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Finding accommodation to live in Australia is one of the most challenging parts of overseas students life. It can be really challenging as

• You usually compete with the locals for the property
• You don’t have rental history
• You don’t income proof as you don’t have Australian employment
• You probably have no guarantors

Here in this guide, we explain the step by step on renting in Australia as an overseas student.

Step 1: Look for the property

The first step is to look for the property that you would like to rent. There are various types of accommodation options available for overseas students in Australia. You can rent a

• Private rental
• Student apartments
• On campus and
• Home Stay

You can find more information about all these accommodation types here.

Before you even decide the type of accommodation, we suggest you consider the following selection criteria for choosing the accommodation:

• Budget: How much money would you like to spend?
• Area: Which suburb or areas you would you like to love?
• Facilities: Which facilities matter to you the most like furnished accommodation, pool, gyms etc? It is also important for students to have a nice desk and comfortable chair, as they spend a lot of their time studying.​
• Location:  How accessible the university/college, work and shopping are from the property?
• Public Transport: How far is the public transport from the property?

Although, there are many ways (e.g. student services from your institute, notice boards, newspapers or real estate agents office) you can look for accommodation in Australia but the most preferred way is to search the properties online. You can look for various rental properties on popular websites like:

• Gumtree.com.au
• Realestate.com.au
• Domain.com.au
• Flatmates.com.au

You can also look for student-specific accommodations on websites like:

• Student.com
• Universityliving.com
• Amberstudent.com

Step 2: Inspect the property

Once you selected a few properties meeting your selection criteria, the next step is to inspect the property. You will need to check the property inspection open times and it is also advisable to confirm the timings with the property agents as well because sometime the inspection times might change.

Usually, the property managers will open the property for 15 to 30 minutes. In Australia, Saturday is the most popular day for the inspections. Although, there might be another days or timing available as well. The property manager may even ask for your identification and some personal details before letting you inspect the property.

After inspecting the property, the property manager may ask you if you like the property and if you would like to apply for the property. If you like the property, then you will go to step 3, if not, then you will keep inspecting the property until you find the one that meets your requirement.

It is also advisable to inspect the property before renting as some students in the past have reported that pictures shown on the websites look different than the reality,

Step 3: Application for the property

Once, you are happy with the property, you will need to proceed with the application of the property. This usually involves completing an application form and providing as much information as possible.

Some of the key information that you need to provide in this application form includes:

• Personal Details including some form of identification
• Employment details
• Previous rental history
• References from employers and previous landlords etc.

Once you submit the application, the property agent will notify you about the result of the application after discussions with the landlord. The property manager will also conduct the background, employment and reference checks as well to ensure that they are going to give rental property to someone who can pay the rent in time.

There can be quite a lot of competition in some properties so it is better to apply nice and early if you would like to improve the chances of getting a positive answer.

Step 4: Sign the lease and paying the bond

If your application is successful, the next step is to sign the lease. A lease is a legally binding contract between you (a tenant) and a landlord. A lease can be fixed term (which is for a specific time like 12 months) or a periodic lease (month by month).

This lease document will have information on:

• How long a tenant can live
• How much the rent will
• When the rent must be paid and how
• How much the bond will be
• How often the inspections will be conducted
• Any special conditions that tenants must abide

You will also usually need to pay the bond when you are signing up the lease. A bond is a refundable security deposit that you need to provide to landlord or property agent which they will then be lodging it to the authorised government body in your state or territory. You may need to pay an amount equivalent to 4 to 6 weeks of rent as your bond.

A bond is kept by this authority till your lease finishes and you decide to move out of the property. It is kept to ensure the rights of a landlord to cover any expenses for damages that might be caused by the tenants. It is important that you get a copy of the receipt of your bond.

If you plan to sublet the property to other tenants, then you should get approval from your landlord first. Also, it is better to have every co-tenants name on the lease as well as it legally binds them also in case something does go wrong.

Step 5: Condition report

Once you signed the lease and lodged bond, it is time to move into the property. Prior to moving into the property, your property agent or landlord must give you a condition report. A condition report is a document that records the general condition of the property and any existing wear tear or damage.

You must get this report and complete if you find any further damages or scratches or any other missing items. Once completed, you will need to give it back to your property manager or landlord. You must keep a copy of that condition report for yourself as well.

It is also advisable to take photos of any damages or scratches that happened before you move into the property to avoid any future disputes with the property manager or landlords.

Step 6: Moving into a new home and Inspections

It is time to move into the property and make it to your own. Welcome to your new home!

While you are renting the property, it is always good to keep it clean and tidy at all times. You should try to treat it like your own house. The property manager or a landlord will conduct regular inspections also to ensure that the property is well maintained throughout the lease period.

The inspections will usually be conducted at least 2 or 3 times per year if your lease is for 12 months. It can be more or less depending on the agreement that you have with the landlord or the agent.

A landlord or an agent can not inspect the property without giving you written notice. There usually restrictions on timeframes as well on when the inspections can be conducted.  You usually don’t need to be present at the inspection as a landlord or a property agent keep the spare key of the property.

If while renting, there are things that need to be repaired then you can tell them to the agent or landlord when they come for an inspection. However, if the repairs are urgent then you must notify them as soon as possible.

Step 7: Ending the lease

Once the lease is over, it is up to you and landlord if you want to extend it further or not. If you are planning to move at the end of the lease, then you must notify the landlord or agent at least 28 days before the lease expires. It gives the chance to the property manager or a landlord to show the property to other prospective tenants.

When leaving the property, it is important to make sure to leave it clean and tidy. It is always advisable to leave the property the same way that it was when you moved into it. Your property manager or landlord will inspect the property after you leave. They will also do the final condition report also and if the property is not left clean or in a reasonable condition, then they might deduct the cost of cleaning or damages from your bond.

When the final inspections are done, you and your landlord or agent must complete a bond claim form after reaching an agreement on how and to whom the bond should be paid out. However, if you and your landlord or agent can’t reach an agreement then a landlord or a property agent should to the tribunal for claiming the bond in case of dispute over cleaning or damage.

You can apply for tribunal for claiming your bond as well in case you don’t receive the bond back within a few days of moving out from the property.

Also, it is important to cancel all the utilities like gas, water, electricity and internet as well. You must also notify all the businesses you expect to receive the mail from.  Alternatively, you can use Australia Post’s mail redirect service for redirecting all the mail to your new address.

Where to get more help

If you need further information on renting, we suggest you contact the relevant authority in your state or territory. Here is a list of the relevant authorities for each state and territory in Australia

ACT – Tenants Union Act

NSW – Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services

NT – Consumer Affairs Northern Territory

QLD – Tenants Queensland

SA – Tenants’ Information and Advisory Service

TAS – Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading

VIC – Consumer Affairs Victoria

WA – Tenancy WA

Are you planning to drive a car in Australia?

In this blog, we are going to explain things you need to know about driving in Australia.

Let’s go.

Can I drive in Australia on my overseas licence?

One of the biggest questions in an overseas student’s mind is that can I drive on my overseas licence in Australia?

International students are considered as temporary residents in Australia which means you are allowed to drive with your home country licence but some states and territories have strict laws regarding this.

As an example, the Northern Territory does not allow overseas students to drive more than 3 months of their arrival with an overseas licence.

We suggest you to check with your local transport authority to see if you are allowed to use your overseas licence or not. Also, please make sure you have a valid visa and your driving licence is current as well.

We also suggest you have an international licence done before coming to Australia. If your licence is not in English, please get it translated in English before coming to Australia.

Very important information – If you become Permanent Residence (PR) of Australia, then you will need to get an Australian Licence within the first 6 months of getting PR. You will not be allowed to drive in Australia on overseas licence after that.

Getting an Australian driving Licence

In order to get an Australian licence, usually, you have to go through some tests unless you are from

There are three types of tests, you will need to go through with. These are

1. Learner Test
2. Hazard Test
3. Driving Test

Most states and territories will have a first test known as Learners test where you will need to complete the test in local transport authorities office on the computer.

The second test, Hazard test, is also conducted in the same authorities office, and you need to analyse and assess the hazards while driving a car in a simulated environment. This test is also conducted via computer.

The third and last test is a Driving Test, where you will need to drive along with the observer, who will observe your performance while driving the car. The observer will ask you to drive a car in certain areas around their office and they also ask you to actually do certain driving tasks like parking, reversing etc.

You will usually need to book all these tests in advance and there is a fee involved with each test. Once you successfully complete all the tests, then you will be issued with a probationary or a full licence depending on your situation.

Road Rules

Here are some common rules that you must follow in Australia in order to avoid accidents and penalties:

• Drive on the left side of the road
• Don’t drive while or after drinking
• Always wear safety belts while in the car (including passengers)
• Kids younger than 7 years must be in their own special car seats
• Don’t litter or throw anything from your car on the road
• Always carry your driving licence while driving
• Never use a mobile phone while driving
• Always be careful of speed limits and make sure to follow them

These are some basic road rules, and you will need to abide by them if you are going to drive in Australia.

If you are caught breaching of any of the mentioned rules, then you can get fined for that. The fines in Australia are very high so it is advisable to avoid as many as you can and follow these rules.

Buying a car

If you are planning to buy a car in Australia, then you should consider the cost of buying, running and maintaining a car.

Where you can buy the car?

You can buy the used or new car from:

• Local authorised dealers
• Reseller dealers
• Private sellers
• Auctions

Additionally, many people in Australia, post their car ads online on various websites, so we suggest you to check them;

• Carsales.com.au
• Gumtree.com.au
• Drive.com
• Autotrader.com.au
• Carsguide.com.au

How to buy a car in Australia?

We will make it easier by putting this in a few steps

• First of all, you will need to decide whether you want to buy a new or used car.
• Then decide on how much would you like to spend for buying a car (your budget). You can actually buy a used car as cheap as $2,000 in Australia.
• Then you need to do your research about the car. We suggest you to check online first to see what’s available and what fits your budget
• Then make an arrangement to view and inspect the car with the dealer or a private seller
• After inspecting and if you the car meets your requirements, then you need to formalise some paperwork
• Always get to know about the car history, any loan amount still due and known mechanical or technical issues with the car before signing anything.
• Also, it is important to ask for a car with a roadworthy certificate (which means a car is worth driving on the road without being a risk for you and other drivers).
• By law, dealers must sell the car with a roadworthy certificate, but private sellers are not obliged to, so make sure to ask for that.
• We also suggest you get a car checked by a mechanic before you decide to buy it. Most of the sellers won’t have a problem with that.
• Last but not least, after signing the paperwork, you may need to bring the documents to the local transport authorities for transfer of ownership
• You might have to pay extra costs like Stamp Duty and taxes when purchasing a car from a private seller.
• Once, all the formalities are done, then you are good to go with the car to drive.

How much will it cost me to buy, run and maintain a car?

Owning, running and maintaining a car can be an expensive affair for overseas students. So, we suggest you really consider that you need a car before buying one.

The reason for that is not only costly but also the public transport system in Australia is very good in most of the cities. So it much easier to travel around the city and suburban areas.  

The costs of the car can be split into two main categories. These are upfront and ongoing costs of the car. 

Below you can check the average cost of owning a car in Australia per year. Source: Finder.com.au

Insurances

Car insurances are required to cover any costs that may arise due to any accidents on the road which damages your car or property and the other parties There are few types of insurances you can take to cover the damage to your and other’s car and property. These are

• Compulsory third party
• Third party property
• Third party property, fire and theft
• Comprehensive

The table below shows what these insurances cover and not cover

Source: https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/life-events-and-you/under-25s/getting-a-car/ongoing-car-costs

Relevant State and Territory licencing authorities

Also, as discussed in the video, each and every state and territory has its own set of rules and regulations regarding licencing. So please check the link of your territory and state’s motor authority in order to find more details about it.

Here is a link to all the Australian Transport Authorities in each state and territory:

Well, that was all about driving in Australia. Hope you find this guide on driving in Australia useful.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comment sections below.

While catching a bus is a simple thing as it is but there are few things you should be mindful of when catching a bus in Australia. This guide cover details regarding everything you should know about catching a bus and having a pleasant journey in Australia. Here are the details:

Planning a Trip

It all starts with planning your journey before even you travel. It is important to understand the timetables, nearest bus stop and the routes bus may travel before you decide to get on one. We suggest you to check timetables by:

• downloading an app for your local bus/transport service in your city.
• visiting their website.
• getting a printed copy of the timetable from the local stations or sometimes even in the bus itself.
• checking the timetable at the bus stop as well.
• calling the hotline of the service provider.

Boarding the bus

Once you know the timetable and the route, we suggest you to follow these instructions

• Always be at your bus stop at least 5 mins prior to the bus arrival time
• Be sure that you can see the driver and driver can see you at the stop
• If boarding, wave at the bus driver to stop the bus
• Always let other passengers get out of the bus first before boarding
• If you need assistance, ask the driver to lend you a hand
• Some buses can be lowered down for meeting the needs of disabled and wheelchairs ramps are also available in most buses
• If the bus doesn’t stop, there is a possibility that the next one is coming in a few mins only

Recognising your bus

You can find out whether the approaching bus is the one you need to board by looking at the number and the destination displayed, usually, above the windscreen. This display shows the route number and the destination of that bus route.

If you are still unclear or there is no display of the route and the number, it is better to ask the bus driver by waving at it to stop.

Paying the fare

It is important to pay your fare while travelling on any public transport in Australia including buses. Fare evasion is an offense in Australia and you can get the penalty for not paying the fare.

Usually, the fares are charged based on the distance you travel from point A to B. If you are paying by your transport card (ticket), then make sure you have enough balance in your card before travelling.

If paying by the cash, just remember these things:

• Always bring correct change
• Tell your driver about the fare you want and
• Be ready to show your student or concession card

Understanding the ticketing system

Every state and territory have their own public transport ticketing system. In some areas, you can get away by paying cash for your fare to the driver while others you may need a card to pay the fares.

We have an infographic that tells you about the public transport ticketing system used in various cities in Australia here.

While concessions are available to all overseas students in most of the Australian cities. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have a restricted transport concession for overseas students. Please check the list of transport authorities to see if you are eligible to get a travel concession in your city. Links are given below.

Disabled and priority access

Most of the buses have a facility to accommodate the needs of the disabled, pregnant and travellers with children. So if you have a need to travel with pram, wheelchair, scooter, you will be welcomed to travel in the bus.

Most of the bus drivers are well trained and friendly and will be happy to accommodate any specific disability or access needs as well. Always follow the instructions of the driver in order to ensure your safety and safety of others.

Getting off the bus

Once you are approaching your stop, you will usually need to press the button in order to let the bus driver know to stop the bus. If you have to touch off your cards or tickets, make you sure you do that before getting off.

Bus drivers are not allowed to stop the bus other than the designated stops. We suggest you to keep seating until the bus comes to a complete stop. Once you get off the bus, don’t attempt to cross the road in front or behind the bus.

Health & Safety

Yours, other passengers and the bus driver’s health and safety is of prime importance. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when travelling on a bus in Australia:

• There are CCTV cameras installed across all the buses in Australia
• In case of emergency, there are safety exit doors available to safely escape
• There is usually a fire extinguisher close to the driver’s seat in case of fire
• Make sure to hold on to railing especially when standing in the bus as sudden braking might be required in certain situations
• Always let other passengers get out of the bus first before boarding
• Bus drivers are well trained in handling various difficult situations
• If you feel threatened or unsafe, report that to the bus driver
• If it is an emergency situation, please call 000 from your phone as soon as possible
• Don’t eat or drink in the bus. It is even an offence to eat and drink in certain cities and you can get a fine for that as well.
• Drinking water is allowed though.

Lost and Found Property

If you lost something on any public transport including buses, it is best to contact the customer service office to get assistance. Lots of time people who find the lost property, give it back to the bus drivers or customer service officers at the stations. You can arrange to collect that item once found.

Same goes for it when you find someone’s property. You can give it back to bus driver or customer service officers at your nearest station.

Where to get more information

If you need more information or need to contact your local transport authority, you can find each of them given below:

Australian Capital Territory

https://www.transport.act.gov.au/

New South Wales

https://transportnsw.info/

Northern Territory

https://nt.gov.au/driving/public-transport-cycling

Queensland

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/public/transport

South Australia

https://southaustralia.com/plan-your-trip/getting-here-and-around/

Tasmania

https://www.metrotas.com.au/

Victoria

https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/

Western Australia

https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/