Share house vs studio vs homestay for international students in Australia is one of those decisions that affects your whole experience. I’ve lived in all three types, and I’ve watched friends choose different options. Some choices worked well. Others didn’t. The difference was understanding what each involves and choosing what suits you.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve lived in share houses, studios, and briefly in homestay, and I’ve learned what each offers. Some types suit certain situations. Others don’t. The difference was understanding the pros and cons.
So here’s everything I know about share house vs studio vs homestay for international students in Australia, based on what actually applies.
Share House: What It Involves
Let me start with this, because it’s what most students choose.
Share house means: renting a room in a house or apartment with other people. You share common areas like kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
Pros: usually cheaper, social, and flexible. You can meet people and save money.
Cons: less privacy, need to share spaces, and potential conflicts with flatmates.
But here’s what I’ve learned: share houses are popular for good reasons. They’re cheaper and social. But you need to be comfortable sharing spaces and dealing with flatmates.
I’ve written about living with flatmates and handling conflicts if you want more detail.
Studio: What It Involves
This is the private option, and here’s what it offers.
Studio means: renting your own small apartment. You have your own kitchen, bathroom, and living space.
Pros: privacy, independence, and no flatmate conflicts. You have your own space.
Cons: more expensive, less social, and can be lonely. You pay more for privacy.
But here’s what I’ve learned: studios offer privacy and independence, but they cost more and can be lonely. If you value privacy and can afford it, studios work well.
Homestay: What It Involves
This is less common but can be good when you first arrive.
Homestay means: living with a local family. You have your own room but share common areas with the family.
Pros: cultural immersion, support, and often includes meals. Good for when you first arrive.
Cons: less independence, need to follow family rules, and can be expensive. Less privacy.
But here’s what I’ve learned: homestay is good when you first arrive, but it’s less common for long term. It offers support and cultural immersion, but less independence.
Cost Comparison: What Each Costs
This is important, because cost affects your decision.
Share house: usually $150 to $300 per week, depending on location and quality.
Studio: usually $250 to $500 per week, depending on location and quality.
Homestay: usually $250 to $400 per week, often including meals.
But here’s what I’ve learned: share houses are usually cheapest. Studios cost more. Homestay can be expensive but often includes meals. Budget accordingly.
I’ve written about how much rent to pay as a student if you want more detail.
Which Suits You: How to Decide
This is the key question, and here’s how to decide.
Choose share house if: you want to save money, you’re social, and you’re comfortable sharing spaces.
Choose studio if: you value privacy, you can afford it, and you prefer independence.
Choose homestay if: you’re arriving soon, you want support, and you want cultural immersion.
But here’s what I’ve learned: the best choice depends on your budget, preferences, and situation. Consider what matters to you, and choose accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheapest?
Share houses are usually cheapest. Studios cost more. Homestay can be expensive but often includes meals.
Which offers most privacy?
Studios offer most privacy. Share houses offer less privacy. Homestay offers least privacy.
Which is best for making friends?
Share houses are best for making friends. Studios are less social. Homestay can be social but with the family.
Can I change later?
Yes. You can move if your situation changes. But moving costs money and time, so choose carefully.
Which is best when I first arrive?
Homestay or share house can be good when you first arrive. Homestay offers support. Share houses are common and social.
What if I’m not sure?
Start with share house or homestay. You can always move to a studio later if you want more privacy.
Final Thoughts
Share house vs studio vs homestay for international students in Australia: each has pros and cons. Share houses are cheapest and social but offer less privacy. Studios offer privacy and independence but cost more. Homestay offers support and cultural immersion but less independence. Choose what suits your budget, preferences, and situation.
Don’t assume one is always better. Each suits different situations. Consider what matters to you, and choose accordingly. You can always move later if your situation changes.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Choose what suits you. Share houses are popular for good reasons, but studios offer privacy if you can afford it. Homestay is good when you first arrive. Consider your budget, preferences, and situation, and choose accordingly.
If you’re still deciding, consider your budget, preferences, and situation. Share houses are usually cheapest and social. Studios offer privacy but cost more. Homestay offers support but less independence. Choose what suits you.