Welcome To Sydney: The Worker’s Guide to Moving to The Biggest Aussie City

Coliving Nov 13, 2020

Home to some of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, it is easy to think of Sydney as one-dimensional.

Photo by Martyna Bober / Unsplash

Sitting on the south-east coast of Australia along the Tasman sea, Sydney is seen as an urban wonder full of glamour and natural charm. It's also a great place to live, work and visit. To make the most of this unique place, before moving, along with organising the transportation of possessions and important documents, it’s vital to research what it’s like to live in Sydney.

Why you would want to work and live in Sydney

Sydney’s status as one of the top tourist destinations in the world should tell you why so many people want to live and work in this state. From the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge to local gems like Bondi Beach and signature cafes, there is something to do around every corner.

Yet, Sydney isn’t one dimensional. In fact, it is also a great place to work as well as live. Sydney is a major dynamic cultural hub and a melting pot of European and Aboriginal heritage. The merging of many cultures into one city makes for a unique working environment.

Hmlet St Peters, Sydney

8 Tips to Prepare You for Sydney

Moving to a new city is a big step. It’s also an exciting and stressful process. However, with these 8 tips, you can count on experiencing a smooth transition into the Sydney lifestyle.

Tip 1: Sort out your accommodation

There are a few elements that you will need to keep in mind when deciding on where you’ll stay once you arrive into Sydney. For many mobile workers, finding out what kind of visa you need to live in Sydney is the essential first step when preparing to move, and will also help you figure out how long you’ll be planning to stay.

Hmlet Crystal Street, Sydney

Once this is sorted, you need to ask yourself a few more questions about your living arrangements, such as if you want your own bathroom or kitchen, or if you’re more comfortable sharing facilities with others. Check out your options easily here if you want to get a head-start.

Tip 2: Dress for comfort (like a local)

If you’re coming from overseas to work and live in Sydney, you will quite likely find that locals have their own particular fashion sense. Because of the beautiful harbours and seemingly endless beaches, a lot of locals like to sport surf or beachwear around town.

Sydney also has relatively humid and warm weather year-round. Prepare for this weather and lifestyle by selecting and bringing suitable clothes . You won’t want to go to the expense of shipping clothes that just won’t fit into the Sydney climate and vibe.

Tip 3: See what it’s like to live there

Photo by Danny Howe / Unsplash

It’s important to get a sense of where you’re moving to before making the move.  If you can’t travel to Sydney before you move, make good use of the Internet. Check out social media profiles to get an idea of the city. This way you will have a clear idea of what it is like to live in Sydney.

Tip 4: Learn some of the lingo

While most overseas visitors will know that Australian’s have a unique way of speaking, what many don’t realise is that there is some lingo that is specific to each state.

For example, people living in Melbourne would order a scallop if they wanted to eat a Tasmanian scallop. Whereas for those that live in Sydney, ordering a scallop means they want a potato cake.

So, before you head down under, make sure you know some of the words that are unique to Sydneysiders. This way, you’ll feel like you fit in before you even arrive.

Tip 5: Getting from A to B

Photo by Dave McMahon / Unsplash

When arriving in a new city, it is important to know how you are going to move around. Will you have a car or are you planning on taking public transport everywhere? Knowing how you get around ensures that on your first day in a new city, you won’t feel stranded.

If you have a car think about parking, not only in the city but at your accommodation. If you’re planning on taking public transport, consider accessibility. Are there train or bus lines near your house? Can they take you into work? By asking these questions now, you won’t have to stress later on.

Tip 6: Making the most of the touristy stuff

Sydney is home to some of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. If you’re lucky enough to live here, visiting them should be at the top of your list. However, visiting the landmarks and the touristy spots isn’t just to check things off your list. Instead, it’s a way to help you feel more connected to your new home.

Photo by Ethan Ou / Unsplash

Visiting tourist spots helps individuals understand a city’s culture and lifestyle. Moving to Sydney for work shouldn’t just be all business, take the time to visit these icons and in turn, feel more at home in Sydney.

Tip 7: Make your space your home

Coliving provides a great way to have both flexibility and stability in your living arrangements. However, just because you are staying in a coliving arrangement, doesn’t mean that you have to leave your possessions on the other side of the world.

When you move, have items as well as clothes shipped to your new location. This way, pieces of your old home will help you adjust to your new home in a high-quality rental room in Sydney.

Tip 8: Become part of a community

2019 Backyard Party at Hmlet St Peters, Sydney

Even though you may be moving to a new city, it is easy to become part of a community. You can take stock of friends, acquaintances and distant family in Sydney. Perhaps a quick look through your alumni network wouldn't go astray.

Even reaching out to friends of friends for coffee and lunch is a great way to start. If there is even half a connection, reach out. People are sympathetic to others starting afresh in a new city. These small steps towards creating a network in a new city will go a long way towards easing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Making Sydney Your Home

Moving to Sydney for work is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The harbour city is one of the most well known and iconic places in the world.

Yet, moving for work doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Instead, plan ahead. Research the city, make accommodation and transportation plans and you'll be well on your way to revelling in your home new.


Be it coliving or private accommodation, search for hundreds of rooms and apartments for rent at Hmlet. We’ll help you find a home fuss-free, so you can focus on doing more of what you love. Get started here.

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