tina_lb

i finally got my PR visa 2 weeks ago, i'm single and looking to share a place, i have checked realestate.com.au, and domain.com.au for a temporary stay...i don't know how to go through this, i need to go somewhere right from the airport, but where and how?!
i can rent upon arrival but is it possible to pay and move in right away? or do i have to wait and fill applications?!
i thought about temporary backpacking but i heard it's not really safe..what do you think? anyone experienced?
please help, your advices are way too appreciated.

Tina

Helen Randle

Hi, don't panic!
I haven't been to sydney in a while but if you are worried stay out of the city and find a back packers elsewhere - maybe coogee, manly - I saw someone had put a house share website on here earlier - i tink it was something like www.flatmatefinders.com.au
hope this helps an good luck! I'm jealous!
Helen

cratfy

When are you going Tina?

Scuba Steve

I'm doing more or less the same. Just go into a backpackers for a week and look that way. Irt means you can rent a place because you liek it, not out of necessity. You don't want somewhere that turns out to be shit and be stuck there. I might know someone looking for a tenant though, PM me if you're interested.

DMH

What's wrong with staying in a hotel till you're sorted?

Bello

My advice would be...

First week.
Just book into a hotel, take it easy, get over the jet lag, get used to the new climate/timezone and don't worry about anything.

Second week.
Hire a car, find a caravan park and rent one of their static vans, get your tax file number sorted, open bank account and buy your own car.
You can use the van park address to put the car in your own name, address for your bank account and somewhere to have the tax file number sent too.

Third week.
Start job hunting and house hunting

This is along the lines of what i did last time i went over as a working holiday maker on my own and one of the options i'm considering for when i go again as a permanent resident.

Hope that helps alittle.

NickyC

The Y Hotel (http://www.yhotel.com.au/) is cheap and central.

pompeyblonde

Hi!! Im not sure who said backpackers were not safe? but I stayed for three months in Australia in Backpackers, 6 weeks of that in Sydney and the standard is very high. there loads of independent ones, or theres the YHA central hostel, you can book on line for that. Its a great way to meet people and not be isolated in your hotel room. Sydney central has a restaurant and bar too.

try hostelbookers.com and if you need some space they do have single rooms too.

Good luck
Jackie

vgenburgos

Hi,

I agree there are lots of backpacker hostels in Sydney that are safe, try the YHA or BASE - I have stayed at both and there are plenty of people who are there finding work and somewhere more permanent.

Also in Sydney there is a Travellers Contact Point http://www.travellers.com.au/ -
7th Floor, Dymocks Building
428 George Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
AUSTRALIA

is above Dymocks - if you go in there they have a board where people post up adverts for flatshares (got ours in Sydney when we were there this way).

also try http://www.gumtree.com.au/sydney/2246_1.html - gumtree seems extremely popular over here.

Swerv-o

When are you arriving Tina?

S

tina_lb

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Helene i checked flatmate.com.au and created a profile. thank you for the link it's actually the best so far. Temporary back packers will enjoy hostels in the city but not a permanent migrant..
i'm most probably going after Christmas, i booked one flight (the only one available) on Jan 17th 2008. i tried to get other options but airlines are packed now that Christmas is near. i've got till Dec 05 to confirm. if so, i'll be there on Jan 18.
i might then stay in a hotel for a week and within it i'll look for a place to share...i think it's the best way. i'll see how it goes then.

Thanks again everyone you were really helpful

Ozzidoc

Completely disagree. Staying at a backpackers hostel initially will give you a safe roof over your head, time to breath and explore the city, and meet other people who have just arrived and may be in the city for six months or more. It will also give you easy access to information about the city, and the opportunity to find out about others' experiences.

tina_lb

Thanks! yes sure if you know someone up to rent a room let me know. i appreciate it

ozzieeagle

Dammit best give up the best secret in Aussie

Here you go, trust me it's really good.

http://www.yha.com.au/hostels/details.cfm?hostelid=29

SenoraJo

I'll second that, plus don't forget Hostels have private rooms too not just dorms and luggage storage, much cheaper than hotels. Plenty to choose from in Sydney. We stayed twice at what was I think Footprints on Pitt Street, name changed now but looks the same. My Bro stayed at the YHA and liked it. Central to trans links for when you're traipsing round looking at flats! Good luck! x