*ADVICE REQUIRED ON EVERYTHING* Clueless London girl moving to Sydney solo in 4 wks!

[Guest kel24]

Hi there PIOers,

 

I'm a 32 year old female who's finally taken the plunge and accepted a job in Sydney. I'm waiting for my 457 visa to be processed and if all goes to plan I will be arriving on February 9th.

 

I'm hugely excited, but as I was only in Sydney for about one week as a backpacker 4 years go, I don't know a huge amount about the transport system, best/most affordable areas to live, etc and was hoping you knowledgeable lot could help me out and make my arrival that little less stressful.

 

My new job is based in Surry Hills. I was hoping to live close to the beach rather than the city centre and have Coogee/Randwick in mind. However, I'm not sure how easy it is to commute from there to Surry Hills? Is it doable? Also, I have a budget of around $250-$300 per week, is this enough? I've been quite surprised by how expensive rent is in Sydney compared to London!

 

Finally, if any of you are seeking a flatmate in early Feb then please drop me a line. I'm looking for shared accommodation with like-minded people - youngish professionals, late 20s/early 30s who enjoy socialising and having a good time but also respect privacy and enjoy chilling out. I'm on my own, so in all honesty I'm looking for some nice people to hang out with and who can help me get to know my new city.

 

Look forward to hearing from you

 

Kelly

[pintpot]

You should be all right for a flat share at that sort of money - it's not enough for your own flat. Rent is expensive, but I don't think it's any worse than London. My S-i-L rents a very nice 1 bed flat in Neutral Bay, which is an expensive area - 5 minutes walk down the hill to the ferry, 10 minutes on the ferry to the city. It has a balcony, harbour views (just) and is really nicely decked out, $500 a week. Not cheap but the equivalent place in London in a posh green area 15 ins from the centre (Notting Hill?) would be more expensive

 

I think you're looking in the right areas - don't discount living in Surry Hills itself, great area and really not far to the beach on a bus

[Guest kel24]

Great, thanks for your advice Pintpot! I am also considering Surry Hills, although I don't want to be too close to the office!

[pintpot]

Gumtree the best place to look for flatshares etc as far as I am aware

 

I would find something short term to stay in for a month somewhere between Surry Hills and the beach and spend as much time as you can absorbing the feel of the various areas to see where you'd most like to live. Try and keep an open mind, lots come here thinking they must live on the beach (and it is lovely being by the sea, I was thinking about moving closer whilst on the beach at Warriewood yesterday) but there are downsides

 

Somewhere you'd feel comfortable is more important I reckon. Areas that are too backpacker-y might make you feel old (no offence). Ones that are full of families you'll probably find dull. You're probably best off looking where other young professionals live as you'll have the most chance of getting involved in a decent social life as well as just work, and that's crucial

 

So look anywhere between Surry Hills and the beach, also look in an arc west of Surry Hills - Glebe, Newtown, Leichardt, Rozelle, Balmain etc. North Shore not so good for young people, particularly with where you'll be working

[Guest kel24]

"Somewhere you'd feel comfortable is more important I reckon. Areas that are too backpacker-y might make you feel old (no offence)."

 

Hahaha! That did make me laugh! No offence taken Pintpot, I definitely don't want to be living in an area surrounded by 18 year old goon-swigging backpackers!

 

You're completely right about trying to get a feel for places before deciding on a definite area - I'm just panicking slightly as I only have a week between arriving in Sydney and starting my job to find somewhere to live! The more I read about Surry Hills, the more I like the sound of it... and as you say, it's only a bus ride to the beach.

 

I've already started looking on Gumtree and there are some decent places on there. Unfortunately, as I'm still in the UK, the website won't let me post an ad or contact advertisers... bit frustrating! Guess I'll just have to start my search when I arrive.

 

Thanks for all your suggestions

[Mr Fabricator]

Hey Kelly , welome to PIO, you'll be in OZ a little before me so best of luck with the actual moving over :-) im looking at a few job prospects at the mo from WA , to QLD and NSW , im a single guy and would rather a house share for both easier bills and a bit of company to ( when im there )... Gold coast is on my list of priorities so u never know????????????

 

Ill keep you in mind and please keep an eye on my movements also :-)

 

lee

[daveg1980]

I know what you mean, fear of the unknown. I think we will find a temp place when we get there before finding a longer term let. Let me know how you get on in sydney. So excited!! I heard the west part of sydney is hit and miss. I have looked on gumtree too, i think you can defo get a better deal on that!

 

Good luck!

Dave