Finding a home

My experience here so far hasn’t been the most pleasant. I spent tis first week franticly searching for a home with not even a lead. The biggest issue was the reservation I had at my hotel was running out and there were fully booked for the next week as well as a friends hotel.

I was told at Buff State that “oh it will be easy, you’ll meet people” with doesn’t seem to be true. Yes I did meet a lot of people at orientation but they all were looking for apartments or rooms.

The first difficulty in finding a place is finding one that has a negotiable lease. Most places minimum is 6 months when the semester is only 4 and a half. You could possibly arrive earlier and stay later but that would require knowing the circumstance before you get here to book your flights at a more appropriate time. The next problem is finding a place that is furnished. You certainly don’t want to buy furniture here then have to get rid of it in 4 months. The last two things you also have to keep in mind are price and location. Paying 200 a week may seem like a lot but if it’s furnished and closer to school it is worth it. Melbourne is an extremely accessible city. You can live further away and take a tram, train, or bus in.

My advice to anyone who has decided to do study abroad at RMIT is to get into the student housing in Melbourne. It may cost more and you will have to sign a 6 month lease, you will be happier. By applying for a room at one of the many complexes in the area you will save time and a lot of tears trying to find a place.

It is easier to find a room in a house then renting an apartment yourself. Rooms in houses though are quickly filled and the tenants favour older professionals that are looking to get longer leases. If you do want to just get a room in a house it is best to plan to arrive here earlier and avoid the rush of students when its closer to classes beginning.

You can sign a lease for 6 months and only stay 5; paying for a month you are not here. You can also plan to be here for 6 and when school is not in session plan a few trips around the country.

I got really luck. I explained my situation to a councillor here and she knew of a girl who could offer me a room until I found a place or I could rent it for 4 months. I am living I the suburb or West Brunswick. It is a tram ride away form campus and into the city. I think I want to stay the full time I am here.

We don’t have internet at the apartment but will soon. I hope to get some more post up once we do.