Student City Guide: Sydney 2025

Sydney, the most populous city in Australia, serves as the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's southeast coast and has a population of over 4.5 million people. It is often regarded as one of the most attractive and livable cities on the entire globe. In fact, Sydney is the city that comes to mind when most people think of Australia because of its stunning beaches, Sydney Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. But what particularly can an overseas student find in Sydney? We have a Sydney city guide for students answering all your questions about the city!

Over 40,000 international students attend classes in Sydney every year, and this number is rising.

The city boasts a fantastic climate, with weather that is warmer and more reliable than Melbourne, which is located in the south.

Additionally, there are numerous beaches nearby, and events occur frequently. Simply put, it's a fantastic location for anyone thinking about studying in Australia.

Best universities in Sydney

Sydney is home to many top-notch universities that provide a wide range of academic degrees to prospective overseas students. Numerous universities are available for everything from taking English language classes to earning an MBA, including but not limited to:

1. University of Western Sydney
2. Macquarie University
3. University of New South Wales
4. University of Sydney
5. University of Technology Sydney

Best localities to live in Sydney

Sydney typically has the most costly rental market of any Australian city.

For instance, the New South Wales government estimates that the average monthly cost of a one-bedroom apartment or flat in Sydney city is $1,776.

In contrast, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city is about $1,300 per month.

We have listed a few in our city guide for Sydney including the best neighbourhoods for student accommodation, despite the proximity and abundance of options for student housing.

1. Parramatta
2. Newtown
3. Kensington
4. Ryde
5. Canterbury

On-campus housing

Hostels or dorms are the most common kind of on-campus lodging offered by colleges. They offer a variety of services, including cafes, WiFi, laundry, and other amenities supplied by the management. To dwell in these halls, students must pay rent, however, the price varies based on the type of residence.

Off-campus housing

Off-campus accommodation that is typically near to the university is referred to in this. Because it is less expensive, the students choose to make reservations for shared rooms. The rent often covers expenses like gas, water, and electricity. The cost structure varies depending on the region and the type of dwelling. You can choose from a single room, a room with a bathroom, or a studio apartment, depending on your requirements. The monthly rent begins at £480 and increases from there.

En-suites are a common feature of student residences. You have your own sleeping area and private bathroom in these accommodations. However, there is no kitchenette or other culinary equipment available to you. Like the other rooms, the ensuite has a shared kitchen.

Non-en-suites: In this category, you'll have a private room with a shared bathroom. Similar to an ensuite room, it is not quite the same. The bathroom will need to be shared with one or more of your housemates, but you will have a bed and a private space.

Studios: This type of space has a single, multipurpose room that functions as a study, living room, and bedroom. It also has a separate bathroom and toilet.

Cost of living

It is advisable for international students to have a sizeable sum of money saved up before leaving for their study abroad programme.

Costs might pile up regardless of the city where you are attending school.

For instance, Sydney residents may spend between $80 and $120 a week on groceries. Each week, travel will cost you between $50 and $65 while a pint of beer will cost anywhere from $10 to $14.

Leisure and restaurants in Sydney

Places to visit

1. SEAL LIFE More than 700 species representing more than 13,000 individual fish and other sea and water creatures from the majority of Australia's water environments are on show at Sydney Aquarium, which has a wide diversity of aquatic life native to that country.
2. The Sydney Harbour Bridge spans Sydney Harbour and is made of steel. One of the most recognisable sights in Sydney is the spectacular panorama of the bridge, the harbour, and the surrounding Sydney Opera House.
3. In addition to being the name of the nearby Sydney suburb, Bondi Beach is a well-known beach. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia is Bondi Beach.
4. The Taronga Zoo, Sydney's municipal zoo, is situated in the Mosman neighbourhood beside Sydney Harbor. On October 7, 1916, it was formally inaugurated.
5. Sydney's city centre is next to Darling Harbour, a harbour. It also has a sizable pedestrian area and leisure precinct.

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Must-visit restaurants and coffeehouses 

1. Through the week, Kafeine at York Street offers reasonably priced breakfast, brunch, and coffee. operates every weekday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm and is closed on weekends.
2. Taiwanese, fast food, and chicken shops are all offered by Hot Star Large Fried Chicken on Liverpool Street. Serves whole meals for less than $15 and is open every day from 11:00 am to 12:00 am, except on Friday and Saturday when it stays open until 2:00 am.
3. Every day from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Chinese Noodle Restaurant offers affordable Chinese noodles. It is situated in Sydney's Haymarket neighbourhood.
4. Healthy burgers under $15 are available at Grill'd Healthy Burgers, which is close to Darling Harbour. Nothing appeals to college students more than the combination of the terms healthy, affordable, and burger, let alone when they are used in the same sentence. Every day from 11:00 is till 10:00 pm.

Here are some famous and outstanding coffee houses in Sydney

1. Gloria Jeans Coffees
2. Jamaica Blue
3. The Coffee Club

Attractions

Museums

1. The Museum of Sydney is a historical repository and display located on Sydney's Bridge Street. In 1995, it was founded.
2. For more than 125 years, the Powerhouse Museum has gone by different names. The Sydney Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences has two primary branches, the other being the famed Sydney Observatory.
3. A brick structure and grounds known as the Hyde Park Barracks Museum was first constructed in 1819 to accommodate male and juvenile prisoners. On the Australian National Heritage register, the location is listed
4. The interactive Justice and Police Museum, housed in a police station from the 1890s, explore Sydney's criminal and forensic background.

Theatres

Watch a recital or alternate between vintage movies and live events, there's a wealth of possibilities.

1. Capitol Theatre is a historic theatre located at 13 Campbell Street in Sydney. Capitol Theatre has given entertainment since the early 19th century. Attractions included spectacular circus acts with animals such as elephants and seals, theatre and vaudeville entertainment.
2. Sydney Opera House established in 1954 is a multi-venue performing arts institution in Sydney, Australia. It is one of the 20th century's most famous and unique buildings.
3. Market Street in Sydney is home to the State Theatre, a theatre with heritage status. The annual Sydney Film Festival has called this venue home since 1974, and it also offers live theatre and musical acts.
4. Sydney's Sydney Lyric theatre debuted in 1997. The Star casino complex includes it. Large-scale musical productions, plays, concerts, operas, and ballets are all held there.

Sports

1. Sydney Football Stadium (SFS), also known as Allianz Stadium commercially. Sydney's premier rectangular field site for rugby league, rugby union, and soccer is the stadium, which was built in 1988.
2. Stadium Australia, also referred to as ANZ Stadium commercially, is a multi-use stadium that is situated in Sydney Olympic Park. Numerous significant rugby games, cricket matches, and concerts have taken place at the stadium.
3. Catch a game of rugby, baseball, football, or cricket, or go to a major event at the Sydney Showground Stadium (Spotless Stadium). As the Sydney Showground Main Arena, the stadium made its debut in 1998.

Festivals

Lights, Street Performers and Art. Sydney has it all!

1. Since its inception in 1977, Sydney Festival has hosted a significant arts festival every January that lasts three weeks. The festival comprises contemporary and classical music, dance, circus, theatre, visual arts, and artist lectures, among other events performed by regional and worldwide artists.
2. An annual outdoor lighting festival called Vivid Sydney takes place in Sydney and features eye-catching light displays and projections. A venue for ideas exchange with public presentations and discussions by top creative thinkers is also a component of the lighting festival, as are performances by local and foreign musicians.
3. The annual Sydney Film Festival takes place in Sydney, generally for 12 days in June. With films being shown in a number of locations across the city centre, the competitive film festival attracts both national and local interest.
4. Some of Greater Sydney's finest artisan producers and manufacturers may be found at the Autumn & Spring Harvest Festivals. Be motivated by Rouse Hill House & Farm's culinary heritage.
5. A 48-hour event of music, play, and creativity, Secret Garden is held every year at an undisclosed site an hour outside of Sydney. Comedy, significant major stage moments, games, and art are all abundant in Secret Garden.

How can students earn in Sydney?

Sydney's job market is somewhat comparable to Melbourne's (and most Australian state capitals) in that there are plenty of openings.

For instance, a lot of international students end up working in the hotel sector. This is because there are so many occupations available, they're flexible, and they pay well.

In Australia, where wages are among the highest in the world, hourly compensation of $20 to $25 is typical for a position in the hospitality industry.

Additionally, the easiest strategy for applying for a job in the hospitality sector is to simply present your résumé in person to the management of a café, restaurant, or bar. Read our blog to know more about how to earn while doing part-time jobs in Australia.

When you don't know where to go or how to get things done, going about your daily business in a foreign city can be difficult. To help you live a comfortable and eventful existence, here is a list of everything you need to know.