https://image-tc.galaxy.tf/wipng-1oojqp7uoy5isij73pa45gakb/unilodge-logo-2010-cmyk-transparent.png?width=400
Student Accommodation Blog

The Best Accommodation Options for First-Year Uni Students

Man with backpack shakes hands with woman at a desk, with

Starting uni can be a wild mix of excitement and ‘what the heck is fabric softener?’ moments. One of the coolest parts about going to uni is the unforgettable adventure that is student living. Finding the best first-year student accommodation is a decision that can pay endless dividends if you get it right.

Whether it's purpose-built student accommodation, a homestay, a sharehouse, or first-year student housing, where you choose to live matters.

Table of Contents

  1. Why First-Year Students Need the Right Living Environment
  2. Option 1: Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) – UniLodge
  3. Option 2: Homestay – A Family-Based Setup
  4. Option 3: Share Houses – Greater Independence, Less Support
  5. Which Option Is Best for You? (Decision Guide)
  6. Tips for Making the Most of Your First Year Accommodation

Why First-Year Students Need the Right Living Environment 

First-year student accommodation is your launchpad, safe zone, and social playground.

Securing the right living space means you’re starting from a place of feeling safe and supported. That way, when it comes to studying, you’re more likely to want to hit the books than hide under them. 

Picking a place that feels secure and welcoming with a buzzing community bridges the gap over the vast unknown with a support squad that’s got your back through thick and thin. When you’re away from family for the first time, there’s a lot to juggle. Homesickness, safety worries, and the stress of finding flatmates you actually click with.

The right first-year student accommodation options can help you begin to seize the power of your independence.
 

Option 1: Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) – UniLodge

Tried, tested, and widely adored, PBSA (purpose-built student accommodation) has become the go-to option for many first-year students (and their stressed-out parents).

Purpose-built student accommodation is, as the name suggests, specifically designed for student life. UniLodge for first-year students offers a wide range of inclusive features that make it an extremely popular choice.

From the 24/7 security, friendly on-site support staff, bundled pricing on utilities, fully furnished rooms, and a ready-made community through UniLodge’s Residential Life program, this style of accommodation is hard to beat for sheer comfort and convenience.

UniLodge PBSA properties are located close to everything a first-year student needs. Campuses, public transport, cafes, supermarkets, libraries, gyms, and city sights. Being based right in the heart of uni life makes settling in more natural and makes making new friends easier.

UniLodge is also proud to have NPAS accreditation across multiple properties. This certification guarantees our properties are professionally managed, high-quality living spaces with an emphasis on safety, security, and student wellbeing.
 

PBSA vs University Housing

The main difference between PBSA and university housing lies in the property’s ownership.

PBSA is typically developed by private investors and operated by professional providers, like UniLodge, offering a modern, independent style of living, with student-centric features such as 24/7 security, on-site support, communal social and study spaces, and all-inclusive rent.

University housing, on the other hand, is owned by the university. That said, many are managed by UniLodge in the same way on the university’s behalf.

That means, no matter which option you choose, you can enjoy the same high-quality, fully-furnished rooms, support systems, and social programs!
 

Studio vs Shared Apartments at UniLodge

Studios are ideal for students who enjoy having their own space and want a quiet, calm retreat after class.

Shared apartments are well-suited accommodation for first-year students wanting a ready-made social circle (and don’t mind the occasional fridge debate).

A comparison table of student accommodation types. The first option is a Studio, described as a compact, self-contained apartment with a private kitchenette, study area, and bathroom. It is best for independent, introverted, or privacy-loving students, offering privacy, control over space, and a quiet environment, but it comes with a higher weekly cost and less built-in social interaction. The second option is a Shared Apartment, where students have a private bedroom but share a kitchen, bathroom, and lounge. It suits social, budget-conscious students who want to meet others, with benefits like cheaper rent and opportunities to make friends, though it offers less privacy and requires compromise.

Option 2: Homestay – A Family-Based Setup

Homestay accommodation involves living with a local host family, providing a cosy, home-like environment. Meals are usually included and there’s a parent-style support system available. This option is popular with younger, international or regional students looking for a gentler transition to university life, offering cultural exchange, extra support and a sense of belonging when everything else feels new. 

However, homestays can come with more structure and an expectation of behaviour, such as curfews and house rules. There may also be fewer opportunities to socialise with other students.

Homestays are best suited as first-year student accommodation, looking for a softer transition to living away from home with added comfort and care before stepping into a more independent style of student living.
 

Option 3: Share Houses – Greater Independence, Less Support

Share houses are private rental properties where you live with other flatmates (who are not necessarily a part of any student community). The upside of share houses is that they give you a lot of independence, and they can be cheaper than student accommodation. This style of accommodation is popular with older or returning students who already feel confident navigating bills, landlords and housemate dynamics.

For first years, however, the trade-offs are real. You’ll need to organise everything from the WIFI to the toilet paper, and the support systems are minimal. Living conditions in share houses can vary wildly depending on your housemates and the location, and it can be a tough introduction for those new to renting and big-city living.

TLDR - Share house accommodation is best suited to budget-conscious, confident students.
 

Option 4: StudentLiving By Unilodge

StudentLiving by UniLodge is a collection of properties with a more independent rental style, with the perks of professional management and support. Managed by UniLodge on behalf of partner universities, these properties combine affordable, self-catered living with a higher level of care than you’ll find in a standard share house.

Students can enjoy their own space and freedom while still having access to staff, maintenance, social programs and secure living.

This option is a great middle-ground for first-year student accommodation for those who want to start exploring a more independent way of life while keeping a safety net in place.

Explore StudentLiving by UniLodge 

 

Which Option Is Best for You? (Decision Guide)

While there is no one right choice for first-year student accommodation, it really comes down to your personality, budget and how much support you’d like.

That said, many first-year students benefit from accommodation that offers structure, security and community (like PBSA) because it is designed to enhance university life and help you settle into your independence in a new city with confidence.

Alt text: A comparison table showing key features of different student accommodation types: PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation), Homestay, and Share House. PBSA is divided into Studio and Shared Apartments. Both offer high safety, strong support, and are fully furnished with bills included. Shared Apartments have medium privacy, strong social life, and mid-range ($$) cost. Studios offer high privacy with similar safety, support, and cost, but with less social interaction. Homestay provides medium levels of privacy, safety, and support, also at a mid-range cost, with low to medium social life and meals included in a family environment. Share Houses offer low to medium privacy, variable safety and social life, low cost ($), limited support, and are usually unfurnished with extra bills.

 

Tips for Making the Most of Your First Year Accommodation

Feeling a little unsure or wobbly when approaching these decisions is completely normal.

Finding the right first-year student accommodation, people, and support can make all the difference. Wherever you decide to live, a little effort can go a long way in shaping your introduction to uni life.

Here are our top tips to get a flying start to your first year:

  1. Say yes to social events and programs; it’s the fastest way to turn strangers into friends.
  2. Pick a style of room that suits how you live. If you need alone time, take that into consideration; if you need people around, choose something shared.
  3. Work out your budget early so you feel comfortable with what you’re spending, not stressed about it.
  4. Before signing anything, ask questions about pricing, rules, security, and support.

Curious to learn which UniLodge property fits your style, budget and bravery level? Explore our properties and start your first year feeling calm, confident and connected. 

 

Explore UniLodge in Australia