Living on the Sunshine Coast
The beautiful Sunshine Coast has a vast range of accommodation options to suit individual needs, wants and budgets.
Types of accommodation suited for studying on the Sunshine Coast include staying on campus, private rentals, flat sharing, home stay opportunities and group accommodation. Accommodation is conveniently located near education facilities, transport, shopping and health providers.
Three fully furnished accommodation complexes are conveniently location next to USC. UniCentral, Varsity Apartments and The Village, are all linked by pathway to the Sippy Downs campus, which is a three minute walk. Public transport, local shopping centres and health providers are also within easy reach.
Student Accommodation
The Village Accommodation
Offering accommodation to singles and couples for over 18 years. Spacious 2 and 3-bedroom villas, with either private ensuite or shared full bathroom with only one other resident, lock up garages and all featuring a large private courtyard.
- (07) 5430 2500
- More Information
Varsity Apartments
Affordable and easy student living within 5 minutes walking distance to the University of the Sunshine Coast. Communal living areas include a balcony or patio to take advantage of the wonderful climate available on the Sunshine Coast.
- (07) 5450 2000
- More Information
UniCentral
Enjoy spacious Sunshine Coast student accommodation offering four large lockable bedrooms with double beds, private individual bathrooms, large study areas, two wardrobes, private telephone and Internet connection at the UniCentral student housing complex.
- (07) 5373 0000
- More Information
Other Accommodation
Flatmates.com.au
Australia’s largest share accommodation site where you can browse up-to-date listings across the Sunshine Coast to find your new home. Short stay and long stay accommodation options available.
Domain
Browse and research thousands of rental properties across the Sunshine Coast and filter according to price, location, number of bedrooms, facilities and much more!
Realestate.com.au
Realestate.com.au is one of Australia’s leading real estate and property websites, listings hundreds of rental properties weekly in the Sunshine Coast area.
Rent.com.au
Rent.com.au is the place to go for rental properties in Australia. Search for homes across the Sunshine Coast, create a renter profile and so much more.
Rental Accommodation
Many types of rental accommodation are available for students on the Sunshine Coast including houses, apartments, townhouses, villas or units which can be shared with fellow students. Don’t forget to include in your budget costs for electricity, gas and water which you may need to pay in addition to your rent.
Many types of rental accommodation are available for students on the Sunshine Coast including houses, apartments, townhouses, villas or units which can be shared with fellow students. Don’t forget to include in your budget costs for electricity, gas and water which you may need to pay in addition to your rent.
The two most popular sites where you can search for rental accommodation are:
Share Houses
Another option is to join a share house, these can be found on university and TAFE Queensland community boards or you can search the following sites:
Homestay Opportunities
Homestay is highly recommended for students who are learning English during their stay. Living with an Australian family gives excellent insight into local culture, places to go and see and will help you speak English on a daily basis.
Banking
In Australia the currency used is the Australia Dollar (AUD). The Sunshine Coast has an array of banks and ATM’s to deposit and withdraw money.
The four major banks in Australia are: Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), National Australia Bank (NAB), and Westpac Banking Corporation.
Currency in Australia
Learn everything you need to know about currency and money in Australia including where to buy currency and how to obtain currency cards.
Foreign Currency Exchange
Want to know where you can exchange foreign currency on the Sunshine Coast? See a list of all foreign currency exchange locations on the Sunshine Coast
Banks and Banking
A list of all of the major banking institutes on the Sunshine Coast can be accessed via the link.
Sunshine Coast cost of living
Check out the Official Study Sunshine Coast Student Guide for information on money management and budgeting for student life on the Sunshine Coast.
Transport
Sunshine Coast Council has developed The Sunshine Coast Public Transport Guide which provides you with a quick overview about PT choices here on the coast.
A bus system links to all the major education providers on the coast making it easy and cost effective for you to get around. Bus services are a cheap option to travel around the Sunshine Coast.
By purchasing a Go Card, you can access bus services all over the Sunshine Coast at student concession rates.
The University of the Sunshine Coast offers shuttle services to and from the University from a range of locations on the Sunshine Coast.
If you need to get to Brisbane airport, the train from Nambour is an option and there are several shuttle services such as Con-x-ion buses, which will take you directly to and from your home.
If you are an avid cyclist, the Sunshine Coast has access to a range of cycling lanes and pathways.
Public Transport
Translink
TransLink is your one stop shop for public transport information, and coordinates and integrates public transport services across South East Queensland. Plan your journey and find out everything you need to know about obtaining a Go Card.
Sunshine Coast Public Transport Guide
Sunshine Coast Council has developed the Sunshine Coast Public Transport Guide which provides a quick overview about public transport choices on the Sunshine Coast, including a detailed map, trip-planning options, guided fare information and travel tips promoting exploration of the Sunshine Coast region. Download a copy of the Sunshine Coast Public Transport Guide
Private Transport
Suncoast Cabs
The Sunshine Coast’s leading taxi service is Suncoast Cabs, with services running all over the Sunshine Coast 24/7. You can even book online! Find out more and book online.
Uber
One tap and a car comes directly to you. Hop in and your driver knows exactly where to go. And when you get there, just step out. Payment is completely seamless.
Con-X-ion Transfers
Con-X-ion are leaders in the field of transportation specialising in door to door airport and cruise terminal transfers, theme park and attraction transfers, day tours and all charter services.
Healthcare Services
The new Sunshine Coast University Hospital provides students some of the highest quality health services available in Australia with doctors, pharmacies,
dental clinics, physiotherapists and many other support services available on the Sunshine Coast when you need them.
24 Hour Medical Services
Access ta a 24 hour medical and home doctor service.
If your condition is an emergency, please always remember to dial 000 for an ambulance.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OHSC)
International students studying on the Sunshine Coast on a student visa are required to take out health insurance known as Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full period of their student visa. This insurance provides cover that assists international students meet the costs of any medical or hospital care they may need. For more information on Overseas Student Health Cover visit health.gov.au. OSHC does not cover secondary medical services such as dental, optical, physiotherapy or non-essential prescription medicines. Additional private health insurance will need to be purchased if these services are required. Visit privatehealth.gov.au to find out more.
Safety
While the Sunshine Coast is an extremely safe region, as with anywhere you travel, you should always take steps to keep yourself away from potential danger.
Lifesavers on our beaches will set up safe swimming areas for you indicated by red and yellow flags and the Queensland Police are friendly and helpful and will always assist you if you feel unsafe.
Safety Services
Emergency + App
Emergency services have launched a new smartphone app to help individuals call the right number for help in emergency and non-emergency situations. Download for Android and Apple devices at the link below.
Surf Life Saving Australia
Surf safety is an important part of life on the Sunshine Coast as we are surrounded by amazing beaches. Make sure you are always safe when swimming at the beach by swimming between the red and yellow flags and following the instructions from lifeguards and lifesavers.
Queensland Police Service
To learn more about personal safety on the Sunshine Coast please take the time to visit the Queensland Police Service website.