The student accommodation landscape in Australia has seen a significant shift in recent years. We explore the key trends in student living arrangements at the University of Sydney in the post Covid-19 era.
Mosman and Kellyville: The Preferred Locations
Based on our analysis, students who maintain the same permanent and term-time address — i.e., predominantly those living at home — are typically concentrated in Sydney’s northern and north-western suburbs. Mosman retains its crown as the most popular choice, while Kellyville has surged to second place in 2023. Other suburbs in the Top 10 include Castle Hill, Epping, Strathfield, Wahroonga, Chatswood, Carlingford, Baulkham Hills, and Marrickville.
The Exodus from Inner Sydney Suburbs
One of the most notable trends over the past two years is the relocation of students from inner Sydney suburbs to areas further away from the campus. Suburbs such as Burwood, Mascot, Wolli Creek, Rhodes, and Rosebery have seen an influx of students living beyond a 3 km radius of the University of Sydney.
This shift is largely attributed to rising rents given that it is increasingly challenging to find rental properties for less than $390 per week within a 3 km radius of the Camperdown campus.
The closure of university-run student housing, such as International House, and the planned sell-off of the Darlington terraces have compounded these challenges, coinciding with a broader housing crisis that has disproportionately affected students and young people across New South Wales and beyond.
International Students’ Choices
In contrast to domestic students, nearly half (47%) of all international students who do not reside in student accommodation live within 3 km of the Camperdown campus. The Inner West, Inner South, and North Shore suburbs are also popular choices for international students. International students top five suburbs to live in 2023 are:
- Chippendale
- Zetland
- Ultimo
- Burwood
- Mascot
International students location preferences often align with convenient access to public transport and high-density areas.
The Rise of Student Housing
One noteworthy change since 2021 is the substantial increase in students opting for university-owned or private purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).
The number of students living in student housing grew by 31% over the 2021-23 period, with a significant 47% increase in the private PBSA sector. However, this shift hasn’t come without controversy, as average rents in the private PBSA market have seen a sharp increase, with some of the most expensive options rivalling fees charged at USyd’s residential colleges.
Our analysis highlights the evolving needs and challenges faced by both domestic and international students. As the housing market continues to evolve, students are adapting and finding housing solutions that best suit their circumstances.
Please contact us if you would like to find out more about the student accommodation market.
