Where Should I Live While Studying English in Australia? Homestay, Student House, or Student Residence?
When you’re planning to study English in Australia, one of the biggest decisions isn’t just what you study, but where you’ll live. Your accommodation shapes everything … how you eat, who you meet, how much English you use, and how independent you feel.
At Lexis English, students have three main choices: homestay, student house, or student residence. They’re all popular for different reasons, and each one offers a very different kind of lifestyle.
Here’s what it’s really like.
Homestay: Experience Australian life from the inside
Living in a homestay means becoming part of a local family. You’ll have your own room in a real home, usually with meals included, and you’ll get a front-row seat to daily Australian life.
For many students, especially those arriving in Australia for the first time, homestay is the easiest way to feel safe, supported and connected. You don’t have to worry about shopping for groceries, setting up Wi-Fi, or learning how the buses work… your host family helps you figure it all out. Don’t underestimate how good this is when you arrive on the other side of the world!
One Lexis student from Korea recently described her homestay in Noosa as “like having a second mum.” Her host taught her how to cook pumpkin soup, helped her find a weekend job at a bakery, and corrected her English when they chatted over dinner. Within weeks, her speaking confidence jumped.
That said, homestay isn’t for everyone. There are house rules to follow, like no loud music at midnight, or letting your host know if you’ll be late for dinner. You might live further from the school than other students. And if you’re used to living independently, the structure may feel a bit restrictive.
But for improving your English and easing into Aussie life, it’s hard to beat.
Hint: Give our accommodation team as much information as you can … do you want to live near the beach? Do you like pets? Do you want to live in a house with children? Do you have any special dietary needs? Our Accommodation staff are there to help you in any way they can … give them to information they need to make the best possible placement!
Student House: Independence with a social twist
Student Houses are shared homes arranged by Lexis. They’re usually close to campus, filled with other international students, and offer a bit more freedom than homestay.
You’ll still have your own room (or share with one other person if you choose), but you’ll cook your own meals, manage your own schedule, and share the space with a group of students from different countries.
At Lexis Noosa, student houses are especially popular. It’s not uncommon to find a group of six students from Brazil, Switzerland, Japan and Spain all living together — surfing before class, cooking dinner together, and learning each other’s languages as much as English.
Of course, living in a shared house also means taking turns with the cleaning, agreeing on noise levels, and sometimes navigating cultural differences. But for many students, that’s part of the fun.
If you’re a little older, more independent, or looking for a more social and relaxed lifestyle, student houses offer the best balance of freedom and connection.
Hint: Your housemates are your best resource – ask them about best places to shop, part time work and all the other information you need to settle in to you life in Australia!
Student Residence: Central, convenient and designed for student life
In cities like Brisbane and Sydney, many Lexis students choose to live in purpose-built student residences such as the very popular Student One. These are large apartment-style buildings with private or shared rooms, shared kitchens, and often extras like gyms, study lounges and BBQ areas.
Residences are typically very close to the school, sometimes just a short walk away, and offer a plug-and-play lifestyle. Wi-Fi, electricity, security and reception are all taken care of. You move in, unpack, and you’re ready to go.
One student at Lexis Brisbane called it “like a hotel for students, but with more rules.” He made friends in the elevator, studied in the common room, and found part-time work at a café downstairs. It’s busy, convenient, and great for people who want to live in the middle of everything.
Just be aware that residences are often more expensive than other options, and the environment is less personal. You’re sharing space with dozens, sometimes hundreds of other students. If you like peace and quiet, or more of a family vibe, it might not be for you.
Hint: Most student residences offer relatively small bedrooms, but fantastic social spaces. The idea is to get you out of your room and down to the pool, mixing with other students.
So… which is best?
That depends on you. If you’re nervous about arriving in a new country, want help with your English, or just like being looked after, homestay is a great start. If you’re independent and want to meet people from around the world, a student house might suit you better. And if you’re heading to the city and want maximum convenience, student residence could be the right fit.
Many students even try more than one, often starting with a homestay for the first few weeks, then moving into shared accommodation once they’ve settled in.
Whatever you choose, Lexis can help you organise everything before you arrive, and our team will always be there to support you if you want to make a change later.
