Private rentals

Contact Service Connect

Ground Floor, 18 Wally’s Walk
Wallumattagal Campus
Macquarie University NSW 2109
T: +61 (2) 9850 6410
E: housing@mq.edu.au

Getting to the University

The University is accessible by car and public transport

See transport options

On-campus accommodation

Learn about our Central Courtyard accommodation

Explore on-campus options

Houses and apartments available close to campus

If you are looking into privately rented accommodation, follow our advice for finding a great property and meeting potential housemates.

There are a wide range of private accommodation options close to our Wallumattagal Campus. Bus, train and metro connections make it easy to commute to the University.

Finding accommodation

The University does not provide an approved landlord scheme or inspect houses on behalf of students, so you are responsible for choosing the right accommodation for you.

Private accommodation is in high demand, so it’s important to make enquiries ahead of time. To make your search easier, we recommend you start looking for private accommodation as soon as you’ve received your offer from the University.

Some online resources – such as Domain and realestate.com.au –allow you to filter your property search by location, type of accommodation, number of rooms and budget.

These platforms offer a wide range of options, mostly including entire properties and long-term rentals. These properties:

are generally managed through real estates
usually come unfurnished
require a full rental application to apply.

Finding housemates

There are a range of resources – such as Flatmates and Flatmate Finders – available to help you either:

search for an available room in an existing property
collaborate with others to find a shared property.

If you are meeting a potential new flatmate, let someone know where you are going and how long for. Take a friend if you feel uneasy meeting people on your own.

Other considerations

Types of accommodation

There are various types of accommodation to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences.

Independent living: This option provides complete privacy with no shared facilities. However, it typically comes at a higher cost compared to other room types, and requires additional planning and bills management.
Private room: You have a bedroom to yourself, and some rooms may include an ensuite bathroom. Other facilities, like the kitchen or lounge, are shared with housemates.
Shared room: You share a bedroom with a roommate, and common facilities like the kitchen are also shared. This is the most budget-friendly option but offers limited privacy.

Shared accommodation options can vary in size, but are generally with between two and six other students.

When you share a house or apartment, you usually sign a joint tenancy agreement. That means you are all jointly responsible to pay the rent and adhere to the tenancy agreement.

Cost of renting privately

The cost of renting will depend on the location, size and condition of the accommodation. These costs can vary widely.

A room in a shared property close to the University could cost between $275 and $450 per week. Studios and one-bedroom apartments generally cost from $450 per week.

Some rents may be higher because the property is fully furnished or includes bills. You can expect to pay rent in advance, sometimes monthly or fortnightly.

As well as your rent, you may have to pay:

a one-off bond/deposit
electricity
water
gas
internet
extra television services (if required).

You may have to ask the landlord or real estate agent about these costs if they are not advertised.

Make sure you understand all costs before signing a contract.

Locations near the University

We recommend search for private rental accommodation in suburbs near our Wallumattagal Campus.

Macquarie Park

This suburb, located next to Macquarie University, is known as the heart of the busy Macquarie Business Park. Macquarie Park has its own train station and a large shopping centre, the Macquarie Centre shopping complex.

Macquarie Park also has a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, private apartments, townhouses and some larger houses that students may choose to rent as part of a lease with friends.

Distance from the University: 1–2km
Transport: A 10 to 20 minute walk or a 10 minute bus ride.

Marsfield

Located just beyond the western edge of campus, this small suburb is known for its mix of quieter townhouses and family homes amongst leafy streets.

Marsfield has a small plaza (Trafalgar Place) which contains a grocery store, a medical centre, a couple of eateries, a chemist and a fitness centre.

Distance from University: 1–2km
Transport: A 10 to 15 minute walk or a 10 minute bus ride.

North Ryde

Located on the outskirt of the business park, North Ryde is a larger residential area near a short strip of shops along Cox’s Road.

The majority of private rentals in North Ryde are houses with four or five bedrooms. These may be perfect for those who want to rent a larger place with friends.

Distance from University: 3–4km
Transport: A 30 minute bus ride.

Epping

Epping is popular for many University students due to its centrally located train station providing connections to all areas of Sydney. It offers a mix of high rise private rental apartments or larger homes that students may wish to rent out with a group of friends.

Epping has a number of rental agencies located directly opposite its train station, a couple of clubs or hotels, a wide mix of dining options and a large local supermarket.

Distance from University: 3–4km
Transport: A 15 to 30 minute bus or metro ride.

Eastwood

Known for its multicultural flare, Eastwood is a food lover’s dream, with a variety of cultures expressed through the numerous dining options available.

Eastwood’s train station is located in its large town centre. Aside from a variety of food options, you will also have access to a wide range of public parks, medical services and the local supermarket.

While the majority of private rentals in this area will be older style houses, there are a number of new apartments being developed which you may wish to explore through local leasing agencies.

Distance from University: 4–5km
Transport: 30 minute bus ride.