Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Océane
From: MBS School of Business
To: SP Jain
2025 • Fall
Sydney is very well served by trains, subways, and buses, but the city is very large, so distances are also long. You have to pay attention to the location of…..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
440
Where was it located?
Lidcombe, near the school
How can someone find this place?
Flatmates
Would you recommend it?
I wanted something between downtown and school, but it was too difficult to find something that suited me, so I chose the best option for me (close to school). Due to some issues with one of my roommates, I moved closer to downtown, and it's much better. The best locations are close to the city!
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Didn't really enjoyed it because I was too far from the city center
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Digital marketing is really interesting. I've learned a lot through human resources management. Strategic management allows you to think differently.
Do you have some tips?
The campus is nothing special. There are a few nice facilities, such as a gym, a music room, and a few PlayStations, but the campus is quite small. All the students are Indian and always stick together, which makes it difficult to fit in, especially since there is no student life on the campus. If I had to make my choice again, I would not choose this university.
Best trips to do?
I went to Bali, Melbourne, New Zealand and it was AMAZING
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
Sydney is very well served by trains, subways, and buses, but the city is very large, so distances are also long. You have to pay attention to the location of your apartment, because otherwise you can easily end up spending an hour or even an hour and a half just to get to the beach. Apartments are very expensive and quite difficult to find depending on the time of year. Be wary of scams and ALWAYS visit the apartments because very often the photos are not accurate, especially when dealing with real estate agencies. As for safety, I never felt in danger, even when I came home very late (3 a.m.) alone on the bus. The weather is quite pleasant and it is often very hot, but be careful, it can be very hot and then two hours later there can be hail and heavy showers. As for the food, to be honest, it's not incredible. It's a mix of many cultures, especially Asian and Indian. (For French people, a word of advice: eat lots of pasta with carbonara sauce before you come here, because they don't have bacon bits like we do in France).
Good luck with the flight
Felipe
From: ie university
To: sp jain school of global management
2025 • Fall
public transport is capped at $50 a week, you can take all transport (ferries buses trains light rail..) and they wont charge more than that. except if uou go…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
520aud/week ~ 1.2k € month
Where was it located?
Redfern next to the train station
How can someone find this place?
scape redfern, they have lots of residences
Would you recommend it?
everyone is chinese and very closed off. i wouldnt go again if you want a social experience
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
rooftops in the cbd are great, cogee pav sundays
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
branding, crm, business commubication
Do you have some tips?
the campus is horrible its in a business park. i wouldnt pick it again, definitely try UTS Unsw macquaire
Best trips to do?
uluru, west coast, brisbane / gold coast/ noosa, melbourne / great ocean rd, cairns/port douglas / great barrier reef, new zealand, fiji, new caledonia, vanuatu………
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
public transport is capped at $50 a week, you can take all transport (ferries buses trains light rail..) and they wont charge more than that. except if uou go the airport the access fee (18$ ~ 10€) is not included
bondi beach is cool but transport is not great. only buses
Thijs
From: University of Twente
To: UNSW
2025 • Fall
The campus is nice and lots of places to get food or study. Registration was very slow for me especially getting the Visa through the uni. I would pick UNSW…..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
1000
Where was it located?
Kensington next to UNSW
How can someone find this place?
https://flatmates.com.au
Would you recommend it?
I would recommend it, the first room I responded to accepted me. Although I did hear some people say it took them many more tries before finding something
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Sydney has an alright night life. But around UNSW is not much to do. It is best to find a place between the uni and the city center
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I was doing research at the uni, so I don't know about the classes
Do you have some tips?
The campus is nice and lots of places to get food or study. Registration was very slow for me especially getting the Visa through the uni. I would pick UNSW again, but Sydney also has many other great universities
Best trips to do?
There is a lot to do in and around Sydney, but it can get expensive pretty quick
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
Transport is very good. Cost of living is expensive, but food can be very cheap if you know where to get it. Sydney feels very safe.
Daisy
From: The University of Sheffield
To: UNSW
2025 • Full year
No where to drink on campus apart from roundhouse but it is always quiet. IVY thursdays are like the only proper club but its awful and the Sydney nightlife…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
$413 per fortnight, rent increased to $450 per fortnight after a term
Where was it located?
On UNSW campus, in campus living village
How can someone find this place?
On UNSW website or CLV
Would you recommend it?
Yes Quite quiet and some flatmates were not sociable at all. Good facilities, lots of activities on and nice rooms
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
No where to drink on campus apart from roundhouse but it is always quiet. IVY thursdays are like the only proper club but its awful and the Sydney nightlife music is rubbish. Birdcage Wednesdays are amazing but it is a queer woman space only.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Coral reefs in a changing climate. Field trip to great barrier reef for $500! I was too slow to get a spot but any course with a good field trip. Dont do classes that are hard.
Do you have some tips?
UNSW communication before i got to Australia was confusing for me and stressful but i managed to do all the admin sucessfully. Quiet campus as Unsw is a commuter uni
Best trips to do?
Jervis bay Byron bay Kiama Tasmania Blue mountains Manly
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
Everything is amazinf, just lacking nightlife that is similar to europe - it is hard to find
Mathilde
From: Dauphine
To: UTS
2025 • Fall
East cost and New zealand..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
1500€
Where was it located?
Redfern 20 min from the uni
How can someone find this place?
Iglu
Would you recommend it?
It was perfect
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
IVY thursday
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Évent
Do you have some tips?
parfait
Best trips to do?
East cost and New zealand
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
Very chill
Carmen
From: Ie
To: Unsw
2025 • Fall
The campus is amazing, the classes are quite nice and they keep doing events and giving free stuff. Professors and staff are easily approachable, nevertheless,…..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
1600€/1700€
Where was it located?
Coogee Beach, right by the beach
How can someone find this place?
Semester in Australia (name of the enterprise)
Would you recommend it?
100% same place, people were welcoming, perfect combination of nationalities, very international, open minded people. Not very bougie but funniest place to make your experience top.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Ivys, sidebar, caterpillar, going to the beach, barbecued
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I recommend Sports and Law, very suited for internationals. I also took Geopolitcs and International development, I would recommend but not as much if you are not interested in those issues.
Do you have some tips?
The campus is amazing, the classes are quite nice and they keep doing events and giving free stuff. Professors and staff are easily approachable, nevertheless, they are harsh graders and it is nearly impossible to get more than an 85/100.
Best trips to do?
Fiji 100% Melbourne is cool also. Roadtrips to West/East coast and jervis bay. New Zealand is amazing as farewell trip
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
It is expensive but worth every penny. Public transport is expensive but efficient, worth every penny.
100% recommended, the experience of my life. Made friends for life and memories that you can’t miss.
Marta
From: IE University
To: UTS
2025 • Fall
My subjects were from the pre approved list and were mostly easy, better picking subjects with no final exams as you finish much earlier but the difficulty is…..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
Around 1000€ per month
Where was it located?
Último, Central
How can someone find this place?
Apply through UTS
Would you recommend it?
Amazing experience, sharing a flag with students from everywhere, good facilities, security…
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Not a lot of nightlife regarding clubs, several bars, a lot of culture of doing day plans, many things going on all the time, markets, restaurants…
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
My subjects were from the pre approved list and were mostly easy, better picking subjects with no final exams as you finish much earlier but the difficulty is okay.
Do you have some tips?
Campus in the middle of the city quite nice, uni does not take that much of your time, however grades are lower than in other destinations
Best trips to do?
East coast roadtrip, New Zealand, south east Asia, weekend trips to Byron bay, jervis bay, many many options
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
Be prepared for changing weather
Best city to go to
John
From: IE University
To: UNSW
2025 • Fall
They are strict on alcohol so never forget ID and try not to look disoriented..
What kind of place was it?
Student Residence
How much was the rent per month?
Around €1,900
Where was it located?
Coogee
How can someone find this place?
https://semesterinaustralia.com/city/sydney
Would you recommend it?
Yes, it was in a beautiful area with the best people to be on exchange with
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Caterpillar, Coogee Pavilion, Ivy Rooftop
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Happiness & Philosophy
Do you have some tips?
I would try another uni in Sydney. The uni was too international
Best trips to do?
Cairns and New Zealand
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
They are strict on alcohol so never forget ID and try not to look disoriented
Adam
From: Sp Jain School of management
To: sp jain school of management
2025 • Fall
Yes as everybody has its own toilets and bathroom. However the sink in the kitchen is outside, and overall the kitchen is not the best to cook. 2/4 rooms…..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
900
Where was it located?
Newtown
How can someone find this place?
Flatmates
Would you recommend it?
Yes as everybody has its own toilets and bathroom. However the sink in the kitchen is outside, and overall the kitchen is not the best to cook. 2/4 rooms don’t have windows too.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Really good social life, IVY thursday and overall a lot of bars
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Taking one that suits your timetable
Do you have some tips?
It was overall all easy just try and prepare your arrival like anticipate a lot.
Best trips to do?
East Coast in general
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
It’s a bit expensive especially housing but the vibes are immaculate
Spend money, it’ll come back hug memories don’t
Madeleine
From: Leeds University
To: UNSW
2025 • Full year
I’m a Media student, so my media courses were pretty standard. I did a class called PR and Advertising foundations which was really interesting, and the…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
between £800-£825 depending on exchange rates per month
Where was it located?
In Kensington, a ten minute walk from university
How can someone find this place?
Found on apps like Domain, Real Estate.AU and RENT
Would you recommend it?
I liked it, it was close to uni and i liked how it sat in between the city and the beach with the transport links being great, but there’s not much to do in the area. My lease runs out in Jan and i’m looking to find something in a different suburb, but i would recommend Kensington for the price and location.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
It really depends. The nightlife is veeerryy different to the UK, especially in Sydney where there are lots of alcohol laws that means everything is much earlier (a late night out will end at 2am). Bondi Lines is an app that’s good for deals and seeing what’s popular, but nightlife isn’t great here. There are some great pop ups though, the spontaneous events are normally the best. However, the ‘day life’ is much more fun, there’s so many street pop ups, random festivals, markets and activities happening in the day. My most reliable place is Coogee pavilion, which is fun at all hours of every day, especially sunday nights where it has more of a club night vibe. Dress codes in Sydney are quite strict though, so check before you go out. Concerts are much cheaper than the UK - i’m going to see loyle carner at the opera house for only £40 which is insane - so deffo keep an eye out on those events before you get out here.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I’m a Media student, so my media courses were pretty standard. I did a class called PR and Advertising foundations which was really interesting, and the assessments were based on a brief given by HBO. This was super cool, and we got industry talks from them. However, i found the assessment structure to not be sufficient, i was very confused and didn’t receive much help. I also did an elective called House Divided, i haven’t done history since year 9, so this was really interesting and i loved it. It was structured like a timeline of how past politics has led to how we are today, and felt it was really relevant to my own degree in terms of context. I also did my short intensive in the winter term about Sydney history and culture, which was really interesting in a less academic way, and i liked how i knew more when looking around the city about culture and historical monuments. Our ‘readings’ were walking tours around the city which was really interesting.
Do you have some tips?
The campus is lovely, so green and so many different places to sit outside (plug sockets and desks outside are the norm). I’ve only been on the Kensington campus and I love it. However, they have different (longer) semesters than other unis, but finish a lot earlier in the year, but i believe they’re changing this soon. Enrollment was easy as well. I would recommend UNSW, but do research on what things you want - they have a lot more assessments that are worth less percentage wise which means the workload is more consistent but now i’m used to it i think i prefer. Things like weekly quizzes make up 25% of my final grade which is a relief if you don’t think you’ll do as well in a final assessment. It is a sciencey uni though so there’s less options for courses as a hums student.
Best trips to do?
Literally anywhere. Day trips are good, different areas of NSW like the Blue Mountains, Manly, Wollongong are all accessible and gorgeous. Otherwise, in the break friends went everywhere - Brisbane, Cairns, Bali, we went to Vietnam - all in just a week, which was an insane way to spend a half term. Australia is massive and there’s so much to do, but Sydney is a great hub to do them from
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
Transport is great, better than the UK. I can get buses or trams to anywhere i need to get to, most places only take half an hour to get to. Cost of living is high, but it depends on how you’re doing the city. Alcohol is waaayyy more expensive but eating out is much cheaper than the UK. My standard food shop that typically costs me £30 in the uk can be upwards of £45 here though. It’s normally warm, but can get really stormy and they’re not really prepared for rainstorms like we saw which was a bit of a struggle. I’m also vegetarian and have in no way struggled to find food here.
I love it here, it’s so cool and beautiful (and hot). Going to the beach after lectures is an experience i’ll never understand is real life, and the people here are so much fun. It’s expensive, and the nightlife is sub-par, but overall i can’t really fault the place.
Romane
From: ESADE Business School
To: University of Sydney Business School
2025 • Fall
Living in a flat in Sydney can be an amazing way to build your own rhythm, to create routines, become more independent, and host dinners or parties. If that’s…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
986 Euros
Where was it located?
Located in Bondi Junction — just a 15-minute bus ride to the beach, but about an hour by public transport from the university.
How can someone find this place?
Flatmates (app), Facebook ( French groups )
Would you recommend it?
Living in a flat in Sydney can be an amazing way to build your own rhythm, to create routines, become more independent, and host dinners or parties. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’d definitely recommend sharing a flat with roommates rather than living alone. It’s always a good idea to have a quick video call or coffee chat before deciding to move in together, just to see if you vibe well. That said, living in a student residence can be a great choice too, especially when you’re new. It’s easier to meet people quickly and feel less lonely in the beginning. Residences also attract a lot of international students, which makes it easier to make global friendships. At university, everyone tends to take different classes, so it can be harder to form deeper connections right away. Plus, residences often organize events and social activities, super fun and a great way to build your Sydney circle.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Clubs : Caterpillar, Ivy, Coogee Pavillion Event: Boat Parties
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Business Negotiations was an excellent class, you really learn how to negotiate in a practical, hands-on way.
Do you have some tips?
The campus was amazing — it felt like a whole neighborhood, with an association festival at the start, plenty of cafés, food trucks, libraries, and sports facilities. The buildings were spread across different streets, which gave it a lively, city-like atmosphere. I would definitely choose the same university again. The teachers were very experienced and always willing to help you as much as they could. The quality of the classes was excellent, and the business school building was incredibly modern and well-equipped. My tips: Choose your schedule carefully — try to group your classes on consecutive days so you have full days off to explore or relax. If possible, pick courses that use continuous assessment instead of exams — it makes the semester much smoother.
Best trips to do?
Trips next to Sydney : Blue moutains (2hrs by train), Palm Beach ( 1hr by car), Jervis Bay Trips for several weeks : do a roadtrip on the east coast, rent a car and sleep in hostels Favorite places that must be visited : Noosa, Whitehaven beach, Magnetic Island, Greta Barrier Reef, Byron Bay
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
Food was not as expensive as we expected there are plenty of cafés around the city and some really good brunch spots. Public transport is also very efficient.
Toby
From: IE University
To: University of Technology Sydney
2025 • Other
The classes that I took were Transnational Management; Introduction to International Business; People and Organizations; and Strategic Decision Making and Game…..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
1625AUD (920EUR)
Where was it located?
In the suburb of Rozelle, which just on the outskirts of Sydney
How can someone find this place?
I used HousingAnywhere.com to find this place
Would you recommend it?
I would recommend it because it was a nice, spacious place in a nice location - just far enough outside of the city's Central Business District (CBD) to give it a quiet feel, but well-connected enough to make it easy to get into the city.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
I'm not a big bar/clubbing person, but from what I've heard, the 'nightlife scene' in Sydney - particularly for students - leaves a lot to be desired.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
The classes that I took were Transnational Management; Introduction to International Business; People and Organizations; and Strategic Decision Making and Game Theory. I enjoyed all of them on the whole, but the format of the education left a lot to be desired, particularly due to how much of a divergence it was from what I had been used to at my home university. Most of the 'lectures' are posted online at the start of the week, and left for students to complete in their own time, whereas the occasional in-person 'Tutorial' sections were solely dedicated to group work and assignments. As I had been used to fully in-person lectures at IE (with the occasional asynchronous session), this took a while to get a used to, particularly due to how less often I found myself on campus, which has its swings and roundabouts.
Do you have some tips?
While I enjoyed my overall experience at UTS, the relative 'culture shock' caused by the different educational model is definitely something I'd recommend prospective students remain fully aware of, in order to avoid developing false expectations. It must also be stressed that the professors grade slightly more harshly than I have found them to over here in Spain, so this is also something to bear in mind. While the lack of in-person classes was slightly frustrating as it gave me less time to meet friends and peers, one of the big pros was how it allows you to travel, due to the amount of free time that you get. Throughout the 4 months I was there, I was able to visit Tasmania, Cairns, New Zealand, and Perth, each for about a week, and was able to fit the trips seamlessly into my schedule.
Best trips to do?
In/around Sydney I'd absolutely recommend the beaches at Bondi, Manly, and Coogee, as well as the 'Blue Mountains' which is slightly further afield, but still very easy to visit from Sydney. Outside of Sydney, I'd thoroughly recommend trips to Tasmania, Perth, somewhere in Queensland (I visited Cairns), as well as New Zealand if you get the chance.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
Transport is a huge plus, as there are comprehensive bus/metro/light-rail systems that make it extremely easy to get around the city. The weather was brilliant on the whole - extremely hot and sunny when I arrived (late January / early February), which continued through March and into April, too. May and June were slightly chillier, but still very pleasant compared to European winters. The food was absolutely fantastic, both in terms of how diverse it was and the quality itself. There were always plenty of cultural events & concerts going on, and I was able to attend matches of 'Soccer', 'Footy', and Rugby as well throughout my time there.
N/A
Lukas
From: IE
To: UNSW
2024 • Fall
The cost of living is definitely higher as transport costs accumulate over time and there is no reduction for students. Going out also tends to be expensive as…..
What kind of place was it?
Airbnb
How much was the rent per month?
1000
Where was it located?
Queens Park
How can someone find this place?
https://www.airbnb.de/rooms/936007531203488000?source_impression_id=p3_1756282562_P3msa5omDyjFF7w2
Would you recommend it?
I had a nice and quiet room. You have to share a bathroom with the other guest but I did not mind. The longer you stay the better the offer got. The area is very calm and more residential but right in the middle of uni, the beach and the centre. Obviously you will have to commute to these places for 20-30 minutes each time, but thats just how Sydney is
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
I would say Oxford street and Crown street have good options. There are also quite a few places around Bondi I liked. For a more alternative crowd you could go to King street in Newtown. For more fancy dinners you could go to Double Bay. For House/Techno you can go to chinese laundry or club 77.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I really liked Global Issues in Politics. It was different current political topics every week, the lecturer was good and the attendance was super chill. It also was not difficult at all. I also liked Ethics. The teacher was super smart and competent. The class is a lot more demanding though.
Do you have some tips?
The campus is not the prettiest necessarily but there are multiples libraries to study in and nice cafes that have decent food. It also has a lot of space to sit outside to do your work. Finding your classroom can be a bit confusing, but you get used to it. Getting your student ID and finding information is really easy as you get detailed instructions for that at the beginning
Best trips to do?
It is very easy to do a weekend trip to Melbourne or do a trip of the East Coast during Spring Break there. You could also spend a long weekend in Tasmania or travel to New Zealand. Just for a day trip there are different beaches a bit outside of Sydney or you could go to the Blue Mountains by train if you want to go for a hike. The semester ends pretty early, so I also recommend doing a trip in Asia as flights there tend to be a lot cheaper
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
The cost of living is definitely higher as transport costs accumulate over time and there is no reduction for students. Going out also tends to be expensive as there is a high tax on alcohol. So you should try and go for pres instead. Overall, food and coffee is amazing though. The CBD is not the most interesting really, so better areas to be around would be more Surry Hills and Darlinghurst. Also I would try and take advantage of the nice beaches as much as possible
Noah
From: IE Madrid
To: University of Technology Sydney
2024 • Fall
The first place was horrendous so no, the second one was quite pleasant. Look for red flags in contracts and arrange for a visit even if digital. Dont go in…..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
550AUD then 420AUD
Where was it located?
Both were a 15 minute walk, the fiest in william henry street, the second in sheppered street
How can someone find this place?
Flatmate
Would you recommend it?
The first place was horrendous so no, the second one was quite pleasant. Look for red flags in contracts and arrange for a visit even if digital. Dont go in blind
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
I am not much of a party guy, but the events i attended were entrtaining
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I took classes mainly in animation which were a lot of fun.
Do you have some tips?
The campus was amazing, great library with a lot of different interesting topics. Wish i had checked it out sooner.
Best trips to do?
My only trip was to 7mile beach, but i hear a lot of people went to Bali and enjoyed it.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Sydney?
Things are expensive, make an opal card (makes travel cheaper) and try to find a place in the center
Youre going to be there for a while, there are a lot of scams on appartment apps so vet the seller/renter as much as possible. If Fresh Rooms is the one ignore them they are not a legal entity in australia. Know that the deposit can be a maximum of 2 weeks rent per law.
