From Eh to Oz
Located in one of Australia’s most dynamic, exciting, and culturally diverse cities, the University of Sydney’s heritage-listed, sandstone buildings stand side by side with ultra-modern buildings on the main campus. The Camperdown/Darlington main campus is conveniently situated close to the city’s central business district and to Sydney’s world-renowned, stunning ocean beaches!
The University of Sydney has a network of teaching campuses. Some studies or placements are undertaken outside the main campus, such as dentistry (Surry Hills campus) and vet science (Camden campus outside Sydney).
On the Sydney Boarding Pass, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting ready to go to the University of Sydney, including how to accept your offer and accommodation tips.
Accepting Your Offer
Congratulations on receiving your offer!
Here are some important tips to ensure your acceptance process is as easy and smooth as possible.
Important Information
Congratulations once again on receiving your offer!
Please take time to read your offer email and letter of offer carefully and make sure all the information is correct.
Acceptance deadline/offer lapse date: Make sure to complete your acceptance process prior to this date. If a lapse date is not indicated on your letter of offer, we have provided a lapse date for you in your offer email.
This date will give you enough time to submit your acceptance documents, receive your Confirmation of Enrolment, apply for and obtain your student visa, kiss your family and friends goodbye at the airport, and hop on a plane bound for Australia!
Check your name: (As on your passport), birth date, and student (applicant) ID number, campus location
Commencement and completion dates: Plan to arrive in Australia at least two weeks prior to your class start date.
Acceptance deposit amount: Your offer letter gives you the deposit amount required to hold your place.
Tuition fees: Your offer letter will list the total tuition fees.
University’s tuition fee policy: Please note that Sydney reviews all fees annually and these fees are subject to change without notice. It is important to factor this into your financial plan.
Understand Sydney’s refund policy.
Australian Release Policy: It is important to be aware of the Australian Release Policy. If you are considering transferring to another Australian institution, you must be aware that if you apply for a visa, you will be unable to change institutions. You should not apply for a visa unless you are certain you want to attend that university. Please read the Australian Government’s Release Policy for more information. Let us know if you have any questions!
Specific admissions requirements/conditions (if applicable), including vaccination info and certificate requirements.
Declining Your Offer?
In case you choose to decline your offer, please let us know as soon as possible. Let us know by emailing your OzTREKK admissions officer outlining your decision and reason for declining your offer. We will then advise the university on your behalf. This is important because it can potentially open a spot for another student!
How to Accept
Step 1 – Read Your Entire Offer Letter
Ensure that you have read and understood your Offer of Admission.
Step 2 – Respond to Offer
- Log in to the Sydney Student Portal.
- Select “My Applications” and “Respond to Offer” to accept.
Step 3 – Pay Acceptance Deposit
Pay the acceptance deposit amount indicated on your offer letter.
To pay, go to “My finance > Your finances > Payment methods.”
Payments must be made through Sydney’s Convera account by credit card or via telegraphic/wire transfer. Save a copy of your payment receipt. See Paying Via Convera for information about the process.
Step 4 – Confirm Acceptance with OzTREKK
Once you have accepted your offer and completed your payment, please email us to let us know, so we can keep an eye out for your CoE.
Step 5 – Receive Your CoE
When your acceptance and payment are processed, the university will create your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). OzTREKK will email your CoE and instructions on how to apply for your Australian student visa.
Payment Methods
Payments must be made through Sydney’s Convera account by credit card (Visa and MasterCard) or wire transfer.
For instructions on how to use Convera, see Paying Via Convera.
#OzTREKKTip: Do not pay by bank draft or cheque.
If you plan to pay your acceptance deposit via credit card, contact the credit card company and advise them that a large payment will soon be processed in Australia, in Australian dollars, as it may be deemed a possible fraud attempt.
Accommodation
About Accommodation
Before you get into the nitty gritty about your university-specific accommodation options, it’s important to review the basics of securing long-term accommodation in Australia, which is often the number one predeparture priority of OzTREKK students. If you aren’t living on campus or pre-arranging accommodation before you leave Canada, we highly recommend that you understand how renting a property in Oz works, so you’ll be prepared to hunt for a place to live when you arrive. There are many benefits in arranging housing after you arrive. You can
- physically inspect the property before accepting the terms and conditions of the lease;
- decide whether you will be comfortable in your new neighbourhood;
- assess the noise levels, both by day and night. Remember, you need to be able to sleep and study in your new home;
- check whether it is well-lit at night.
This process still requires preparation. Consider the following when thinking about accommodation:
- Ensure you have temporary accommodation arranged.
- Be prepared financially for the time you may need to spend in temporary accommodation.
- Make housing your first priority.
- Avoid rushing your house hunting. Feeling rushed can hinder your ability to make wise choices.
- Be informed. Before you arrive, read as much as you can about the various housing options and how to arrange them. Then you can get straight into house hunting after you arrive, rather than trying to figure out where to go and what to do.
Things to consider when comparing options
- Location – Take a look at Google Maps when comparing accommodation options!
- Amenities – Kitchen, meal plan, gym, A/C, etc.
- Cost/price range – This will be dependent on the location and amenities, typically the closer to campus and the most amenities offered the higher the price.
Short-term Accommodation
When you first land in Australia, if you have not already pre-booked long-term accommodation, you can stay for a week or two in a hostel/hotel/on-campus residence room, until you find somewhere to live while you are studying.
Depending on your budget, you may want to stay in budget accommodation like hostels, guesthouses or lodges, or you may be able to afford to stay in a hotel or serviced apartment.
Check out Sydney Uni’s short-term accommodation.
If you’re interested in exploring other options for temporary accommodation, you can visit the following websites for hotel and backpacker information:
- Wotif
- Airbnb
- Lastminute
- Hotels.com
- YHA – Sydney Surrounds for hostels in the Sydney area
On Campus
On-campus residences tend to fill up fast in Australia, just as they do at Canadian universities. You normally have to receive an offer from your Australian university before you are eligible to apply for on-campus housing.
The University of Sydney has campus accommodation available at the Camperdown/Darlington, Cumberland, and Camden campuses. This includes university-owned accommodation, student colleges (which are affiliated with the university) and student residences.
Managed by the University
There are several university-run student residences around the main Camperdown/Darlington campus. You do not have to receive an offer before applying to
- Queen Mary Building
- Abercrombie Student Accommodation
- The Regiment Student Accommodation
- Darlington House
Residential Colleges
The residential colleges listed below are independently managed. They maintain close affiliations and working relationships with the University of Sydney to ensure a high-quality living/learning experience for all students. Each college has its own application process, which sometimes includes a fee and/or interview. You can apply to as many of the colleges as you wish.
- Mandelbaum House
- St Andrews College
- St John’s College
- Wesley College
- The Women’s College
- St Paul’s College and Graduate House
- Sancta Sophia College and Graduate House: Contact Director of Community Engagement Hayden Edwards if you have any questions about this accommodation option development@sancta.edu.au)
Off Campus, Managed
These residences are privately owned and run independently from the university. There will usually be students from several different universities staying in the apartments. The apartments are furnished and come in a variety of styles including a studio, one bedroom, and two bedrooms.
- UniLodge
- Iglu
- Sydney Student Living
- Semester in Australia
- Arundel House(for female students) – closed for renovations reopening semester 2 2025
- Epworth House
- Flo Harris Lodge
- The Terraces
- Scape
StudentStay Australia provides quality temporary accommodation on short- and long-term basis for students and visitors (over 18 years). Shared houses are located 15–30 minutes to Sydney City Centre by public transport, walking distance from shopping facilities and bus/train stations, and have fully equipped kitchens.
Iglu Central is within walking distance to the University of Sydney. The area buzzes with shopping centres, cinemas, cafes and restaurants, fitness centres and the list goes on. And, it’s just a two-minute walk to Sydney’s Central Station and bus interchange.
Private Rentals
This is the most popular option for students from Canada studying at Australian universities. Apartments are also referred to as “flats” by Aussies.
#OzTREKKTip: Be sure to read NSW information for tenants and landlords on renting.
There are many housing options available, so get to know what each type offers so you can make a good decision. Finding accommodation can take several weeks so start looking as early as you can!
Visit the University of Sydney’s off-campus accommodation website which includes an Off-Campus Housing Database. This is usually more affordable and convenient, and you won’t be competing with the public. Make sure to scroll down to check out their house hunting tips!
To find off-campus accommodation providers, rental tips, property advice, etc., visit
Look for a Place and a Roommate
- Have a look at student.com and type in your city!
- Roomgo
- Flatmates
- Gumtree
The Burbs
One of the key components of your research will be to get a feel for the city/town in which you will reside.
Public transportation options are key to understanding where you could live based on where your university is located and which bus/train/tram/ferry travels to and from campus. Spend some time reviewing the city maps, become familiar with potential suburbs in which you could reside, and visit Australian public transportation sites.
It’s also handy to know where you should be looking! The suburbs surrounding the Camperdown/Darlington Campus include
- Darlington
- Newtown
- Stanmore
- Enmore
- Redfern
- Glebe
- Forest Lodge
- Annandale
- Ultimo
St Peters, Petersham, Erskinville, Marrickville and Leichhardt are also near the Camperdown Campus but will require a short bus ride. Or you can ride your bike!
Get Around Town
- Bike
- City of Sydney “Getting Around“
- Buses and trains
Airport Pick-ups
About Airport Pick-ups
You’ve arrived at the airport! What happens now?
The University of Sydney offers a free airport shuttle service to central Sydney locations for newly commencing international students.
After you land… follow your fellow passengers to collect your bags and proceed through to Australian customs and immigration for your passport and visa check. You’ll then come out in either Arrival Hall A or B of the International Terminal.
Keep an eye out for student volunteers at the NSW International Student Airport Welcome Desk in Arrival Hall A, who will greet you and help point you in the right direction. Don’t hesitate to ask them every question you have!
Advice from OzTREKK Students
Each year we send a survey to the students in their first year of studying in Australia, then we compile the info.
Read our University of Sydney Students’ Advice to get all the insider tips (copied directly from the survey!) for a smooth transition to studying at Sydney.
- University
- Program
- Adjustment to living in Australia
- Accommodation (Where? How much? How long did it take to find?)
- Work outside the classroom
