Other accommodation

Finding the right place for you

Choosing where to live is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your studies. While many students opt for student accommodation, Adelaide offers several alternatives including private rental, share accommodation and homestays. You can also access temporary accommodation in hostels, hotels and serviced apartments for short periods.

Private rental and share accommodation refer to residential properties available for rent, or individual bedrooms in established households.

While private rental and share accommodation is the most affordable option in Adelaide, it can be the hardest to secure and often difficult to settle into. 

We encourage students to consider student accommodation in their first year, as this gives you time to settle into your study routine and get used to the public transport network before beginning your search for quality private rental and share accommodation.

Finding private rental accommodation

There are a wide range of online platforms available to help you in your search for private rental accommodation. The following websites are a good place to start your search:

The Accommodation Service team manages a free Rental Database that allows members of the university community to list share and rental accommodation options for students. To get started, visit the Adelaide University Rental Database and register as a student.

If you need help developing a realistic plan for your private rental search, our team is available for both online and in-person consultations. Contact us to book an appointment.

Please be aware that some websites are unregulated, which means the accommodation advertised may not comply with local government framework that exist to protect the interests of both the provider and tenant. Some online and social media platforms promote flexible arrangements, which can also be problematic.

Helpful tips

Securing a private rental and share accommodation can be time-consuming. You will need to make time to review online listings, book into and attend property inspections, and prepare applications for properties you’re interested in renting.

If you’re looking for a private rental and share accommodation, we encourage you to:

Inspect private rental and share accommodation options in person before making a financial commitment to secure the property or room. This means you will need to book temporary accommodation for your arrival in Adelaide.
Only make commitments to private rental and share accommodation options that are underpinned by a written agreement and where receipts are issues for all payments, including security bonds.

Temporary accommodation can include hostels, hotels and serviced apartments. It's important that students who choose to book temporary accommodation make finding a long-term option a priority on arrival.

Securing private rental accommodation, including share accommodation, can take between two to four weeks to secure, depending on the rental market conditions at the time.

If you require temporary accommodation for your arrival in Adelaide, please contact the Accommodation Service to obtain a list of suitable commercial options, including local international hotels, motels, serviced apartments and backpacker hostels.

International hotels

Serviced apartments

Local hotels

To explore more temporary accommodation options in Adelaide, please visit the South Australia Tourism website.

Homestay accommodation offers students to live in an established home with a local family, couple or individual person. Homestay accommodation provides you with access to your own furnished room and with meals provided. Utilities like electricity, water and gas are included too.

To find out more, contact the Accommodation Service.

There are two self-contained residences available for academic visitors at Mattanya Student Residences. Located in North Adelaide, Mattanya is close to the trendy Melbourne Street café and restaurant precinct.

Mattanya provides comfortable, convenient, and independent living in a quiet suburban location. Visiting academics are allocated a fully self-contained one-bedroom unit or accommodation in a three-bedroom residence, depending on individual requirements.

The three-bedroom residence may be booked as an entire property or on a share basis, subject to availability.

Room options and indicative fees

1-bedroom self-contained residence: AUD $510*

3-bedroom share residence, with ensuite: AUD $405*

3-bedroom share residence, shared bathroom: AUD $350*

An additional fee of $50 per extra person per week is applicable.

*Fees represent a cost per person per week as of July 2025 and are subject to change. There is a minimum stay requirement of 4 weeks to a maximum stay of 6 months.

The accommodation fee includes access to:

A furnished 1- or 3-bedroom unit
Bedding (excluding towels)
Basic kitchen utensils
Television, microwave, washing machine, dryer and dishwasher
Electricity, water, gas and unlimited WIFI internet
Reverse cycle air-conditioning

To find out more, please contact the Accommodation Service.

Accommodation Service

Location
Level 3, Hub Central
Adelaide University
Adelaide City Campus East
Adelaide SA 5000

Phone: +61 8 8313 5220 (24/7)

Email: accommodation@study.adelaideuni.edu.au

Book an appointment

Schedule a virtual tour led by the team

Accommodation Guide

Our friendly team is here 24/7 to support you with:

Facilitating applications for university-managed properties and preferred partner providers.
Connecting you with diverse living arrangements, including affiliated residential colleges and private rentals.
Providing local market information and cost estimates to support you to maintain suitable housing throughout your studies. 
Arranging temporary accommodation for students and managing bookings for academic visitors.
Coordinating airport pickup services to ensure a smooth and welcoming arrival.
Supporting direct entry under 18 international students in securing university-approved accommodation.