From Vada Pav to the Opera House- Tanvi’s Sydney Survival Saga
Just last month, Tanvi from Mumbai hit “submit” on her student visa application with trembling hands and big dreams. Fast forward 3 weeks: visa approved, flight booked, and a whole suitcase reserved for Maggi and Kurkure.
Everything was going great—until someone asked her,
“Where are you staying?”
Cue: Panic in 3…2…1.
The Sydney Staycation Search Begins
Armed with a planner, a playlist of Lofi beats, and her cousin’s friend’s advice from 2019, Tanvi dived headfirst into Sydney’s student rental scene.
Her options?
🏫 University residences – safe, close to class, and expensive enough to make her consider living in the library.
🏙️ Student accommodations (Urbanest, Scape, Iglu, etc.) – fully furnished with social events and free coffee. Tanvi called it “hostel, but aesthetic.”
🏠 Shared flats in the suburbs – cheaper, homier, and usually come with a desi aunty upstairs making biryani.
🏘️ Homestays – wholesome families, Aussie slang overload, and the occasional “You call this spicy?”
🏡 Independent rentals – for the bold and budget-conscious (and those who know what “bond” and “inspection” mean).
🧠 Tanvi’s Sydney Survival Tips
Start early – Sydney rentals are snatched up quicker than Domino’s garlic bread.
Know your zones:
CBD = Central but Dollar
Parramatta, Strathfield, Burwood = Indian student central
Ashfield, Newtown, Kensington = vibey & connected
Use legit platforms:
realestate.com.au
domain.com.au
flatmates.com.au
• FB groups: Indians in Sydney, Sydney Uni Room Rentals
💸 Budget Reality Check (Brace Yourself)
Tanvi’s expectations: Ocean views and balcony brunches.
Reality: Studio apartment in Haymarket for AUD 500/week with no windows. Yikes.
Actual price vibes:
CBD & Uni areas (Ultimo, Redfern, Chippendale): AUD 350–500/week
Western suburbs (Parramatta, Auburn, Harris Park): AUD 200–350/week
On-campus: ~AUD 300–400/week (sometimes includes meals)
💡 Pro tip: Always ask, “Are utilities included?”
If not, budget another AUD 20–30/week.
🚨 Scam Scene in Sydney
Some wild stuff Tanvi came across:
A landlord who wanted her to send a “security deposit” via crypto
A listing that said “You can’t visit, but imagine a calm energy.”
🚩 Tanvi’s No-BS Rules:
No pics = No thanks
No inspection = No transaction
“I’ll email you the contract after you pay” = BLOCKED
👯♀️ Found Her Flatmates at a Diwali Dance-Off
Tanvi wasn’t ready to part with garam chai and Bollywood bangers, so she went:
To her uni’s Desi Students Meet-Up
Through flatmate threads in FB groups
To an Indian grocery store in Harris Park and made two friends over frozen samosas (true story)
She now shares a 2BHK with two other girls from Delhi and Kochi—and their kitchen is basically a spice bazaar.
🏠 The Happy Ending: Rooftop Vibes & Raita Nights
Tanvi finally landed a cute apartment in Burwood. There’s WiFi, fairy lights, a balcony (with actual fresh air), and Friday-night thali dinners.
📝 Moral of the Story?
Heading to Sydney?
✔️ Start early
✔️ Watch for scams
✔️ Don’t compromise on safety
✔️ Find your tribe
✔️ Carry your pressure cooker (non-negotiable)
Because Sydney’s got sunshine, culture, and a rental market that might test your patience—but hey, your dream home is out there (maybe behind an overpriced listing or two).
🇦🇺✨ Australia’s ready. Are you?
