The price of rental accommodation can vary greatly, depending on its location and facilities and whether furniture is provided or not. The best idea is to find something you like and compare it with other accommodation options in the same area.

The weekly rent you pay does not cover the cost of electricity, gas or telephone charges. Rent is generally paid two to four weeks in advance with the agent or landlord asking you to pay a bond or security deposit equal to an additional four weeks rent before you move in. This bond is refunded to you when you leave, provided you have not caused damage to the property and have paid your rent.

Initial costs which may be incurred when you arrive include:

Temporary accommodation

• Rental bond (four weeks)
• Advance rent (two weeks)
• Electricity connection
• Telephone/Internet connection
• Gas connection
• Household items – furniture, crockery, etc
• Transportation
• Other expenses

This may amount to approximately $2300 or more. Ongoing expenses once established include:

• Utilities (telephone, electricity/gas)
• Living expenses (rent, food, transport etc)
• Incidentals (photocopying, internet, insurances)
• Entertainment

Students should budget their living expenses to at least $450 a week.

Electricity, Water and Gas

In Australia, students choosing to rent a property will normally need to pay for services connected , like gas, electricity and telephone. The tenant will need to arrange to have these services connected, and may have to pay a security deposit to the supply company.

Tenants may only be asked to pay for water use if the property has an individual water meter. The landlord must pay for the tenants usual water use, and can only charge for extra water used above that amount.

In Australia, electricity is 220-240 Volts AC. Electrical sockets require three-pin plugs.

Major telephone providers include Optus, Telstra, Virgin, 3 and Vodafone. A number of plans for phones, mobile phones and internet services are available from these and other companies. Broadband and VOIP is increasingly becoming a popular option allowing people access to cheap overseas calls. Phone cards to make international calls are also available at news agencies throughout Brisbane.

To dial Brisbane from overseas dial Australia’s country code (61) followed by Brisbane’s area code (7) followed by the number you wish to dial. To dial overseas from Australia dial 0011, then country code, region code and phone number.