The Iglu Guide | Blog

Regional students’ guide to student accommodation in the city

September 15, 2025

Moving from a regional town to the bustle of a city is a big step, and whilst it’s incredibly exciting, it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. Even though you’re still living in the familiarity of your home country, city living can feel like a world away in terms of activity and pace. Finding the right student accommodation makes a huge difference to how well you settle into student life, so taking some time to consider what living arrangements might suit you best is definitely time well invested. Here’s everything you need to know upfront to feel comfortable, confident and ready for anything the city has to offer.

1. Understand your accommodation options

There’s a lot to think about when moving away from home. But not every accommodation type will suit every student, so make a start by understanding which option best supports your own needs. Many domestic students prefer the benefits of purpose-built student accommodation. Complete with one easy bill, all-inclusive facilities, convenience living and a built-in student community, PBSAs prioritise student safety and security as standard. This type of supported independence can make the move away from home much easier to manage for regional students unused to city living. But before you make your final decision, ask yourself some important questions:

Do you prefer to live on-campus or off-campus?
Would you prefer your own space, or sharing with other students?
How far are you prepared to travel to university?
Can you confidently manage a rental lease and separate utility contracts?
What facilities are important to you?
Are you prepared to furnish your student accommodation?
Are safety and security high priority?

2. Budgeting for city living

City living is typically more expensive than the regional areas, with higher rental and living costs a big consideration. The Iglu Regional Scholarship offers eligible students the opportunity to apply for rental assistance at select properties when they start out at uni, and popular student discount apps such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans are great ways to save money on the go. Before you make any firm decisions, make sure you know exactly what your student budget needs to cover off:

Accommodation (potentially including bond)
Utilities
Transport
Groceries
Social
Study needs (tech/books etc)
Lifestyle

3. Location, location, location

Living life in the heart of the action is one of the key benefits of city-based accommodation. It will also save time and money, with minimal travel costs to help offset the slightly higher rent. Without the worry of a long journey home, or wasted time in between events, you can confidently throw yourself into uni life and make the most of extra-curricular opportunities. And when you do want to explore, you’re well-placed for transport links to get you out the city. PBSAs are specifically designed to optimise the student experience. Iglu properties in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne are located close to university buildings, transport hubs and city treats, so you’ll experience convenience living at its finest.

4. A new community

Many students find the idea of making new friends the most daunting part about heading off to university. It’s good to remember that every student’s in the same boat, and at university you tend to make good friends fast – whether that’s from your student accommodation, your uni course or from participating in new clubs and societies. It’s also worth remembering that PBSAs have a built-in student community on tap. Offering a busy social calendar with regular events and activities, there’s always someone to share with if you need a friendly face after lectures. Before you know it, you have a readymade friendship group right there at home.

5. Settling into your new home

Feeling homesick is entirely normal, and it can take some time to adjust to the faster pace of city life. Rest assured every student is having the same experience.