Living in Adelaide
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Cost of living
In
Adelaide, you can do more with less. The affordability
of Adelaide means more to spend on food, accommodation,
supplies, travel and entertainment.
Living costs can be affected by whether you live alone or share with others; whether you live in areas of high demand such as by the beach or in the city centre; and by your style of accommodation.
The following is a guide to what an average student can expect to pay before and after arriving in Australia, average basic weekly expenses and costs of some regularly purchased items. All prices are in Australian dollars.
Before arrival costs
| First study period tuition fee | as per offer letter |
| Student visa | as per Department of Immigration and Citizenship website (this link will open in a new browser window) |
| Overseas student health cover (total program length cover) | $195 - $1,853* |
*
Total program length cover ($195 for 6 months, $1,112 for 36
months and $1,853 for 60 months single cover) based on 2010
rate and subject to change
After arrival costs
| Textbooks and study materials (depending on program of study) | $500 - $1000 |
| Security boand for house/unit (refundable deposit - less if sharing) | Four - six weeks rent |
| Rent in advance (less if sharing) | Two - weeks rent |
| Electricity/gas connection charge | $19 - $37 |
| Telephone connection charge | $59 - $299 |
| Household setup (linen, groceries, etc.) | $200 - $500 |
| Tuition fees | As per offer letter |
Basic weekly expenses
| Rent (more expensive for inner city) | $100 - $250* |
| Food | $80 |
| Bills (gas, electricity, etc.) | $25 |
| Transport (at student concession rates) | $15 - $20 |
| Other (entertainment, clothes etc.) | $35+ |
| Telephone / postage | $20 - $30 |
| TOTAL WEEKLY EXPENSES | $275 - $440 |
| TOTAL YEARLY (52 WEEKS) EXPENSES | $14,300 - $22,880 |
* Shared flat /
house $100 - $200, Shared student apartment $130 - $190
(fully furnished), Residential college $300 (incl.
food, utilities and fully furnished)..
These figures
are approximate per person costs and only intended as a guide to your weekly cost of living
in Adelaide.
Item Costs
| Bowl of noodles / fried rice | $4.50 - $5.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $1.80 - $3.50 |
| 1 litre carton of milk | $1.85 |
| Bottle of water (600ml) | $2.00 |
| Cup of coffee | $2.00 - $2.50 |
| Big Mac | $3.45 |
| Cinema ticket (student rate) | $10.50 |
| Phone call (local) | $0.50 |
| Bus ticket (student rate) | $1.20 - $2.00 |
To assist you in managing your money wisely while you are living in Adelaide, you may find it useful to complete the Managing Your Money Online Workshop.
Time zone
Adelaide is +9.5 hours GMT and +10.5 hours GMT during daylight savings time (summer time). For example 12-15 hours ahead of the United States and 7-8 hours ahead of the United Kingdom and Europe.
Climate
Adelaide has four distinct seasons that include comfortable temperatures in summer to refreshingly mild winters. Whyalla, because of its location is generally warmer.
| Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring |
| December to February | March to May | June to August | September to November |
| Dry and hot | Warm | Cold and wet | Sunny and cool |
| 15º to 35º C | 10º to 29º C | 5º to 19º C | 9º to 25º C |
| (59º to 95º F) | (50º to 85º F) | (41º to 66º F) | (48º to 77º F) |
Dress
Dress on campus is informal. In summer, lightweight clothes and sandals or sneakers are sufficient. In winter, warm clothing with woollen sweaters, coat and a waterproof jacket are needed.
Transport
Unlike
sprawling cities like Melbourne and Sydney, Adelaide is a
quick and easy place to get around, with an integrated bus,
train and tram public transport system connecting all parts
of the city and suburbs. It is possible to reach almost any
point of the metropolitan area within 20 minutes. Students
receive a discount on public transport fares, and a 10 trips
multitrip ticket will cost a student about AUD$13.50.
There is also the Adelaide FREE bus services, the "City Loop', which allows you to travel around the city centre at no cost.
Depending on your personal finances and where you live, you may wish to purchase a bicycle or a car. Please note that all motor vehicles must be registered, and you will require a driver's license to drive a motor vehicle in Australia. You may be able to use your international driver's license, depending on the class of license you hold.
Both metropolitan and regional campuses are easily accessible by public and private transport, and student parking is available at some campuses (Magill and Mawson Lakes).
You may also find it useful to complete our Driving and Transport Online Workshop (this link opens in a new browser window).
For further information regarding transport timetables, driver's licences, motor vehicle registration and road laws visit (The following links will open in a new browser window):