going to be in Sydney for a few months, then flatsharing isn't a bad option. I'm pretty sure hostels drive everyone to the brink of insanity at one point or other - it took me about three or four months to have a wobble! Jean Paul Sartre's quote about hell being other people springs to mind! I still miss hostel life though If you want a hostel with a good long-termer community, Nomads Westend on Pitt Street is good. They have dorms and rates that are specifically for long termers, and it's a really friendly hostel. With regards to flatsharing, it has to be noted that Sydney is very expensive for rent compared to other Aussie cities. I don't have a lot of experience in flatsharing, but there are flatsharing websites other than gumtree - I think www.flatmates.com.au and www.roomshare.com.au are examples. The main advantage of hostels is that you get a lot of flexibility in terms of how long you stay, and you get to meet lots of people go on nights out, drink goon etc. etc., they're usually pretty central, and you can always work for free accommodation. However, you lose the privacy aspect. Flatshares are good if you are a suitable distance away from work (Sydney is MASSIVE), your flatmates are good, the rent reasonable, contract length correct and you value your privacy and peace. It's a very personal decision, and TBH I can see both sides of the argument. Nice thread, I like the idea of