Off Campus

The alternative to living on-campus is to live in the suburbs surrounding campus.

Suburbs in close proximity to Avondale include:

Lake Macquarie campus

Cooranbong, Morisset, Dora Creek, Bonnells Bay, Brightwaters, Wangi Wangi, Rathmines, Toronto.

Sydney campus

Wahroonga, Hornsby, Normanhurst, Turramurra, Pennant Hills, St Ives.

If you are considering private accommodation, we advise that you arrive a few weeks before semester starts to allow time to look for somewhere suitable to rent, organise furniture and all house essentials.

Accommodation Styles

Different styles of accommodation to consider includes:

Board

Usually the cheapest type of accommodation, board is offered by families or mature age adults who enjoy the company of students. As a boarder, your rent will typically cover a furnished room, utilities (electricity/gas, water), food, and washing. Boarding is a great option for those who enjoy living with a family, and who don't want to worry about paying bills separately.

Bed-Sitter

A bed-sitter is a combination bedroom and sitting room, usually consisting of one large room with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and courtyard. Bed-sitters can come furnished or unfurnished, with rent typically including utilities (electricity/gas, water). Bed-sitters are a great option for those who want their independence, but don't want to worry about paying bills separately.

The noticeboards around campus or Avondale's Facebook page are great places to find information about board or bed-sitter accommodation available.

Real Estate House/Flat Rentals


Real estate agents have listings for houses and flats to rent. If you are intending to rent, you will either need to: have someone organised to share with; be prepared to advertise a room to rent; or move into an already established rental.

Before leaving home, be sure to collect two or three character references (from school, work, prior landlord) to assist you with securing rental accommodation.

When renting, you will need to provide a bond that will be lodged with NSW Fair Trading for the duration of your tenancy. Bond is approximately four weeks rent, plus two weeks rent in advance.