Who This Residence Suits (and Who It Doesn’t)
This 12‑bedroom apartment at 195 Cleveland Street in Redfern is designed for students who value a strong social atmosphere and are comfortable sharing large common spaces. It suits those who want a fully furnished room with generous floor space, a dedicated study zone, and access to on‑site facilities such as a gym, unlimited WiFi, and regular community events. The location is within walking distance of several city campuses, making it convenient for students who prefer to walk or cycle to university rather than rely on public transport.
The residence is less suited to students who need absolute quiet for intensive study or who prefer a private, self‑contained unit. With 12 bedrooms sharing common areas, noise and traffic through the apartment can be expected. It also may not be ideal for those on a very tight budget – the starting price of AUD 405 per week is significantly above the city’s lowest available weekly rent. Students who require a short‑stay (less than 17 weeks) will need to look elsewhere, as the minimum lease is 17 weeks. Those who are sensitive to early‑move‑in or late‑move‑out flexibility should note that early check‑in was handled well by staff according to one review, but specific availability for very short notice periods should be confirmed with the operator.
What Residents Actually Say
Three Google reviews provide a clear picture of everyday life at this accommodation. All are five stars out of five, based on 239 total Google reviews giving an overall rating of 4.4.
“Excellent student accommodation with great in‑room and shared facilities. Staff were great and friendly. I was given a full virtual tour of the premises before booking, and then given another tour around during check in. They showed great hospitality and were very helpful through every process, including my early checko” — EEBau11
Note: The review text appears to cut off mid‑word at “checko”, likely meaning “early checkout”. The resident praises the virtual tour, check‑in process, and staff helpfulness.
“Loved my time living at Iglu Redfern! Amazing location, super easy for uni and groceries. My room was comfy and quiet, and the facilities were great. The community events were honestly the highlight, such a good way to meet people and feel at home. Staff were always friendly and helpful! Would definitely recommend to a” — Seoyeon Lee
This reviewer highlights the location’s convenience, the comfort and quietness of the individual room, and the value of organised social events. The enthusiastic tone suggests the residence fosters a welcoming community.
“I’ve lived here for over a month and it’s the best accompaniment ever. There are many monthly events and it’s so convenient to use various spaces such as gyms and study zones! I get a lot of help from the friendly staff. You can also use the printing service, but it costs from a certain page. I got into trouble while u” — Huiju
Again, the review is cut short. It echoes the positive feedback on monthly events, staff support, and access to study zones and a gym. The mention of a paid printing service (free up to a page limit) is a small practical detail that future residents should be aware of.
Across all three reviews, consistent themes emerge: friendly and helpful staff, well‑maintained facilities, and a vibrant social calendar that helps students settle in. The location is praised for being close to universities and supermarkets.
Price Positioning vs the City’s From‑Price
The weekly rent for a room in this 12‑bedroom apartment ranges from AUD 405 to AUD 670, depending on room size and features. This places the property well above the lowest available weekly price across the city, which stands at AUD 175 (indicative — confirm with the operator). The city overall has 141 student‑housing properties listed, offering a wide spread of price points.
At the lower end of its own range (AUD 405), this residence is still more than twice the city’s cheapest option. For students prioritising budget, there are many cheaper shared rooms or studio apartments elsewhere in Sydney. However, the higher price here reflects the inclusion of unlimited WiFi, full furnishing, a generous‑size bedroom, and on‑site amenities such as a gym and study zones. In addition, the property’s location in Redfern – close to multiple university campuses and transport links – commands a premium. Prospective renters should weigh these extras against the cost and confirm with the operator what is included in the weekly rate.
All prices mentioned are indicative and should be verified directly with the housing operator at the time of booking.
Room Type Guidance
The property offers three unit categories according to the listing: studio, ensuite, and independent house. However, the specific listing is for a “Room in a 12 Bedroom Apartment”, which means the room is part of a larger shared apartment. It is not a self‑contained studio. The room types likely correspond to:
- Studio: A fully self‑contained unit with private kitchen and bathroom. These are usually priced at the higher end of the weekly range (around AUD 670 indicative).
- Ensuite: A private bedroom with private bathroom, sharing a kitchen and living area with other flatmates. Mid‑range pricing.
- Independent house: Possibly a room in a house‑style shared building, with shared facilities.
Given the 12‑bedroom configuration, most rooms are probably ensuites or standard bedrooms with shared bathrooms. The tags mention “Generous size bedroom” and “Fully furnished”, so regardless of type, each room comes with a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and other essentials. Unlimited WiFi is included in the rent.
Practical tip: When contacting the operator, ask explicitly which room type corresponds to the price you are quoted. If you prefer more privacy, request a studio or ensuite. If you are comfortable sharing a bathroom and kitchen with a larger group, a standard room in the shared apartment could be more affordable.
Booking Timing
The minimum lease term is 17 weeks, which aligns with many university semesters. This makes it suitable for students planning to stay a full teaching period or a study abroad session. Since the available‑from date is not provided (it is listed as null), it is likely that rooms are available for immediate move‑in or for upcoming intakes. However, given the high demand in Sydney – the city has 141 student‑housing listings – and the property’s good Google rating, early booking is advisable.
For students aiming to secure a room for the 2026‑2027 academic year, the typical booking window opens several months in advance. For example, if you are planning to start in February 2026 (the first semester for most Australian universities), you should begin searching around October–November 2025. For a July 2026 start, look in March–April 2026. The property’s flexible lease duration (17 weeks minimum) also caters to July or September intakes.
It is important to confirm directly with the operator: the exact start date of your lease, any deposit or advance rent requirements, and whether early check‑in is possible if you arrive before the lease begins. The reviews suggest staff are accommodating with early arrivals, but this should not be assumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deposit amount for this property?
The listing does not provide a specific deposit figure. You will need to ask the operator directly. Typically, student housing in Sydney requires a deposit equivalent to 2–4 weeks’ rent, which is refundable at the end of the lease subject to condition inspections.
Is the WiFi truly unlimited?
Yes, the property tags include “Unlimited WIFI internet”. The reviews do not mention any cap or speed issues. However, in a 12‑bedroom setup, heavy usage by multiple residents may affect performance during peak hours. Confirm with the operator if there is any fair use policy.
Are there any additional utility bills or fees?
The weekly rent likely covers water, electricity, gas, and internet. It is wise to verify this with the operator, as some student accommodations charge a separate utility fee or a cleaning fee for common areas. The review mentioned a printing service with a cost after a certain number of free pages, so small extras may exist.
Sources & data date: 2026-07
For live availability and to confirm current pricing, use the on‑site assistant.
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