

You don’t need to overpack; you can buy most things once you’ve arrived for everyday items.

Things to Check Before You Rent a Property

Before you move into your new home, be sure to take the time to inspect the property thoroughly. This may seem like a small step, but it can save you from trouble later on.

Inspect the walls, floors, furniture and appliances for any damage. Look for any dents, cracks, scratches or anything that is not functioning properly.

It is also a good idea to take photos or videos when you move in and keep these as your records. This provides you with a record of the condition of the property before you move in, and can assist if there is a dispute over the condition of the property when you move out.

Take reasonable care of the property when you move in and leave it clean when you leave.

Safety Tips for Students Renting in Adelaide

Living in a new city means getting familiar with basic safety measures too.

In Australia, the emergency number for police, fire and ambulance services is 000. Store it on your phone to know who to call in an emergency.

If you’re coming home late, be aware of your surroundings and take well-lit routes if possible. If you are travelling alone, you can also let someone know that you are on your way home.

At home, keep your doors and windows secured and avoid letting unknown people into your property.