International Students in Australia Turn to Hot Bedding Amid Rising Rents
As rents in Australia continue to soar, many international students are resorting to extreme measures to cut costs, including sharing beds with strangers. Dubbed hot bedding, this phenomenon is reminiscent of hot desking, where individuals share workstations. However, hot bedding involves sharing a bed with a stranger and sleeping in shifts.
One such student, Priyanka, a 19-year-old from India, shared her experience with SBS News Australia. She disclosed that she rents a room on the outskirts of Melbourne for AUD 550 (SGD 490) per month. To split the rent, she shares a bed with a truck driver from India. While she sleeps at night, he works, and vice versa during the day. On days when the driver doesn’t work, Priyanka resorts to sleeping in a cramped storeroom with just enough space for a mattress.
Priyanka, who didn’t reveal her last name, admits struggling to afford her basic necessities. She hasn’t informed her family about her living situation and expressed her frustration, saying, To not have even a peaceful place to sleep and relax while I study feels terrible.
According to a report by SBS News, Australia’s cost of living rose by 5.6% in the 12 months leading up to May 2023. Nationwide, rents increased by 6.3% over the past year. In Melbourne, for example, the median weekly rent for an 85 sq m two-bedroom apartment is around AUD 425, while a similar place in Sydney would cost approximately AUD 578.
A survey conducted in 2021 by the University of Technology Sydney, which polled 7,000 international students living in Sydney and Melbourne, revealed that 3% of the participants resorted to hot bedding to save on rent. Additionally, around 40% reported skipping meals to cope with costs.
The university estimated that if these survey results are representative of the entire international student population in Australia in December 2019, it would equate to approximately 22,750 students hot bedding.
Furthermore, concerns are rising that these numbers could increase even further. Previously, student visa holders were restricted to working up to 40 hours per fortnight. However, in January 2022, this cap was lifted to allow students to fill vacancies resulting from the pandemic. Although a higher cap of 48 hours per fortnight was reintroduced from July 1, 2023, there are worries that the arrival of more international students for the upcoming semester could exacerbate the situation by pushing rents even higher.
The plight of international students struggling to afford housing has shed light on the challenges they face due to rising living costs. This issue not only impacts their academic pursuits but also their overall well-being. The Australian government and educational institutions should address this growing concern and work towards providing affordable housing options for international students, ensuring a conducive environment for their educational journey.
It is imperative to find a balance between the economic benefits that international students bring to the country and the support they need to thrive. Working collaboratively, stakeholders can address the housing crisis and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for international students in Australia.
The stories of students like Priyanka underscore the pressing need for action and support. Providing affordable housing options, implementing rent control measures, and expanding financial assistance programs can help alleviate the burden on international students, allowing them to focus on their studies and fully embrace their experiences in Australia.
As Australia prepares to welcome more international students in the upcoming semester, it is crucial to prioritize their well-being and ensure they have access to safe and affordable housing. By addressing this issue, Australia can maintain its reputation as a leading destination for international education while upholding its commitment to providing a nurturing environment for all students.
