Adelaide’s main university housing comes from Adelaide University, which lists 2027 fees from A$16,640 a year for a room in a shared house to A$21,840 for a townhouse bedroom with a private bathroom. Study Adelaide, the state’s international student agency, puts average weekly costs at $500 to $600 for a residential college, $300 to $600 for purpose-built student accommodation and $150 to $300 for a room in a rented home. This guide sets out the prices and rules I could confirm.
Details come from Adelaide University, Study Adelaide and the South Australian Law Handbook, checked on 24 October 2026. All amounts are in Australian dollars. The Adelaide University prices are for the 2027 calendar year, so confirm them for your intake before you pay.
Cost at a glance: what to add up
Before you compare the prices on this page, check what each figure actually covers:
- Rent period: per week, month or semester, and per person or per room.
- What is included: utilities, internet, contents insurance and any meal plan.
- One-off costs: deposit, application or booking fee, and any first-month payment.
- Getting to campus: travel passes, or the extra cost of living further out.
- Currency: prices here are in the local currency. Convert them at your bank’s current rate and add the transfer fee. Rates change daily, so we do not publish rupee figures.
Anything we could not confirm from an official source is flagged on this page as “could not verify”, so read those notes before you rely on a figure.
Adelaide University accommodation (2027)
Adelaide University manages four options. Fees are inclusive of rent and utilities, and rooms come fully furnished. The accommodation guide lists these prices:
| Residence | Room | Contract | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide University Village | Bedroom with shared bathroom (townhouse or apartment) | 52 weeks | $19,760 |
| Adelaide University Village | Townhouse bedroom with private bathroom | 52 weeks | $21,840 |
| Mattanya Student Residences | Bedroom in a four or five-bedroom house, shared bathroom | 52 weeks | $16,640 |
| Roseworthy Residential College | Room, with five weekday evening meals across term | 41 weeks | $8,800, plus a $110 college social fee |
| Whyalla Student Village (2026 prices, subject to change) | Short-term stay | Per night or week | $50 a night or $100 a week |
- Deposit: a refundable $500 security deposit applies at the Village, Mattanya and Roseworthy.
- Payment: Mattanya fees are paid to the university in two instalments during the year. Longer stays at Whyalla cost $100 a week and may need a refundable deposit and rent in advance, with no amounts given.
- Applying: apply through the Accommodation Portal. The guide gives no application deadline, and the university’s accommodation service is on +61 8 8313 5220 (24/7) or accommodation@study.adelaideuni.edu.au.
Typical weekly costs
| Type | Average weekly cost (Study Adelaide) |
|---|---|
| Residential college | $500 to $600 |
| Purpose-built student accommodation | $300 to $600 |
| Renting a room | $150 to $300 |
| Renting an entire place | $400 to $600 |
| Homestay | $250 to $510 |
These are averages from the agency’s accommodation page, which carries no update date, so treat them as a guide rather than a quote. Study Adelaide advises starting your search and applications as early as possible, ideally a few months before your move.
Renting privately in South Australia
- Bond limit: since 1 April 2023, where rent is $800 a week or less the maximum bond is four weeks’ rent, and above $800 it is six weeks’ rent.
- Lodgement: bonds must be lodged with the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs. A landlord must lodge within two weeks, and since 1 July 2024 tenants can also lodge the bond themselves.
- Arrival tips from the university: inspect private rentals in person before any financial commitment, book at least 28 days of temporary accommodation for your arrival, use a written agreement and keep receipts for every payment. It also warns that unregulated online and social media listings may fall outside local government protections.
University residence or private rental?
| Question | University residence | Private rental |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | 52 weeks at the Village and Mattanya, 41 weeks at Roseworthy | Set by your lease, so read the term and exit rules |
| Bills | Rent and utilities included | Usually extra |
| Upfront cost | $500 refundable deposit | Bond of up to four weeks’ rent for rent up to $800 a week |
I have not ranked suburbs, because I could not verify area rents against a reliable source. Before you commit, read our guide to university halls versus private housing, the checklist of what to look for before you sign and our safety guide. Comparing cities? See Sydney, Melbourne or the other Australian city guides.
Talk to us about your budget and city
Not sure which option suits you or your family? Send us your city, budget and room type, and we will point you to the right guide and the next steps to check. Students and parents are both welcome to ask.
FAQs about student accommodation in Adelaide
How much does Adelaide University accommodation cost?
For 2027, from $16,640 a year at Mattanya to $21,840 for a townhouse bedroom with a private bathroom at the Village, on 52-week contracts that include utilities.
How much is a rental bond in South Australia?
Up to four weeks’ rent where the rent is $800 a week or less, and up to six weeks’ rent above that.
Is there a deposit for university accommodation?
Yes. The Village, Mattanya and Roseworthy each list a refundable $500 security deposit.
How early should I book?
Study Adelaide suggests starting a few months before you move. The university also advises booking at least 28 days of temporary accommodation for your arrival.
Sources
- Adelaide University: accommodation guide
- Adelaide University: university-managed student accommodation
- Adelaide University: Mattanya Student Residences
- Study Adelaide: types of accommodation
- South Australian Law Handbook: bonds
All checked 24 October 2026.
