Best Co-Living Spaces for Students in Australia

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What Is Co-Living for Students?
3. Why Co-Living Is a Great Option for Students in Australia
4. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Co-Living Spaces

5. Top Co-Living Providers & Spaces for Students in Australia

   Scape

   Together Co-Living

   UniLodge / Student Living

   Journal Student Living (Shared Student Accommodation)

   Stucco Cooperative Housing

   YHA Student Stays (Short-Term, Communal)

   University Residential Colleges (Co-Living College-Style)

6. Comparing Co-Living vs Traditional Student Housing

7. How to Find & Apply for Co-Living Spaces

   Use Student Accommodation Platforms

   Visit in Person or Virtually

   Understand the Lease, Costs, and Inclusions

   Join Student Communities & Facebook Groups

   Consider Flexibility and Contract Length

8. Tips for Saving Money & Getting the Best Co-Living Deal
9. Challenges and Drawbacks of Co-Living for Students
10. The Future of Student Co-Living in Australia
11. Conclusion
12. FAQs

1. Introduction

Australia is a world-class destination for students, known for its excellent universities, multicultural cities, and high quality of life. But for students, especially international ones, one of the hardest parts of studying in Australia is finding affordable, comfortable, and community-oriented housing. Traditional student housing like on-campus dorms or private studio apartments can be expensive or limited in availability.

That’s where co-living spaces come in. Co-living for students is becoming increasingly popular in Australia as a flexible, social, and cost-effective way to live while studying. In this article, we’ll explore the Best Student PGs & Co-Living in Adelaide, why co-living is a smart choice, how to find and apply for these spaces, and what to watch out for. Whether you’re a first-year undergraduate, a postgraduate student, or an exchange student, this guide will help you navigate co-living options and choose the right place for you.

2. What Is Co-Living for Students?

Co-living refers to a shared living model where residents, in this case, students, live together under one roof, but with more structure, amenities, and community than a typical shared flat or house. In student co-living:

• Rooms can be private (studio or en-suite) or shared.
• Utilities and bills (internet, electricity, water) are often bundled into the rent.
• Shared common areas exist: kitchens, lounges, co-working or study spaces, often with social programming.
• There is usually a management team (or “community team”) that organizes events, oversees maintenance, and helps build a sense of belonging.
• Leases can be more flexible than traditional rentals, sometimes offering shorter or student-specific contracts.

For students, co-living offers a balance between privacy and social life, and often proves cheaper or more convenient than renting on your own.

3. Why Co-Living Is a Great Option for Students in Australia

Here are some of the major reasons why co-living is attractive to students in Australia:

1. Cost Efficiency Because co-living spaces pool resources, students often pay less per person compared to renting a private apartment. Shared amenities and all-inclusive utilities further reduce unexpected costs.

2. Community & Social Support Living with other students means instant social connections. Co-living providers frequently organize events, study groups, or communal dinners, ideal when you’re new to a country.

3. Convenience Many co-living spaces are located close to universities, public transport, or city centers. Providers like Scape or UniLodge position their buildings to maximize accessibility.

4. Flexibility Co-living contracts may be more suited to student life, for example, they might offer semester-length leases or more flexible termination terms.

5. All-Inclusive Living Having utilities, cleaning, Wi-Fi, and maintenance all managed frees students to focus on their studies without worrying about separate bills or hidden costs.

6. Safety and Professional Management Co-living buildings are professionally managed, often with 24/7 reception or security. This offers peace of mind, especially for international students.

7. Lower Risk for New Arrivals If you’re studying abroad, co-living can act as a “soft landing”, before committing to more permanent or long-term housing, co-living lets you settle in and meet people.

Given these advantages, it’s easy to see why co-living is becoming a go-to housing solution for students in Australia.

4. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Co-Living Spaces

Choosing the right co-living space is more than just picking the cheapest room. Here are factors you should carefully evaluate:

• Location: Proximity to your university, public transit, shops, and city life.
• Cost Breakdown: What’s included in your weekly or monthly rent, Wi-Fi, electricity, water, cleaning?
• Contract Flexibility: Duration of lease, whether you can sublease or break your contract based on semester.
• Amenities: Common areas, study spaces, fitness rooms, social programming.
• Community: The type of co-living provider; some are more social and event-driven, others more student-quiet.
• Room Types: Studio, en-suite, shared rooms, what fits your budget and need for privacy.
• Safety & Management: Security, maintenance, front desk, and the professionalism of the accommodation team.
• Accreditation: Some student housing providers are accredited under formal schemes (or are well-reviewed).
• Cost of Living Nearby: Not just rent — food, transport, shops in the area impact your budget.
• Future Plans: Are you staying only a semester, or planning to stay multiple years? This affects how flexible your lease should be.

5. Top Co-Living Providers & Spaces for Students in Australia

Here are some of the best-known and most trusted co-living options for students in Australia, each with different styles, costs, and benefits.

Scape

Scape is one of the most recognized and established student accommodation providers in Australia.

• Locations: Scape has properties in several major cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and more.
• Room Types: Options range from shared rooms, private en-suite, to studio apartments.
• Inclusions: Most Scape properties are furnished with high-speed Wi-Fi, utilities included, study lounges, social event programming, and strong 24/7 management presence.
• Community: With a strong community ethos, Scape organizes social and academic events to help students connect and thrive.
• Why Choose Scape: If you want reliable, professionally, managed co-living close to university, with all-inclusive billing and active student life, Scape is a top contender.

Together Co-Living

Together Co-Living is another leading co-living company in Australia specifically designed for students.

• Location: Melbourne is a key city for Together Co-Living.
• Room Types & Rates: Studios and single-occupancy rooms are available. Electricity, water, and high-speed internet are typically included in the rent, giving clarity and predictability.
• Facilities & Community: Together Co-Living offers communal kitchens, BBQ areas, a swimming pool, a gym, and dedicated study/coworking areas.
• Social Opportunities: They run weekly communal events, cooking nights, and workshops to help residents feel connected.
• Transport: In some properties, Together Co-Living provides a free shuttle service to nearby universities.
• Why Choose Together: Ideal for students who want a balanced, all inclusive co-living environment with a strong community, without hidden costs.

UniLodge / Student Living

UniLodge is one of Australia’s largest student accommodation providers.

• Locations: Over 110 property locations across major Australian cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.
• Room Types: UniLodge offers a broad variety: 1-bedroom apartments, shared apartments (multiple roommates), twin-share rooms, and larger shared flats.
• Programs: Their “Residential Life” program provides structured social activities, support, and community-building for residents.
• Accreditation: Many UniLodge properties are accredited by the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS), which ensures high standards in safety, management, and student support.
• Why Choose UniLodge: If you prefer a large, reputable provider with many locations and a mix of room types, UniLodge is a trusted and enriched co-living option.

Journal Student Living (Shared Student Accommodation)

Journal Student Living provides shared apartments designed specifically for students, focusing on affordability, community, and practicality.

• Locations: Their properties are available in major student cities such as Melbourne and Brisbane.
• Room Options: They offer 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, or 4-bedroom apartments. Some rooms are ensuite, others are shared, giving flexibility based on budget and privacy needs.
• Amenities: Unlimited Wi-Fi, shared lounge and dining areas, shared kitchens, shared or private bathrooms, and on-site support.
• Cost Efficiency: Because several students share both the rent and the utilities, the cost per student is quite competitive.
• Community Feel: Their shared living design encourages social interaction while preserving enough private space for study.
• Why Choose Journal: Great for those who want a shared, more “flat share” style co-living with reliable management, but without the higher price tag of luxury PBSA.

Stucco Cooperative Housing

Stucco Co-operative is a very different but highly interesting model: student-run, co-operative housing.

• Location: Sydney (Newtown)
• Structure: As a co-operative, members share responsibilities (building maintenance, meetings, decisions). This is democratic living, residents have a say in how the house is run.
• Cost: Because of the cooperative model, rent tends to be much more affordable than commercial PBSA.
• Community: It fosters a close-knit community. There’s a strong ethos of collaboration, sustainability, and shared governance.
• Membership Requirements: You may be asked to contribute labor (meetings or chores) as part of the co-op model.
• Why Choose Stucco: Excellent choice if you value a communal and participatory lifestyle, affordability, and a genuine shared-living philosophy.

YHA Student Stays (Short-Term Communal)

YHA (Youth Hostels Association) Australia offers student-friendly communal accommodation, especially useful for short-term stays or when you first arrive.

• Locations: YHA has major city hostels in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and more, many of which welcome students.
• Living Style: Shared dorm-style rooms or private rooms, communal kitchens, shared dining and coworking spaces.
• Cost: Very competitive, especially for short-term stays (weeks, not months), making YHA ideal for students arriving before settling into a longer-term co-living arrangement.
• Community Vibe: As hostels, YHA places are social and transient, so they’re great for meeting new people, but less stable than purpose-built student co-living.
• Why Choose YHA: If you’re looking for a temporary base while you search for longer-term student housing, YHA is a practical, affordable co-living-like solution.

University Residential Colleges (Co-Living College-Style)

Many Australian universities offer residential colleges that function similarly to co-living: they provide accommodation, dining, community, and structured support.

• Example – Little Hall, University of Melbourne: A modern residential college in Carlton, Melbourne, with strong community, amenities, and academic support.
• Example – International House, University of Queensland: Offers self-catered and fully catered living, mixing local and international students, fostering a richly diverse student community.
• Charges & Benefits: While not always the cheapest, colleges can provide scholarships, subsidized costs, and a structured, community-rich living experience.

6. Comparing Co-Living vs Traditional Student Housing

Here’s a breakdown of how co-living stacks up against other student housing options:

Co-living offers a middle path: more community and convenience than private rentals, and more flexibility or modern facilities than traditional halls.

7. How to Find & Apply for Co-Living Spaces

Use Student Accommodation Platforms

Use online platforms dedicated to student housing to search for co-living options:

• Student Housing Finder: A platform that lists sharehouses, PBSA, homestays, and more.
• Accommodation portals from providers: Go directly to Scape, Together Co-Living, UniLodge websites.

Visit in Person or Virtually

If possible, tour the property. Many co-living providers offer virtual tours so you can assess rooms, common spaces, and neighborhood without being there physically.

Understand the Lease, Costs, and Inclusions

Make sure you read:

• The contract / lease
• Inclusions (what bills are covered)
• Deposit (bond) amount
• Early-termination terms
• House rules (noise, cleaning, guest policy)

Join Student Communities & Facebook Groups

Local student Facebook groups or university accommodation forums often post room openings, sublets, or co-living opportunities. Reddit threads (e.g., r/unimelb) often have real student experiences and advice.

Consider Flexibility and Contract Length

If you’re staying for only a semester or an exchange year, try to find co-living providers that offer shorter contracts, or negotiate with the property manager. Some providers are more flexible than traditional landlords.

8. Tips for Saving Money & Getting the Best Co-Living Deal

• Book Early: The more popular co-living places fill up fast, especially before the academic year begins.
• Negotiate: Ask if utilities are included, or if there’s a discount for a longer lease or up-front payment.
• Look for Scholarships or Accommodation Stipends: Some universities or colleges give financial help that can be used toward housing.
• Share Wisely: Choose roommates you trust, having reliable housemates means fewer conflicts over bills or cleaning.
• Use Public Transport: Choose co-living in slightly less central areas if transport is cheap, can massively reduce cost.
• Use Student Discounts: On utilities, gym memberships, or transport.
• Consider Off-Peak Move-In: Moving mid-semester can get you deals or lower rent compared to peak move-in times.

9. Challenges and Drawbacks of Co-Living for Students

Co-living isn’t perfect, and there are some common drawbacks to be aware of:

1. Cost Can Still Be High While co-living is cheaper than some premium rentals, it may cost more than traditional share houses, depending on the provider.

2. Less Privacy Shared kitchens, common spaces, and frequent social events mean less solitude than a private studio.

3. Fixed Community Rules Co-living providers may impose strict rules on guests, noise, or cleaning, which can feel limiting.

4. Commitment Required Even if you want to leave early, breaking a lease can be difficult or expensive.

5. Variable Quality Not all co-living providers offer the same quality, some may lack maintenance or community engagement.

6. Co-Op Responsibilities If choosing a cooperative (like Stucco), you might need to contribute time and effort to management or decision-making.

10. The Future of Student Co-Living in Australia

The student housing market in Australia is evolving rapidly:

• Purpose-built co-living towers: More developments are being proposed and built specifically for students, with modern amenities and communal infrastructure.
• Sustainable designs: New student housing is being built with energy efficiency, green spaces, and sustainable materials in mind.
• Flexible leases: Expect more providers to offer semester-based, mid-year, and short-term contracts as demand for flexibility rises.
• Technology integration: Co-living spaces will likely use smart-home technology for keyless entry, energy management, and better community engagement.
• Hybrid models: More mixing of student housing and young professionals in co-living buildings, especially in regional or growing student hubs.

As co-living becomes mainstream, students will benefit from more choice, better affordability, and stronger community-driven housing.

11. Conclusion

Co-living is a powerful and modern housing solution for students in Australia. It combines affordability, convenience, community, and flexibility, precisely what many students need when relocating for study. Whether you go with a large provider like Scape, a community-oriented co-op like Stucco, or a more traditional residential college, co-living offers a more human and social way to live during your studies.

By carefully researching, understanding your lease, considering location, and joining student communities, you can find a co-living space that feels like home. Start early, budget smart, and prioritize both cost and comfort, and you’ll be set up for a great student living experience in Australia.

12. FAQs

1. What is co-living and how is it different from normal student housing?

Co-living is shared housing structured around community, with shared amenities, professional management, and often all-inclusive bills. It differs from normal shared renting because it’s more managed, community, focused, and tailored to students.

2. Is co-living more expensive than regular shared flats?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Co-living providers often include utilities, Wi-Fi, and maintenance, which can make overall monthly cost comparable or even lower than shared flats with separate bills.

3. Can international students apply for co-living in Australia?

Absolutely. Most co-living providers welcome international students, and many are located near universities. Be sure to check visa, guarantor, and proof-of-funds requirements if needed.

4. How long are the typical leases in student co-living?

Many providers offer flexible lease options, semester-based, 6-month, or 12-month leases. It depends on the provider, location, and demand.

5. Are utilities included in co-living rent?

In most reputable co-living spaces, utilities (water, electricity, internet) are bundled into the rent. Always double-check your contract to confirm.

6. What if I don’t like my co-living roommates?

Talk to the property management. Good co-living providers will help mediate or reassign rooms if possible. You can also try to negotiate a lease exit, but check for fees.

7. Do I need to pay a security bond for co-living?

Yes, most co-living accommodations require a security bond (or deposit). The exact amount depends on the provider and location. Make sure it’s clearly stated in your contract.

8. Is co-living safe?

Yes, many co-living buildings have professional management, 24/7 reception or security, and established house rules, making them relatively safe for students.

9. Can I bring my own furniture or personal items?

Co-living rooms often come furnished, but you can usually bring personal items like decor, books, and electronics. For big furniture, check with the provider first.

10. How do I apply for co-living spaces?

Use student housing websites (e.g., Student Housing Finder), or go directly to provider websites (Scape, Together Co-Living, UniLodge). Complete their application, submit necessary documents (ID, student ID, guarantor, bond), and sign the lease.