First time renting? A step-by-step guide for Brisbane students

22 Apr

We get it. There’s something exciting about renting your first place… but also maybe a little frightening at the same time. 

That’s not unusual. Your first time renting will often sit in that strange, liminal zone in between independence and uncertainty – where finally having your own place can feel just as thrilling as it does unfamiliar, with your head filled with questions like How do I find the right place? How much should I be paying? Where should I be living…?

Don’t worry, and stop stressing. Because the truth is that, more often than not, just knowing where to begin can be the hardest part of getting started. 

So let’s go through everything you should know about renting student housing in Brisbane, so that a little guidance can hopefully make a difference for your decision.

What’s the Brisbane rental market really like?

While the cost of living and studying in other Aussie cities continues to be on the rise, Brisbane remains one of the most popular choices with over 139,000 students enrolled in university or tertiary education in 2021 alone. And thousands of those students were ones who’d moved to Brisbane from across Australia and internationally, thanks to our strong university network and relatively affordable living.

But before signing anything or booking inspections, it helps to get a feel for how renting works in Brisbane.

What are the average rent prices?

Rental costs in Brisbane can vary quite a bit depending on where and how you choose to live. According to the University of Queensland’s own cost of living guide, student accommodation typically starts from around $279 per week for a shared room and ranges to $489 per week for a private apartment or studio (which can rise to around $522 for an apartment in the inner city).

Which are the most popular student suburbs?

A few of the areas that most student renters flock to include St Lucia, Kelvin Grove, Hamilton, South Brisbane, and Toowong – all of which are popular for their proximity to major universities and campuses, as well as offering vibrant student amenities, cafes, shopping, and public transport.

What types of rentals are most common?

Students typically choose from:

• Apartments, which are often low-maintenance and close to city hubs.
• Share houses, where rent and bills are split between housemates.
• Purpose-built accommodation, designed specifically for students’ needs and which may come with flexible leasing and furnished options.

Each option has its own appeal, but the right fit will depend on your budget and how much independence you are looking for.

Tips for Brisbane students renting for the first time

Consider sharing to save money

We get it: no one likes having to share a bathroom. 

But, if it’s your first time renting, you can do a lot worse than living with a few housemates to split rent and reduce weekly expenses. But beyond that, it also means you’ll have some other Brisbanites to live with who can help introduce you to the city.

Live near public transport

Brisbane has a wide and robust system of buses and trains that make a huge difference to your routine. Most major campuses are within distance of everyday public transport, so you won’t have to worry about the costs of having your own car.

Start searching early

Property competitiveness is on the rise right across Australia, and unfortunately it’ll likely only be going up further as the years go on (and as we inch closer to the 2032 Olympics, too).

That means it’s best not to leave renting to the last minute – if you know when you’re planning to move to Brisbane, then give yourself the chance to compare options instead of just rushing into the first place available. The best properties tend to be secured quickly, especially before university semesters begin.

Student accommodation vs. private rental

Purpose-built student accommodation will simplify a lot of your searching process, since it typically includes utilities and furniture (as well as flexible leases) as standard. If you choose a Brisbane Student Apartments property, we’ll have everything set up and ready to go immediately.

Private rentals or units can offer a little more independence, but they might require setting up your own utilities, paying your own bills, and end up locking you into longer lease commitments.

Some common mistakes that first-time renters make

Even if you’re trying to be as organised as possible, there are always a few key details that it’s common to overlook. Try to stay on top of some of the most common pitfalls, like:

Underestimating your costs

Rent is important, obviously, but remember that it’s only one part of the picture. Utilities, internet, groceries, and other costs all add up to a more significant portion of your weekly costs than you might think if you don’t set a realistic budget early on to help avoid financial stress.

Skipping inspections

Photos can be misleading, and sometimes, if you’re not careful, your landlord might spring a surprise on you about your property that you’re not expecting. 

Make sure you avoid that by attending all your inspections either in person or virtually and asking as many questions as you can to make sure the property is exactly the kind of place you’ll be satisfied with.

Not understanding lease terms

Lease agreements can sometimes feel a little dense, but trust us, they’re incredibly important to really understand. 

Make sure to give it a thorough read to understand the length and specifications of your lease, your bond requirements, and conditions for ending the agreement, which will all help you avoid the possibility of complications that might arise down the road.

Making the right choice for your student living

Renting can feel like a huge step – especially if it’s your first time, and extra especially if you’ve already got a whole schedule of university studies you’ve got to deal with as well. That’s normal. And it might help to remember that almost all other Brisbane students started in exactly the same place as you, trying to find a place that would be as affordable as it was acceptable.

But the process is a lot easier and more satisfying once you get a clearer sense of what to expect. So if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the options, it can help to start with a choice for accommodation that’s designed specifically for students. Options like Brisbane Student Apartments (one of Brisbane’s cheapest student rental options) remove a lot of that uncertainty by giving you a way to step right into an easy, affordable unit that’s fully set up to support your studies.

So if you’re ready to take the next step, get started by exploring available apartments, asking questions, or simply getting familiar with what’s out there. 

Otherwise, you can take a look at our Kelvin Grove and Hamilton locations to see how they suit you, and we’ll be glad to get started on your application to stay at Brisbane Student Apartments.