Living in Sydney as an International Student: What It’s Really Like

Moving to a new city sounds exciting until it actually happens. Then it’s mostly about figuring out how the buses work, how not to burn your rice, and how to survive on $20 till your next allowance hits. Sydney isn’t hard to love, but it does take some getting used to, especially if you’re an international student. There’s no one-size-fits-all guide, but here’s a look at what day-to-day life can feel like the good, the weird, and the expensive.

The Cost of Living

Let’s not sugarcoat it Sydney is expensive. Rent eats up most of your money, especially if you’re near the city or campus. A shared room can cost anywhere from $200 to $350 a week, and that’s without electricity or internet.

Groceries are manageable if you’re smart about it. Woolworths and Coles are everywhere, but places like Aldi, Paddy’s Market, or Asian supermarkets can save you a lot over time. Avoid buying stuff from convenience stores unless you enjoy paying $4 for a single banana.

Pro tip: Bulk cook. That $10 butter chicken takeaway might feel harmless until you’ve had it three times in one week and your card starts declining.

Finding a Place to Live

Gumtree, Flatmates.com.au, and Facebook groups are where most students look. It’s not just about price location matters. If you’re at the University of Sydney, suburbs like Newtown, Marrickville, and Redfern are close. For UNSW, think Kensington or Randwick. UTS? Ultimo, Chippendale, maybe even Surry Hills if you stretch the budget.

Be careful with listings that look too good to be true they usually are. If someone asks for a deposit before you’ve even seen the place, walk away.

Also: Some rentals come with “rules.” No guests, no cooking after 8 pm, shared fridges with strict shelf boundaries. Ask early.

Getting Around

Public transport is reliable but not cheap. Trains, buses, light rail, and ferries all use the Opal card system. Tap on, tap off. The daily cap helps; after spending around $17 a day or $50 a week, your rides become free. Still, those fares add up fast if you live far from campus.

Good news? The buses mostly run on time. Bad news? They also leave on time, even if you’re sprinting towards them with an umbrella in one hand and a soggy backpack in the other.

Cycling’s becoming more common, especially with the city investing in better bike lanes. But Sydney isn’t flat, and hills plus heat = regret.

Food, Glorious (and Varied) Food

You don’t have to miss home too much Sydney’s food scene is absurdly diverse. Thai, Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Lebanese, and Korean all within a few blocks. There’s no shortage of options, even on a student budget, if you know where to look.

A small food court in Chinatown might give you a full meal for $11. Hit the university cafeterias late in the afternoon? You might score half-priced leftovers.

If you cook, join a local produce co-op or visit Paddy’s Market for fresh, cheap fruits and veggies. Or split bulk groceries with housemates; just make sure nobody “accidentally” finishes the shared peanut butter.

Balancing Work and Study

Most student visas let you work up to 48 hours every two weeks (though rules have changed post-pandemic check regularly). Hospitality, retail, tutoring, and delivery gigs are the go-to options. But keep in mind: work culture here is casual but strict about time and reliability. No-shows don’t get second chances.

Some students juggle 15-hour shifts on the weekend and then drag themselves to lectures half-awake on Monday. It’s possible but it’s not easy.

Look out for:

• On-campus jobs (less stressful)
  
• Internships (low-paid or unpaid but good for resumes)
  
• Side gigs like babysitting or language tutoring
  

Social Life & Culture Shock

People in Sydney are friendly, but not instantly friendly. It’s not like some countries where strangers strike up long conversations at the bus stop. Here, most people smile, say hi, and move on. Friendships take time but tend to be more relaxed and genuine.

You’ll meet folks from all over the world especially if you stay in student housing. That mix is part of what makes Sydney fun. Just be ready for a few cultural curveballs:

• People walk on the left, stand on the left, and get annoyed if you don’t
  
• Most events end early (bars close at 1–2 a.m.)
  
• Aussies abbreviate everything (afternoon = arvo, breakfast = brekkie)
  
• Slang is real if someone says you’re “keen,” it’s a compliment

Weather, Beaches, and Weekend Plans

Sydney’s weather is mostly kind sunny, breezy, and warm. But when it rains, it really rains. The city can go from blue skies to flooded roads in 20 minutes. Always have a light jacket. Or just accept you’ll get caught in a storm once a semester.

Weekends are for beaches, parks, or coastal walks. Bondi to Coogee is the classic one, but it’s packed. Try Manly, Bronte, or even Cronulla for a quieter vibe.

You don’t have to spend big. Some of the best things are free: beach barbeques, art gallery visits, live music in pubs, or just sitting on the Opera House steps with a cheap coffee.

What People Don’t Tell You

• Banking takes time. Set up a local bank account early. Transfers can be slow.
  
• Mobile plans are prepaid and confusing. Amaysim, Vodafone, and Telstra are common, but reception varies.
  
• Healthcare is solid. Keep your student insurance details handy. Bulk billing clinics won’t charge you extra.
  
• The first month is always hard. But it gets better. Really.
  

Final Thoughts

Living in Sydney as an international student means adjusting fast, spending smarter, and finding small ways to make the city feel less like a postcard and more like home.

You might miss home food, sleep through early lectures, or stare at your laundry pile for three days straight, but slowly, it starts to feel normal. You pick your favourite cheap eats, figure out the bus stops that don’t lie, and build your own little routine.

Not perfect. Not glamorous. But real. And surprisingly worth it.