A Guide for International Students and Professionals

Moving to a new country can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time—especially when it comes to finding a place to live. Whether you're an international student or a professional on a temporary assignment in Australia, choosing the right rental property plays a huge role in your comfort, productivity, and overall experience.

At Mobilife, we understand the unique challenges of medium-term stays and help simplify the rental process with flexible solutions. Here’s a detailed guide on what you should look for when choosing a rental property—and how Mobilife can help you find a perfect fit.

1. Location: Proximity to School or Work

Location is often the most critical factor in choosing accommodation. For students, proximity to their university or language school can save time and transport costs. For professionals, being close to the workplace can reduce stress and improve work-life balance.

Things to consider:

• Walking distance to school or office
• Public transport connectivity if the property is not within walking range
• Access to groceries, cafes, libraries, or co-working spaces

Mobilife Tip: On Mobilife, every listing includes a map view and descriptions of surrounding amenities. You can use filters to narrow down properties near your specific school or business district.

2. Transport Availability

Even if you find a rental that isn’t right next to your destination, strong public transport options can make a world of difference. Australia’s major cities offer a mix of trains, buses, and light rail, but services vary widely by area.

Important questions:

• Is there a train station or bus stop within walking distance?
• How frequent are the services during peak and off-peak hours?
• Are there direct routes to your institution or workplace?
• What are the costs of public transport?

Mobilife Tip: We highlight transport access in every property description—helping you quickly identify whether the location matches your commuting needs.

3. Furnished vs. Unfurnished Rentals

This is where many newcomers face a challenge. Traditional Australian rentals are often unfurnished, which can be inconvenient and costly for people staying not too long in the nation. However, furnished places tend to be more expensive and are often designed for short-stay tourists.

So, what should you do?

At Mobilife, we bridge this gap. Our rentals are move-in ready—either furnished or available with optional furniture packages through Mobilife Essentials. You can request essentials like a fridge, washing machine, bed, table, and even linen for a fixed weekly fee. No need to buy and sell furniture again.

4. Amenities, Lifestyle & Views

You’re not just renting a roof—you’re renting a lifestyle. Depending on your personality and schedule, you may want a quiet place for study, a lively area near cafes and nightlife, or a scenic spot with water or city views.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to live in a quieter residential area or near busy commercial zones?
• Are in-building amenities like gyms, pools, or security important to me?
• Is it worth paying more for a balcony with a view or access to a rooftop?

Mobilife Tip: We allow you to browse and filter properties based on features such as balcony, view, building amenities, and apartment type. Each listing includes photos that reflect the actual interiors and outlook.

5. Weekly Rent and Budget

Your budget ultimately defines what’s realistic. In cities like Sydney, rental prices vary dramatically by location and condition of the property. Students might budget more tightly, while professionals may prioritize comfort.

Factors to consider:

• Weekly rent
• Bond or deposit (Usually equivalent to 4 weeks’ rent)
• Utility cost (Internet, electricity, water—sometimes included)
• Ancillary cost (Furnishings and cleaning etc.)

Mobilife Tip: All our listings show weekly rent in clear terms and enable weekly payment by credit card. We also reduce the hassle by offering pre-authorised deposit holds instead of large cash bonds.

6. How Mobilife Helps You Find the Right Fit

At Mobilife, we’ve built our platform with you in mind — students and professionals. Unlike traditional platforms, we focus exclusively on 1–3 month stays in whole apartments and studios, not shared rooms.

Here’s how you can find the right property on Mobilife:

Use Filters to Match Your Priorities:

• Search listings by area to specific suburbs or universities
• Filter by weekly rent range
• Select furnished or unfurnished options
• Choose various amenities like balcony or air-conditioning

View Real Photos and Property Details:

Each listing includes photos, floorplan info, and accurate descriptions. You know what you’re getting—no nasty surprises.

Flexible Booking Process:

• Book online with minimum turnaround time for acceptance
• No lengthy application process or inspections
• Pay with your credit card—avoid cross border wire transfer and utilise your credit facility in your country

Mobilife Essentials If Needed:

If you find an ideal apartment that is unfurnished, you can still move in comfortably by adding Mobilife Essentials—our rental service for furniture and appliances.

Conclusion

Finding a rental in Australia doesn’t have to be complicated—if you know what to look for. As an international student or professional, your priorities might differ from long-term residents, and that's exactly why Mobilife exists. We help you rent smart: prioritizing convenience, flexibility and cost-efficiency.

By focusing on location, transport, lifestyle, furnishings, and budget—and using a platform that understands your needs—you can settle in faster and start enjoying your time in Australia from day one.