Ask anyone working in international education what contributes to a successful student experience and you’ll likely hear familiar answers: quality teaching, dedicated student support, engaging orientation programs and a welcoming campus community.
All of these matter.
Yet one of the first experiences every international student has happens before orientation, before the first lecture and often before they’ve even met a classmate: the place they call home.
Accommodation is often viewed as a practical task to tick off before classes begin. In reality, it does far more than provide a roof over a student’s head. It shapes first impressions, daily routines, financial wellbeing, confidence and a sense of belonging during what is often one of the biggest transitions of a young person’s life. When students feel settled, they’re better positioned to focus on their studies, build friendships and embrace everything Australia has to offer.
For years, the conversation around student accommodation has largely focused on availability – and understandably so. Australia remains one of the world’s leading study destinations, with cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Gold Coast welcoming students from across the globe.
But perhaps the conversation has evolved.
For years, the conversation around student accommodation has largely focused on availability – and understandably so
Rather than asking only where students will live, we should also be asking which accommodation will best support the experience they came to Australia for.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that there is a single “best” accommodation option. In reality, Australia’s accommodation ecosystem works because different models meet different needs.
Homestays, university accommodation and professionally managed student residences all play an important role in supporting international students. The challenge isn’t deciding which model is superior—it’s identifying which one is the right fit for each student.
Someone attending an eight-week English course is likely to have different priorities from a student beginning a three-year university degree. Likewise, the needs of an 18-year-old leaving home for the first time are unlikely to mirror those of a mature postgraduate student. Budget, independence, lifestyle, location and the type of experience students hope to have all influence what the right choice looks like.
For many students, that choice may also evolve. A homestay might provide the support and confidence needed during the first weeks in Australia, while another accommodation model may become a better fit as independence grows. Viewing accommodation as part of a student’s journey, rather than as a one-off transaction, encourages better decisions and ultimately supports stronger student outcomes.
As the international education sector continues to evolve, accommodation is increasingly being recognised as more than a logistical requirement. It’s one of the first support services a student experiences and, in many cases, it helps set the tone for everything that follows. While accommodation alone doesn’t determine success, the right environment can provide the stability and confidence students need to make the most of their educational experience.
Students often spend weeks comparing room sizes, locations and weekly rates, yet rarely consider what sits behind the accommodation itself. Reliable local support, transparent communication and experienced providers can make all the difference when plans change or unexpected situations arise.
After more than 20 years supporting international students across Australia, this is one lesson we’ve continued to see at 2Stay: the best accommodation decisions aren’t simply about finding a room. They’re about finding the right environment for each student’s individual journey.
As Australia’s international education sector continues to evolve, perhaps our conversations around accommodation should evolve too. Success shouldn’t be measured solely by whether a student found somewhere to stay, but by whether they found somewhere they could truly thrive.
About the author: Thaio Tomazetti is the CEO of 2Stay Accommodation, one of Australia’s largest accommodation providers, operating across five destinations and offering student residences, studios, and Homestay Plus. With more than 20 years of experience in the accommodation sector, Thaio has dedicated his career to helping international students find safe, high-quality accommodation while supporting education partners across global markets. Under his leadership, 2Stay has strengthened its position as a trusted provider within Australia’s international education sector. His leadership has been recognised through 2Stay Accommodation’s 2025 Business of the Year Award from Business NSW, and as a finalist for Executive of the Year by The CEO Magazine.
