How I picked a student home in Australia that didn’t make life harder

If you’re about to start uni, you’re probably wondering where on earth you should live. I’ve moved cities for study twice, and I’ve learned that your room can make or break your first year. In the end, I chose a managed student building, and one option I looked at closely was Scape. I went in a bit sceptical, then realised the setup solved problems I didn’t know I had.

First, be clear on what you actually need

It’s tempting to chase the cheapest rent on the map. I get it. But think about total life cost, not only the weekly price. Is power included? Do you need to set up Wi-Fi? Will you have to buy a kettle, pots and a vacuum? Those bits add up fast. I once saved 20 dollars a week on rent, then spent more than that on train fares and takeaways because the kitchen was a mess and the commute was long.

Make a short list. You’ll probably want these basics: a safe building, a decent desk, good light, reliable internet, a kitchen you can actually cook in and laundry that doesn’t eat socks. If a place ticks those, you’re already winning.

Location isn’t about postcode pride

Everyone loves saying they live “in the city”. That said, the right spot is the one that saves you time. Be honest about your timetable. Early labs or late rehearsals? Pick a place that’s a short walk or a simple tram ride away. I liked living two stops from campus, not next door. Close enough to make mornings easy, far enough to switch off when I get home.

Check noise at night, not only during a lunchtime tour. Stand outside the building around 9 pm. Listen for clubs, traffic or deliveries. If you can’t visit, ask the manager for quiet hours and how they handle complaints. It’s worth noting that a clear policy usually means they actually do something when things get rowdy.

Shared spaces matter more than you think

In first year, I thought I’d make friends in lectures. To be honest, that’s kind of tricky sometimes. People slip out fast. You meet folks where you live. Look for common rooms that feel inviting, not just a couch and a TV no one turns on. Study rooms, a small gym, outdoor nooks, maybe a music room. The exact mix is less important than how it’s used. Are there simple events, such as movie nights, a pasta cook-up or a weekly yoga class? You don’t need a packed calendar; you just need a few easy excuses to say hi.

And if you’re introverted, don’t stress. I found quiet corners in most buildings. You can join in when you feel like it, then retreat to your room when you need space.

Safety and support aren’t boring extras

I used to skim past the safety bit on brochures. Then a fire alarm went off at 1 am, and I was grateful for clear instructions and staff who knew what to do. Ask about on-site teams, late-night access rules, parcel handling, and guest sign-ins. If there’s a maintenance issue, how fast do they fix it — in an hour, a day or a week? You’ll also feel the difference during exam time when a wobbly chair or beeping fridge suddenly matters a lot.

On top of that, wellbeing support helps more than you expect. Homesickness hits in week three, right when assignments land. A friendly reception team, a resident advisor or a simple check-in can steady you. Most people I know ended up using those services at least once.

What I spend money on, and what I don’t

I try to put my budget into the things I use daily. A comfortable mattress, good air flow and strong Wi-Fi are non-negotiable. I spend less on fancy decor. I buy a plant, a small lamp and a throw, then stop. For food, a shared kitchen pays off if it’s clean and stocked with basics like microwaves, rice cookers and proper fridges. If you see ten labelled sauces and tidy shelves, it’s a good sign. If every pan is burnt, you’ll probably end up ordering takeaway.

Utilities included is a quiet win. No surprise bills, no arguments about split payments. If cleaners visit common areas, that’s time back in your week. And yes, a gym downstairs beats a membership you’ll never use once the semester gets busy.

Room types, simplified

Studios suit people who need total control over their space. Great for recording, late calls or early starts. Shared apartments can be wonderful if you like company and want to save a bit. Look for bedrooms with doors that close properly and storage under the bed. In both cases, check for a real desk and a chair that won’t kill your back. Natural light helps your mood, so face a window if you can.

How I judge “vibe” without guessing

Tours are helpful, but I also read house rules. Short, clear rules usually mean the building runs smoothly. I ask current residents one question: What’s the one thing you’d change? You’ll get honest gold within a minute. Maybe lifts are slow at rush hour. Maybe the Wi-Fi dips on Sundays. Small issues are fine as every place has a quirk, but deal-breakers should be rare.

I also check how the team replies to reviews. A calm, practical response tells you a lot. It shows they’ve got systems, not just smiles at the front desk.

Settling in without blowing your budget

Here’s what helped me in week one:

• Unpack the first night. Bed made, clothes hung, desk set. You feel at home faster.

• Cook one simple meal in the shared kitchen. You’ll meet people by the kettle or stovetop.

• Walk the area. Find the cheap grocer, late pharmacy, best coffee and a quiet park.

• Put key dates in your calendar. Rent, cleaning day, bin night, tutorials.

Final thoughts

Ask yourself how a typical Tuesday would feel. You wake up, shower, make toast, hop to class, come back for lunch, study, gym, quick dinner and a chat in the lounge. If that loop sounds easy in the building you’re considering, you’re on the right track. If it sounds like a hassle, keep looking.

Choosing where to live is part logic, part gut. Start with safety, light and location. Add community spaces that suit your style. Check the boring details that save time. Then trust your read of the place. With the right setup, you don’t just have somewhere to sleep. You’ve got a base that helps you study well, make friends and enjoy the city you came for.