Housing



Whether you plan to leave home to study or work, becoming independent is expensive. The majority of young people leaving home either rent accommodation by themselves or with friends, stay with extended family and pay board, or live on campus at their school or university. All of these options cost money, and it is very important that you know where you are planning to live once you leave home.

According to OkTravel.com.au the average shared rent in Darwin, NT, is around $222 a week. Other major cities in Australia are believed to have the average weekly shared rent of around: Sydney-- $330pw Adelaide-- $236pw Brisbane-- $240pw Melbourne-- $300pw Perth-- $250pw Canberra-- $260pw Hobart-- $180pw //(The above statistics are based on the 2006 Australian Census, therefore the results may vary slightly.)// Renting can be expensive, but it can also be a great way to be independent and self reliant. Sharing the cost of rent with friends or others who have similar comitments, can be a smart way to organise your living options because you can attempt to live in an area that is suitable for your schooling and other recreational needs.
 * Rent?**

Some people may opt to live with their extended family when they leave home. They are most likely to pay board or assist with the rent. Whilst studying, this option can be a very good idea, because having family around you provides a very comfortable support system. However, this may mean that you aren't able to gain the independence and self reliance that you were hoping for.
 * Board with family?**

Living on campus at a university or other school can be a really good way to save money whilst studying. For example the University of Newcastle provides a number of different on campus accomodation facilities. The costs for on campus accommodation for Edwards Hall (on campus accommodation facility at the Newcastle campus) in 2009, include: One big bonus about living on campus is that you will be saving money that would usually be spent on transport to and from school.
 * Live on campus?**
 * An Application Fee ($30)
 * Registration and Enrolment Charge ($270)
 * Telecommunications Fee ($150 for the full academic year, or $85 for a one semester contract)
 * Damage and Maintenance Fee ($40 for the full academic year, or $20 for a one semester contract)
 * Orientation Fee ($80)
 * The 2009 meal component of Edwards Hall weekly tariff is $81 (16 meals per week) and International House is $42 (5 meals per week).

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