Short-term and private accommodation

Short-term Accommodation Options for Placements and Intensives in Adelaide

Finding affordable short-term accommodation in Adelaide can be challenging, so we encourage you to start exploring your options as soon as your placement or intensive study dates are confirmed.

The University’s on-campus residential communities – University Hall and Deirdre Jordan Village – do not offer short-term accommodation, as places are prioritised for full-year students. On-campus accommodation is also usually unavailable over summer, as some areas are closed for refurbishments and maintenance.

Choosing where to stay

When comparing accommodation, think about price and travel time.

Adelaide CBD can be a practical option if you will be based at City Campus, Bedford Park, Tonsley or Flinders Medical Centre, all of which are located on the City to Flinders train line
Bedford Park and surrounding suburbs may suit if you want to reduce commuting time to Bedford Park, Tonsley or Flinders Medical Centre
Glenelg or Brighton may appeal if you are looking for coastal accommodation, but they are more expensive. If not bringing a car, you should check public transport availability before booking

Hotels

There are many hotels in central Adelaide, ranging from budget motels to higher-end accommodation. Closer to the Bedford Park and Tonsley campuses, options include the Marion Hotel and Mantra Tonsley.

We suggest that you ask whether discounted rates are available for longer stays, particularly at Mantra Tonsley, which offers several one-bedroom apartments with kitchen and laundry facilities, as well as standard hotel rooms.

Marion Hotel

Mantra Tonsley

Hostels

Hostels can be a more affordable option in the city centre, especially for shorter stays. They typically offer shared dormitory-style rooms with four to eight beds. Most provide a locker for each resident, although you will usually need to bring your own padlock. Communal kitchens and lounge areas are also generally available.

Serviced apartments or short-stay rentals (Airbnb)

Many serviced apartments and Airbnb properties have two or more bedrooms. Sharing this type of accommodation with other students can be significantly more affordable than booking on your own so this may be worth considering if you know others attending the same placement or intensive.

Serviced apartments are generally located in the city centre or in Glenelg and Brighton, while Airbnb options are more widely available across the southern suburbs. When comparing options, check whether utilities, Wi-Fi, linen, kitchen equipment and laundry facilities are included.

BluInn Short Stay offers budget accommodation close to Flinders Medical Centre and the Bedford Park campus. Studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are available with rates varying depending on length of stay. Facilities are somewhat basic and this is reflected in the pricing.

Airbnb

Blulnn Short Stay

Commercial purpose-built student accommodation

The Switch, the University’s preferred accommodation provider in the CBD, may occasionally have vacancies for short-term stays. These are usually studio apartments and may be more expensive than shared accommodation options.

Students are encouraged to contact The Switch directly by phone on 1800 001 909 or by email at hello@switchliving.com.au, rather than booking through the website.

The Switch

Contact The Switch

Family and friends

If you have family or friends living in Adelaide, consider asking whether they may be able to offer you a spare bedroom, granny flat or other temporary accommodation during your placement or intensive. This can be a more affordable option and may also make settling into an unfamiliar city a little easier.

As with any accommodation arrangement it is important to discuss practical matters in advance, including length of stay, privacy, and any contribution to household costs.

Private rentals database

Flinders Living hosts a private rentals database where landlords can advertise rooms and properties for rent. While many landlords are looking for longer-term arrangements, some may be open to short-term rentals between tenancies.

Please read the disclaimer carefully before contacting landlords about listed properties.

Prior to booking

For any accommodation option, you should confirm prices, availability, included facilities and cancellation policies directly with the provider before making a booking. Some also offer flexible cancellation policies, which may be helpful to consider when comparing options.

Parking

If you are staying in the city centre, parking can be quite expensive, so public transport may be a more practical option than bringing a car. The Flinders train line runs from Adelaide Railway Station on North Terrace to Bedford Park and Tonsley campuses. Travel time from the city to Bedford Park is 22 minutes.

If you plan to park at Bedford Park campus, parking fees apply Monday to Friday, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Details of parking options are available here.

Advice and Assistance

If you’d like to speak with a staff member you can contact the Student Housing Service Officer, Kate Evans.

Contact Kate