Written by Stepheine Ukoji
When my visa to study at Charles Sturt University was approved, I was elated. My friends were surprised I chose a regional area over one of Australia’s larger cities. For me, the choice was easy: I wanted a quiet, calm environment that blended culture, nature, and education. Wagga Wagga, especially for agriculture, was the perfect fit.
Still, I did not envisage the challenges I would face upon arrival. The biggest challenge I faced on arrival was finding suitable accommodation. I assumed it would be easy in a regional town like Wagga, especially compared to the stress of big cities like Melbourne or Sydney. However, it turned out to be a real hurdle, especially for mature students with families. The university’s affordable student housing isn’t always practical for families. Looking for apartments in town is even tougher: most properties are large, require extensive maintenance, and landlords ask for months of payslips and previous references.
Here is how I navigated this so you do not have to spend months in destitution. I used property marketplaces to find apartments in Wagga Wagga. These websites are very useful because they let you filter apartments by budget, specifications, and location. They are also generally reliable platforms, as you only pay after you have viewed the apartment and are satisfied with everything. For references, I asked my PhD supervisors to vouch for me. This is something many international students do not realise is possible; a supervisor’s reference carries real weight with Wagga landlords and demonstrates your credibility as a serious, committed resident. For proof of financial capability, I submitted my scholarship offer letter.
Between a supervisor’s reference and a scholarship letter, I had everything a landlord would want. These tricks saved me, and I found a beautiful space within a month of moving to Wagga Wagga.
Now that I have gotten past that, I can relax and ease into my studies while taking in the charm of this small town, the warmth of the locals, and the convenience of getting around even without a car. Wagga Wagga has gradually become my home. Just six months ago, I couldn’t tell my left from my right, but now I have even learned clever tricks and simple, budget-friendly tips to make the most of life here. Interestingly, I have managed to save a few dollars in this regional town, and I can’t wait to share how I do it in my next post.
Charlie blog is a SSAF initiative.
