Housing closer to the university, especially where the university is in a main city, will be more expensive than housing further away - but remember to add the cost of transport to any saving on rent. Due to high labour cost in Australia, most people tend to do their own shopping, cooking, washing, ironing and cleaning. So if you choose to share a flat with friends you will need to be prepared to share domestic chores. You should set aside a sum of money for items such as electrical equipment and warm clothing. Particularly in the southern states of Australia, it is advisable to bring warm clothing and to get used to wearing it inside so that heating bills are reduced.
Australian food is fresh, excellent quality and cheap by world standards.
All large Australian cities have fresh food open-air markets where food is fresh and cheap, as well as supermarkets. Health and Medical Costs Private health insurance is compulsory for all students and must be renewed annually. Your insurance covers you for any hospitalisation in a public hospital. Most universities have a student health service which provides a general practitioner service and costs will be covered by your health insurance, but costs may be incurred if you need to be referred for further investigations or consultations which are not carried out in a public hospital. The standard of public hospitals in Australia is very high.